Acupuncture & Herbs for Wound Healing
By Dr Heather Matheson, DVM BSc
Balanced Paws Veterinary Care Ltd.
info@balancedpawsvet.com
‘Swoooosh’, a 10 year old feline, is deaf and thus an inside cat. Last summer Swooosh managed to get outside (due to the comings & goings of 2 small humans). Thinking the grass is greener on the other side of the fence ‘Swooosh’ headed to the neighbors. The neighbor-canine decided to make a feline snack…
‘Swooosh’ sustained a large crushing injury to her back that resulted in a non-healing wound, 12cm by 4cm in size (see photo).
‘Swooosh’ had two acupuncture sessions 7 days apart, daily bandaging with a Comfrey poultice alternated with a manuka honey dressing every 3 days. Notice the size of the wound after only 14 days!
Manuka Honey is known to have strong antibacterial properties.
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale), which grows locally, contains allatoin which stimulates cell growth. Either moisten the whole leaf and apply it directly to the affected area (top side of the leaf down) or the fresh herbs may be chopped up wrapped in a piece of cloth or towel then soaked in hot water until the water turns green. Combining a Comfrey poultice with antibacterial herbs such as Calendula, Oregon Grape, Golden Seal or St Johns Wort will give it a stronger antiseptic effect. Acupuncture increases blood flow thereby stimulating cell growth & wound closure.
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Balanced Paws Veterinary Care at (250) 871-4355
or email info@balancedpawsvet.com.
We are located at 2785C Mansfield Drive in Courtenay (across from the Air Park).
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