Earlysville Animal Hospital

 Acupuncture & Chinese Herbs

Earlysville Animal Hospital is pleased to offer the acupuncture services of Dr. Barbara Butler. Acupuncture is a type of treatment that takes a different approach from Western Medicine and has been a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years.

The ancient Chinese observed that stimulation of specific areas on the body surface could relieve pain and internal discomfort and assist in healing as well. These "acu-points" were organized into relationships called channels. The placement of acupuncture needles into specific acu-points along these channels encourages the body to balance, heal and overcome pain.

 It involves stimulating your pet's energy to help give the body strength to heal or a release from pain. The energy is stimulated using tiny needles at precise locations on the body. Most dogs and cats seem very relaxed during treatment and tolerate it very well.

Usually a single treatment does not result in an instant cure. A commitment of 4 - 8 weekly sessions is recommended. The effects are cumulative and can affect one pet in the first few treatments, while another pet needs more.

Treatments are tapered off once a good response is seen to monthly or quarterly treatments as needed.

Symptoms that may benefit from Acupuncture

Musculoskeletal problems such as arthritis or joint pain
Intervertebral disc disease
Organ dysfunction
Gastrointestinal disorders
Immune system imbalances and allergies
Respiratory problems
Neurological conditions

 Dr. Butler is also trained in the use of Chinese Herbs which she prescribes to our patients for a variety of problems.  


Dr. Barbara Butler graduated from the North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine in 1987. To become certified in Veterinary Acupuncture, she took a six month course through the Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine in Gainesville, Florida. 

The Chi Institute of Chinese Medicine was founded in Reddick, Florida in 1988. It is now the leading veterinary continuiing education provider of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine. The mission of the Chi Institute is to train licensed veterinarians to become cutting edge aninmal health care providers capable of practicinng veterinary acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and other holistic treatment methods. The Chi Institute believes that the best veterinary health care is the integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine and conventional veterinary medicine care.