Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
ZHENGZHOU, Sept. 23 (Xinhua) — The waiting room looks like any other veterinary office, except there's a chart of dogs' acupressure points hanging on the wall, reminiscent of a human meridian diagram, and a faint scent of moxa wafting from the treatment room.
A caramel-colored corgi named Lanlang lounged contentedly on the floor as Wang Xuefei, a veterinarian at the Pet Animal Hospital of Henan University of Animal Science and Economics, performed a routine examination on the dog, who is being treated for acute pancreatitis.
After a week of taking herbal teas, the inflammation significantly decreased. During the afternoon session, a thorough diagnosis was performed using traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) techniques, including "inspection, sniffing, questioning, and pulse palpation," to ensure continued remission of the furry patient. This holistic approach is becoming increasingly common as more pet owners seek TCM treatment for their pets.
“Examination” involves observing the animal’s condition and coat, “sniffing” involves checking for any unusual odors, “questioning” involves asking the owner about the animal’s behavior and recent health, and “feeling the pulse” involves checking the femoral artery in small patients.
As Wang Xuefei noted, unlike TCM doctors who listen to patients' complaints when treating them, veterinarians rely on their sense of smell to detect unusual odors that may indicate health problems.
"Animals can't speak, and their diseases differ from those of humans," explained Wang Xuefei. "A TCM practitioner must have excellent observational skills and extensive clinical experience to effectively diagnose and treat pets."
According to the China Pet Industry White Paper 2025, there are currently approximately 124 million pet dogs and cats in the country. Nearly a quarter of them are 7 years old or older. The number of adult and senior pet cats and dogs is projected to exceed 30 million in the next three years.
Owners who once put up with their aging pet's stiff gait or wheezing breathing are now seeking to extend their companions' healthy lives by turning to treatments based on ancient Chinese wisdom.
A Pekingese named Xiaofu suffered from a chronic back injury that made it difficult for him to walk. His owner was advised to consider surgery. However, concerned about the risks to her elderly pet, she sought treatment at a TCM clinic. After several acupuncture sessions, Xiaofu began walking again. "My Xiaofu was cured with acupuncture," the dog's owner, a resident of Zhengzhou City (the capital of Henan Province, central China), beamed with joy.
"One of the key strengths of TCM is its ability to treat age-related disorders, especially chronic diseases that develop in animals as they age. Just like humans, pet owners want their pets to remain healthy for as long as possible and to be with them for many years to come," said Wang Xuefei, adding that dogs' acupuncture points are similar to those of humans, making acupuncture particularly effective.
Wang Yanzhen, executive director of the Beilin branch of the aforementioned hospital, noted that the majority of their patients are elderly pets with chronic illnesses or mobility issues. The clinic conducts dozens of in-person consultations and online inquiries daily, reflecting the growing demand from pet owners for TCM treatment.
In fact, the concept of TCM treatment for animals has been used for several decades in the United States, Japan, and other countries. Furthermore, special acupuncture point patterns have been developed for animals, including cats and dogs. The International Veterinary Acupuncture Society was founded in the United States to popularize and standardize these practices.
In China, TCM for animals has a thousand-year history. Ancient texts contain detailed methods for treating various animal ailments using herbs, acupuncture, and moxibustion.
The status of animal patients has also changed. Once kept as guard dogs in the yard, they have now become indispensable sources of emotional support. By 2024, the Chinese pet market will already exceed 300 billion yuan (approximately $42 billion).
As more and more young people seek treatment for their pets at TCM clinics, the growing popularity of traditional therapeutic methods in animal care is becoming increasingly evident. "This is a positive signal for the development of TCM in veterinary practice," noted Wang Xuefei. -0-
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