GOLD BEAD IMPLANT IN ACUPUNCTURE POINTS FOR TREATMENT OF HIP DYSPLASIA IN DOGS – REVIEW

Abstract

This work reviews the use of gold bead implants (GBI) in acupoints and trigger points for canine hip dysplasia (CHD). CHD has a high incidence and there is no cure for it. The aims of the treatment are analgesia, articular stability and regeneration of the articular cartilage through weight loss, physical therapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, nutritional supplements, surgical procedures or acupuncture. Seventy percent of the veterinary acupuncture cases in Brazil are nervous and/or osteomuscular diseases. There are several methods of stimulating acupoints, including acupressure, needling, point injection (aquapuncture), electroacupuncture and metal implants. GBI in acupoints and trigger points leads to a permanent stimulation through continuous gold ions release. Clinical trials show the GBI efficacy for CHD in promoting analgesia and locomotor improvement for at least two years. GBI is a cheap, fast and easy procedure and is a promising technique for pain relief and life enhancement in CHD, which needs to be confirmed in more trials.