Cutaneous analgesia, hemodynamic and respiratory effects, and beta-endorphin concentration in spinal fluid and plasma of horses after acupuncture and electroacupuncture. Treatment of iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome in dogs with electroacupuncture stimulation of stomach 36. Do certain countries produce only positive results? A systematic review of controlled trials. Cardiovascular effects of acupuncture stimulation at point Governing Vessel 26 in halothane-anesthetized ponies. Electroacupuncture in the treatment of chronic lameness in horses and ponies: a controlled clinical trial. Treatment of wobbler syndrome in dogs with electroacupuncture. Effects of electroacupuncture on minimum alveolar concentration of isoflurane and cardiovascular system in isoflurane anesthetized dogs. Electroacupuncture analgesia for surgery in cattle. Comparison of electroacupuncture and butorphanol on respiratory and cardiovascular effects and rectal pain threshold after controlled rectal distention in mares. Double-blind evaluation of implants of gold wire at acupuncture points in the dog as a treatment for osteoarthritis induced by hip dysplasia Publication bias in clinical research Physiologic and analgesic effects of acupuncture in the dog. Effects of corticosteroid and electroacupuncture on experimental spinal cord injury in dogs.
OBJECTIVE To determine cutaneous analgesia , hemodynamic and respiratory effects , and beta-endorphin concentration in spinal fluid and plasma of horses after acupuncture and electroacupuncture ( EA ) . ANIMALS 8 healthy 10- to 20-year-old mares that weighed between 470 and 600 kg . PROCEDURE Each horse received 2 hours of acupuncture and 2 hours of PAES at acupoints Bladder 18 , 23 , 25 , and 28 on both sides of the vertebral column as well as sham needle placement ( control treatment ) . Each treatment was administered in a r and om order . At least 7 days elapsed between treatments . Nociceptive cutaneous pain threshold was measured by use of skin twitch reflex latency ( STRL ) and avoidance to radiant heat ( < or = 50 degrees C ) in the lumbar area . Skin temperature , cardiovascular and respiratory variables , and beta-endorphin concentration in spinal fluid ( CSF-EN ) and plasma ( plasma-EN ) were measured . RESULTS Acupuncture and PAES significantly increased STRL and skin temperature . The CSF-EN was significantly increased from baseline values 30 to 120 minutes after onset of PAES , but it did not change after acupuncture and control treatments . Heart and respiratory rates , rectal temperature , arterial blood pressure , Hct , total solids and bicarbonate concentrations , base excess , plasma-EN , and results of blood gas analyses were not significantly different from baseline values after acupuncture , PAES , and control treatments . CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Administration of PAES was more effective than acupuncture for activating the spinal cord to release beta-endorphins into the CSF of horses . Acupuncture and PAES provided cutaneous analgesia in horses without adverse cardiovascular and respiratory effects This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of  electroacupuncture ( EA ) on the recovery of adrenocortical function  from Iatrogenic Cushings Syndrome ( ICS ) in dogs . Experiment I : Selection of the most effective Acupuncture point to treat ICS -- Six healthy adult female dogs were treated bilaterally with EA for 15 minutes at loci BL22 + BL23 + BL24 , ST36 , or a non-locus control point on M. brachialis . Each dog was tested at all three sites in rotation . Blood sample s were collected before and 0 , 15 and 60 minutes after EA , and the serum cortisol levels were measured by radioimmunoassay . The data showed that EA at ST36 result ed in the highest response of serum cortisol levels among the three treatments . Experiment II : Evaluation of the effectiveness of EA ST36 in the treatment of ICS in dogs -- Eight healthy adult female dogs were given prednisolone acetate 2mg/kg/day IM for 3 weeks . They were then r and omly divided into ST36 and control groups of 4 dogs each . In the ST36 group , ST36 was treated bilaterally with EA for 30 minutes , 3 times per week , for 3 consecutive weeks . For the control , a non-locus point on M. brachialis was treated bilaterally with the same protocol . After the first week of EA , the serum cortisol levels of the ST36 and control groups were 0.9 + /- 0.1 and 0.5 + /- 0.1 micrograms/dl ( P less than 0.005 ) baseline and 2.5 + /- 0.2 and 1.4 + /- 0.4 micrograms/dl ( p less than 0.05 ) and after ACTH stimulation test , respectively . After the third week of EA treatment , the results were 1.0 + /- 0.1 and 0.6 + /- 0.2 micrograms/dl ( p less than 0.05 ) baseline and 4.0 + /- 0.5 and 1.7 + /- 0.5 micrograms/dl ( p less than 0.001 ) after ACTH stimulation respectively . These data indicated that EA at ST36 could restore the adrenocortical hypofunction result ing from ICS in dogs OBJECTIVE To determine whether clinical trials originating in certain countries always have positive results . DATA SOURCES Abstract s of trials from Medline ( January 1966-June 1995 ) . STUDY SELECTION Two separate studies were conducted . The first included trials in which the clinical outcome of a group of subjects receiving acupuncture  was compared to that of a group receiving placebo , no treatment , or a nonacupuncture intervention . In the second study , r and omized or controlled trials of interventions other than  acupuncture  that were published in China , Japan , Russia/USSR , or Taiwan were compared to those published in Engl and . DATA EXTRACTION Blinded review ers determined inclusion and outcome and separately classified each trial by country of origin . DATA SYNTHESIS In the study of acupuncture  trials , 252 of 1085 abstract s met the inclusion criteria . Research conducted in certain countries was uniformly favorable to acupuncture ; all trials originating in China , Japan , Hong Kong , and Taiwan were positive , as were 10 out of 11 of those published in Russia/USSR . In studies that examined interventions other than acupuncture , 405 of 1100 abstract s met the inclusion criteria . Of trials published in Engl and , 75 % gave the test treatment as superior to control . The results for China , Japan , Russia/USSR , and Taiwan were 99 % , 89 % , 97 % , and 95 % , respectively . No trial published in China or Russia/USSR found a test treatment to be ineffective . CONCLUSIONS Some countries publish unusually high proportions of positive results . Publication bias is a possible explanation . Research ers undertaking systematic review s should consider carefully how to manage data from these countries The acupuncture point Governing Vessel ( GV-26 ) is used commonly in the Orient to treat shock in human beings and other species . The cardiovascular effects of stimulation of GV-26 were studied in healthy ponies during 2 episodes of halothane anesthesia .  During one anesthetic episode , electrical stimulation ( electrostimulation ) of GV-26 was performed , and during the other anesthetic episode , heat stimulation ( moxibustion ) of GV-26 was performed . The order of the stimulations was r and om . A nonacupuncture point was selected for comparable control stimulation during each experiment . Control and acupuncture stimulations were of equal intensity . There were no significant changes in cardiac output , systemic arterial pressure , or heart rate associated with either electrical or heat acupuncture stimulation Electroacupuncture was used to treat lameness in horses and ponies with chronic laminitis ( n = 10 ) or navicular disease ( n = 10 ) . A clinical trial was conducted with r and om allocation of equal numbers of animals to control and treatment groups . Acupuncture was performed three times per week for four consecutive weeks . The degree of lameness was assessed by 1 ) a grading scheme , 2 ) measurement of stride lengths and 3 ) analysis of weight distribution using a force plate . Although seven out of ten animals with chronic laminitis improved clinical ly during the trial , there were no statistically significant differences between treatment and control groups . Six out of ten horses with navicular disease improved , but there were no significant differences between treatment and control groups Based on favorable experiences with acupuncture for the treatment of hind limbs paralysis , lumbo-sacral alterations , and other spinal cord problems ;  a clinical trial , involving 40 dogs affected with wobbler syndrome was carried out . Patients were grade d in three categories according to the severity of each case and then r and omly divided in two groups . Both groups contained all three grade s. Group 1 ( 20 dogs ) was treated using orthodox medical and surgical interventions , while Group 2 ( 20 dogs ) were treated mainly with electroacupuncture , and in few cases with surgical intervention as well . The study was carried out in a three-year period . Acupuncture treatments were given every other day delivering 150 to 300 mVolts at 125 Hz , equivalents to approximately 20 microAmps , in ten acupuncture points per treatment . Deep needle insertion was used . Overall per cent success in Group I was only 20 % , while in group II the corresponding value was 85 % . The number of acupuncture treatments required to achieve full recovery in Group II was dependent upon the severity of the case , as follows : Grade I : 18.5 + /- 2.5 ; Grade II : 25 + /- 5.4 ; and Grade III : 34 + /- 6.7 ( r = 0.962 ) . No adverse effects were observed with acupuncture . The use of this technique is proposed for large-scale clinical trials The effects of electroacupuncture ( EA ) on the minimum alveolar concentration ( MAC ) and on the cardiovascular system were evaluated with dogs under isoflurane anesthesia . Eight healthy male beagles were r and omly assigned to six study groups ( five heads/group ) with washout intervals of 7 ~ 31 days between experiments for recovery and anesthetic clearance . MAC of isoflurane and cardiovascular parameters were determined after EA at nonacupoint and and at acupoints LI-4 , SP-6 , ST-36 and TH-8 . Electroacupuncture for 30 minutes at LI-4 , SP-6 , ST-36 and TH-8 acupoints lowered the MAC of isoflurane by 17.5 + /- 3.1 % , 21.3 + /- 8.0 % , 20.5 + /- 8.2 % and 15.6 3.1 % , respectively ( p < 0.05 ) . However , electrical stimulation of nonacupoint did not induce a significant change in MAC of isoflurane . In the cardiovascular system , the ST-36 group did not induce any significant change in cardiovascular parameters . In the TH-8 group , the mean and diastolic arterial pressure and the systemic vascular resistance were decreased . In the LI-4 group , cardiac output and cardiac index decreased after EA . These results indicate that EA at LI-4 , SP-6 and ST-36 have advantages in isoflurane anesthesia in terms of reducing the dose of anesthetics and minimizing cardiovascular side effects To establish the proper analgesic method by electroacupuncture ( EA ) for bovine surgery , the analgesic effect of dorsal and lumbar acupoints , in addition to the combination with dorsal and lumbar acupoints , were investigated in the present study . Four Korean native cattle ( two males and two females ) and 24 Holstein-Friesian cattle ( all females ) were used . The experimental animals were divided into four groups according to used acupoints : dorsal acupoint group ( Tian Ping [ GV-20 ] and Bai Hui [ GV-5 ] : 7 heads ) , lumbar acupoint group ( Yap Pang 1 [ BL-21 ] , Yao Pang 2 [ BL-23 ] , Yao Pang 3 [ BL-24 ] and Yao Pang 4 [ BL-25 ] ; 5 heads ) , dorsal-lumbar acupoint group ( Yao Pang 1 [ BL-21 ] , Yao Pang 2 [ BL-23 ] , Yao Pang 3 [ BL-24 ] and Bai Hui [ GV-5 ] ; 8 heads ) and control group ( non-acupoints , the last intercostals space and the femoral area ; 3 heads ) . The acupoints were stimulated with currents of 2 - 6 V ( 30 Hz ) in dorsal acupoint group , 0.5 - 2.0 V ( 30 Hz ) in lumbar acupoint group and 0.3 - 2.5 V ( 30 Hz ) in dorsal-lumbar acupoint group . Recumbency time was 10 seconds to 1 minute ( except one case ) and induction time of analgesia was approximately 1 to 6 minutes in dorsal acupoint group . Analgesic effect was systemic , including the extremities in dorsal acupoint group . During the EA , the consciousness was evident and blepharo-reaction was still present under EA in dorsal acupoint group . During the surgery , grade s of analgesic effect were 6 excellent ( 6/7 , 87.5 % ) and 1 good ( 1/7 , 14.3 % ) . In addition , induction time for analgesia was about 10 minutes in both lumbar and dorsal-lumbar acupoint groups . Analgesic areas were found in abdominal areas from the last intercostal spaces to the femoral areas , except lower abdomen in lumbar and lumbar-dorsal acupoint groups . The consciousness was evident and st and ing position was maintained during EA stimulation in contrast to that of dorsal excellent ( 1/5 , 20.0 % ) , 3 good ( 3/5 , 60.0 % ) and 1 poor ( 1/5 , 20.0 % ) in the lumbar acupoint group . Additionally , grade s of analgesic effect were 4 excellent ( 4/8 , 50.0 % ) , 3 good ( 3/8 , 37.5 % ) and 1 poor ( 1/8 , 12.5 % ) . On the other h and , pain was present and analgesia was not accomplished under EA stimulation in control group . In conclusion , analgesia by EA  was effective with decreasing order of dorsal acupoint > dorsal-lumbar acupoint > lumbar acupoint among groups . It was considered that dorsal acupoint group might be useful for operation with recumbent position , and lumbar and dorsal-lumbar acupoint groups might be proper for operation with st and ing position OBJECTIVE To compare effects of electroacupuncture and butorphanol on hemodynamic and respiratory variables and rectal analgesia in mares after controlled rectal distention . ANIMALS 8 healthy mares . PROCEDURE Each horse received saline ( 0.9 % NaCl ) solution ( 0.01 mL/kg , IV ; control treatment ) , butorphanol tartrate ( 0.1 mg/kg , IV ) , or 2 hours of electroacupuncture ( EA ) at acupoints Bladder 21 , 25 , and 27 on both sides of the vertebral column , Bai hui , and Stomach 36 ( right side only ) . Order of treatments in each mare was r and omized . At least 7 days elapsed between treatments . A balloon was inserted in the rectum of each mare , and controlled distention of the balloon ( pressures of < or = 220 mm Hg ) was used to measure nociceptive rectal pain threshold . Rectal temperature and cardiovascular and respiratory variables were measured before ( baseline ) and 5,15 , 30 , 60 , 90 , and 120 minutes after onset of each treatment . RESULTS Butorphanol produced greater increases in rectal pain threshold , compared with EA ( mean + /- SD , 214 + /- 24 vs 174 + /- 35 mm Hg of balloon pressure ) . Electroacupuncture produced minimal cardiovascular and respiratory changes . Although clinical ly not important , butorphanol produced moderate significant increases in heart and respiratory rates , arterial blood pressure , and rectal temperature and decreases in arterial oxygen tension . Arterial pH , carbon dioxide tension , bicarbonate concentrations , base excess , Hct , and concentration of total solids were not significantly different from baseline values after EA , butorphanol , and control treatments . CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Electroacupuncture and butorphanol ( 0.1 mg/kg , IV ) may provide useful rectal analgesia in horses Thirty-eight dogs with hip dysplasia were studied to evaluate the use of  gold wire implants  at acupuncture points around the hip joints . They were assigned at r and om into two groups of 19 . In the treated group , gold wire was inserted through hypodermic needles at electrically found acupuncture points around both hips . In the control group , the areas were prepared in the same way but had only the skin pierced at sites which were not acupuncture points , with a needle of the same size as that used in the treated group . Over a period of six months the dogs were studied repeatedly by two veterinarians and by the dogs ' owners who were unaware of the treatments the dogs had received ; they assessed the dogs ' locomotion , hip function and signs of pain . Radiographs were taken at the beginning and end of the study . Although the data collected from both groups by the veterinarians and the owners showed a significant improvement of locomotion and reduction in signs of pain ( P=0.036 for the veterinary evaluation and locomotion and P=0.0001 and P=0.0034 for the owners ' evaluation of locomotion and pain , respectively ) , there were no statistically significant differences between the treated and control groups ( P=0.19 and P=0.41 , P=0.24 , respectively ) In a retrospective survey , 487 research projects approved by the Central Oxford Research Ethics Committee between 1984 and 1987 , were studied for evidence of publication bias . As of May , 1990 , 285 of the studies had been analysed by the investigators , and 52 % of these had been published . Studies with statistically significant results were more likely to be published than those finding no difference between the study groups ( adjusted odds ratio [ OR ] 2.32 ; 95 % confidence interval [ Cl ] 1.25 - 4.28 ) . Studies with significant results were also more likely to lead to a greater number of publications and presentations and to be published in journals with a high citation impact factor . An increased likelihood of publication was also associated with a high rating by the investigator of the importance of the study results , and with increasing sample size . The tendency towards publication bias was greater with observational and laboratory-based experimental studies ( OR = 3.79 ; 95 % Cl = 1.47 - 9.76 ) than with r and omised clinical trials ( OR = 0.84 ; 95 % Cl = 0.34 - 2.09 ) . We have confirmed the presence of publication bias in a cohort of clinical research studies . These findings suggest that conclusions based only on a review of published data should be interpreted cautiously , especially for observational studies . Improved strategies are needed to identify the results of unpublished as well as published studies Two acupuncture regimens were compared as to their efficacy in inducing analgesia sufficient for midline abdominal incisions in dogs . In addition , the physiologic effects of electrostimulation of the single point that the 2 regimens had in common , Tsu-san-li ( stomach or St-36 ) , were examined . The physiologic effects were compared with those monitored during the procedure used for induction of analgesia . Electrostimulation of 1 acupoint combination , St-36 and Yang-ling-chuan ( gallbladder or GB-34 ) , induced effective analgesia for an abdominal midline incision in 8 of 9 dogs tested ( 89 % ) . The second point combination , St-36 and San-yin-chiao ( spleen or Sp-6 ) , induced effective analgesia for an abdominal midline incision in only 2 of 8 dogs tested ( 25 % ) . Analgesia was inferred when an animal 's struggling response during the incision procedure was absent or minimal . Heart rate , respiratory rate , and arterial blood pressure were monitored during acupoint stimulation . Significant changes in heart rate or respiratory rate were not detected during electrostimulation of St-36 , St-36 and GB-34 , or r and omly selected nonacupuncture metatarsal loci . Although there were statistically significant decreases in systolic blood pressure during electrostimulation of nonacupuncture points alone and of St-36 alone , the magnitude of these increases was small , ranging from 3.75 mm of Hg to 4 mm of Hg The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of electroacupuncture , corticosteroid , and combination of two treatments on ambulatory paresis due to spinal cord injury in dogs by comparing therapeutic effects of electroacupuncture and corticosteroid .  Spinal cord injury was induced in twenty healthy dogs ( 2.5 - 7 kg and 2 - 4 years ) by foreign body insertion which compressed about 25 % of spinal cord . There was no conscious proprioception , no extensor postural thrust , and ambulatory . Dogs were divided into four groups according to the treatment ; corticosteroid ( group A ) , electroacupuncture ( group B ) , corticosteroid and electroacupuncture ( group AB ) , and control ( group C ) . Neurological examination was performed everyday to evaluate the spinal cord dysfunction until motor functions were returned to normal . Somatosensory evoked potentials ( SEPs ) were measured for objective and accurate evaluations . The latency in measured potentials was converted into the velocity for the evaluation of spinal cord dysfunctions . Pain perceptions were normal from pre-operation to 5 weeks after operation . Recovery days of conscious proprioception in groups A , B , AB , and C were 21.2+/-8.5 days , 19.8+/-4.3 days , 8.2+/-2.6 days , and 46.6+/-3.7 days , respectively . Recovery days of extensor postural thrust in group A , group B , group AB , and group C were 12.8+/-6.8 days , 13.8+/-4.8 days , 5.4+/-1.8 days , and 38.2+/-4.2 days , respectively . There were no significant differences between group A and group B. However , recovery days of group AB was significantly shorter than that of other groups and that of group C was significantly delayed ( p<0.05 ) . Conduction velocities of each group were significantly decreased after induction of spinal cord injury on SEPs ( p<0.05 ) and they showed a tendency to return to normal when motor functions were recovered . According to these results , it was considered that the combination of corticosteroid and electroacupuncture was the most therapeutically effective for ambulatory paresis due to spinal cord injury in dogs
Acupuncture is a popular complementary treatment option in human medicine .
Increasingly , owners also seek acupuncture for their animals .
The aim of the systematic review reported here was to summarize and assess the clinical evidence for or against the effectiveness of acupuncture in veterinary medicine .