Retrospective study (2005-2013) about electroacupuncture influence of recurrent clinical signs in dogs with thoracolumbar intervertebral disk disease

• Grant number: 14/14417-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2014
• End date: June 30, 2015
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine - Animal Clinics and Surgery
• Principal Investigator: Ayne Murata Hayashi
• Grantee: Vivian Do Amaral Monteiro
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FMVZ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Thoracolumbar intervertebral disk disease is the most common cause of neurological syndromes observed in dogs. Among clinical and surgical treatments, acupuncture is been integrated with positive outcomes. Several authors have searched treatments that allow symptoms relief and remission and also avoid relapses. The purpose of the present retrospective study is the evaluation of the influence of electroacupuncture combined with conservative Western treatment (EA group) over the clinical signs of relapse when compared with the conservative Western treatment alone (MED group), and also which factors could facilitate or not the appearance of recurrent clinical signs. Data obtained from dogs treated or not with electroacupuncture between the period of 2005 to 2013 will be evaluated. To access the recurrence of clinical signs, a questionnaire of the evaluation was developed. The owners will be contacted by telephone interview. The results will be submitted to descriptive statistical analysis. The frequencies of recurrence obtained in the groups will be submitted to two proportion test. The estimated mean time of recurrence between groups will be analyzed with a normality test and submitted to parametric or non-parametric comparisons between two means and survival analysis (Kaplan Meier), including the different groups of dogs (weight variables, personality differences, environment).