TCM for pets becomes popular across China

SHENYANG -- More than 100 animals have received traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatments since a TCM consulting room was established at a veterinary clinic in Shenyang, Northeast China's Liaoning province, 10 months ago.

The attending physicians are always fully booked, said Zhang Hong, director of the clinic.

"Our TCM clinic primarily treats pets suffering paralysis, nerve damage, diarrhea and some diseases that cannot be cured by Western medicine," Zhang said.

TCM therapies such as electric acupuncture and moxibustion can help animals recover, he added.

Xu Yanqiu, owner of a five-month-old Golden Retriever, brought her dog Moka to the clinic for treatment after the dog's leg was injured in a car accident one month ago.

Xu said Moka had a surgery in a veterinary hospital immediately after the accident, however, the dog became lame and recovered slowly. She decided to give her dog TCM treatment after receiving a recommendation for Zhang's hospital.

Moka's doctor diagnosed waist nerve damage resulting in restricted movement of the left leg. The doctor then treated Moka with silver electric acupuncture and moxibustion, as well as laser therapy.

"After one day of treatment, Moka's left leg can move slightly," said Xu.

TCM has been increasingly applied to pets across the country in recent years. Veterinary hospitals offering TCM treatment in Beijing, Shanghai and other cities have attracted many pet owners.

Guo Yang, a doctor at Veterinary Medicine College of Shenyang Agricultural University, said vets usually recommend surgery for damaged nerves. However, acupuncture can decrease the risk for animals, often even has better success

As the number of pet owners increases in China, TCM should see a prosperous future in the veterinary industry, Guo said.