Probl Vet Med. 1992 Mar; 4(1): 200-6.

Acupuncture-produced surgical analgesia. Physiology, indications, techniques, and limitations.

Klide AM.

Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104.

Acupuncture-produced surgical analgesia has been demonstrated in a wide variety of species under experimental and clinical conditions. Its advantage is that it precludes the need for depressant drugs, which could be especially useful in veterinary practice in very sick patients, geriatric patients, or in patients requiring Cesarean section. Disadvantages are that acupuncture-produced surgical analgesia involves an unfamiliar technique, requires special equipment, has inconsistent effects, and lacks restraint.