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From Dallas Reptiles to Boston Penguins Acupuncture Expands in Veterinary Medicine

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Published on May 01, 2025
From Dallas Reptiles to Boston Penguins Acupuncture Expands in Veterinary MedicineSource: Wikipedia/Rhona-Mae Arca, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Acupuncture is increasingly being used in zoos, aquariums, and farms to help manage pain and improve the health of animals. From lizards in Dallas to penguins in Boston and goats in Chicago, a wide variety of species are now receiving this form of treatment. The University of Tennessee has highlighted the growing role of acupuncture in veterinary care.

Joe Smith, Assistant Professor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Tennessee, spoke to The Conversation U.S. about this trend. He explained that acupuncture is being used to treat pain in many types of animals, including pets, horses, cows, and llamas. According to Smith, more veterinarians are being trained in acupuncture and incorporating it into their practices.

The use of acupuncture in animals is now considered a more common and accepted approach in veterinary medicine. It is especially used for conditions like arthritis or injury recovery. The University of Tennessee reports that its application has expanded into many zoological settings, with growing evidence of its effectiveness.

This development represents a shift in veterinary care, as traditional practices like acupuncture become more integrated into modern treatment options for animals.