The Use of Acupuncture for Temporary Improvement of Chronic Epiphora and Periorbital Dermatitis in an Angora Rabbit

Authors: Underwood C
Publication: Complementary Veterinary Medicine Branch Newsletter, Volume 2020, Issue Winter, pp 11-21, Jun 2020
Publisher: Complementary Veterinary Medicine Branch of the NZVA

Animal type: Rabbit
Article class: Clinical Article

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Abstract:

Acupuncture temporarily improved the clinical signs of epiphora and periorbital scalding affecting the left eye of a four-year-old de-sexed female Angora rabbit with two years’ duration of presumed nasolacrimal duct obstruction and dacryocystitis.

Three acupuncture treatments were administered weekly from 23 July 2018; after each session the owner reported that the epiphora and periorbital inflammation improved and that the eye required cleaning less often than before acupuncture was commenced; there were no negative side effects or changes in temperament, activity levels, toileting, or activity reported. The effects of acupuncture demonstrate the potential usefulness of acupuncture as a safe and effective treatment for chronic epiphora, which can be a challenging and expensive condition to treat. The temporary nature of the positive results suggests that acupuncture for chronic epiphora may be most suitable to use in conjunction with conventional Western medical interventions such as advanced imaging and dentistry, nasolacrimal duct irrigation, and systemic antibiotics for longerterm improvement or full resolution of symptoms.

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