Acupuncture now available to UW vet school patients

If traditional Western medicine and surgery aren’t accomplishing the desired results, University of Wisconsin–Madison Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (VMTH) clients can now choose acupuncture treatment for their pets without being referred to a different location.

Starting Jan. 27, the School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM) contracted with local veterinarian Dawn Mogilevsky to offer on-site acupuncture for small animals. This centuries-old Chinese medicine uses needle placement and manipulation to treat all types of ailments. Mogilevsky, a 1990 graduate of the SVM, has been certified by the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society.

“Most of my patients are older,” Mogilevsky says. “Most commonly, I’ll treat arthritis problems resulting from hip dysplasia or chronic cruciate ligament conditions.”

She notes that acupuncture can be used to treat all kinds of problems. Mogilevsky has used it on patients with spinal disk problems and musculoskeletal injuries. She also uses it in conjunction with existing medical treatments to support animals with inflammation of the bladder, diabetes, cancer or feline leukemia (FeLV), noting that it can improve their energy level and appetite, and support the immune system.

“Choosing acupuncture does not mean another doctor’s treatment plan has failed,” she says. “Sometimes acupuncture is a good alternative when an animal doesn’t tolerate a medication very well, or if surgery is not an option due to cost or the patient’s age. I like to think of it as an adjunct to more traditional forms of care.”

Because Mogilevsky is an independent contractor, animals do not need to be a patient at the VMTH to obtain treatment from her. She will see patients on Tuesdays, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., and Fridays, 9 a.m.-noon. Appointments can be made by calling the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital at (608) 263-7600.