Gold Bead Therapy

A Lasting Solution for Your Pet's Chronic Pain in Reno, NV

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The therapy works by stimulating the body's natural healing mechanisms. When gold beads are implanted at precise acupuncture points, they create a mild electrical charge that stimulates nerve endings and promotes increased blood flow to the area. This stimulation triggers the release of endorphins and other natural pain-relieving compounds.

Additionally, the presence of gold may help reduce local inflammation through its interaction with the surrounding tissues. The continuous nature of this stimulation is what makes gold bead therapy particularly effective for chronic conditions that would otherwise require ongoing treatment.

How Gold Bead Implantation Works

What Is Gold Bead Therapy?

Gold bead therapy, also known as gold bead implantation, is a form of permanent acupuncture where small, sterile gold beads are placed beneath the skin at specific acupuncture points. The procedure blends traditional Chinese medicine principles with modern veterinary techniques, offering lasting relief for pets suffering from chronic conditions.

Gold has been valued in medicine for centuries due to its biocompatibility and anti-inflammatory properties. When placed at strategic acupuncture points, these tiny gold beads create continuous mild stimulation that helps reduce pain and inflammation. Unlike regular acupuncture, which requires repeated visits, gold bead therapy provides ongoing treatment after a single procedure.

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Watching a pet struggle with chronic pain can be heartbreaking, especially when traditional medications and therapies provide little relief. Gold bead therapy offers a unique solution that bridges traditional medicine with modern veterinary science by permanently placing tiny gold beads at specific points in your pet's body, creating lasting stimulation that has helped countless dogs and cats regain mobility and comfort when conventional approaches have reached their limits.

At Mountain View Animal Hospital & Holistic Pet Care, we combine traditional Western veterinary practices with holistic approaches to provide comprehensive care for your pet. Our integrative approach allows us to offer unique treatments like gold bead therapy as part of our commitment to improving your pet's quality of life through the most effective means available, whether conventional or alternative.

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Conditions That May Benefit From Gold Bead Therapy

Gold bead therapy can be beneficial for various chronic conditions that affect pets, particularly those involving pain and inflammation. The therapy is most commonly used for:

Hip dysplasia and joint problems
Arthritis and degenerative joint disease
Intervertebral disc disease
Muscle weakness and atrophy
Chronic back pain
Seizure disorders
Incontinence issues
Paralysis or partial paralysis

Many pet owners see improvement within two to six weeks following the procedure, though some pets may respond more quickly. The effects can last for years, and in some cases, may provide permanent relief.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Gold bead therapy is performed under mild sedation to ensure your pet’s comfort. The procedure typically takes 30-60 minutes, depending on how many points require treatment. Our veterinarians first identify the appropriate acupuncture points through careful examination and sometimes digital imaging.

After sedation, the treatment areas are shaved and sterilized. Using a special implanter needle, tiny 24-karat gold beads (approximately 1-2 mm in diameter) are placed under the skin at precise acupuncture points. The beads remain permanently in place, providing continuous stimulation to help manage your pet’s condition.

Recovery from the procedure is usually quick, with most pets returning to normal activities within 24-48 hours. There may be mild soreness at the implantation sites, but this typically resolves within a few days. The gold beads are biocompatible, meaning they do not cause reactions or rejection by the body.

Is Gold Bead Therapy Right for Your Pet?

While gold bead therapy has shown promising results for many pets, it’s not appropriate for every situation. This therapy is typically recommended when:

Your pet has a chronic condition that hasn’t responded well to conventional treatments
Other pain management strategies have produced limited results
Your pet cannot tolerate certain medications
You’re seeking a complementary therapy to enhance your pet’s current treatment plan

Before recommending gold bead therapy, our veterinarians perform a thorough examination and review your pet’s medical history. We may also recommend diagnostic testing to fully understand your pet’s condition and determine if they’re a good candidate for this treatment.

Contact Mountain View Animal Hospital & Holistic Pet Care

At Mountain View Animal Hospital & Holistic Pet Care, we believe in providing comprehensive care that addresses your pet’s needs from every angle. Our integrative approach combines the best of conventional Western medicine with effective holistic therapies like gold bead implantation. As an AAHA-accredited hospital serving the greater Reno area for many years, we’re committed to finding the right solution for your pet’s health challenges.

If you’d like to learn more about gold bead therapy and whether it might help your pet, we’re here to answer your questions. Call us at (775) 853-6900 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation with one of our veterinarians.

Getting Prepared for your Pet’s Gold Bead Therapy

“The Best Preparation for Tomorrow is Knowing Today”

Food Before Your Pet’s Procedure

Please do not feed (or feed a small meatball size food with medication) the morning of the procedure if the sedation is prior to 12pm. This is to prevent an upset stomach.
If your appointment is AFTER 12pm, please give your pet their normal morning meal and medications as previously prescribed.

Morning Medications / Supplements

If your pet’s procedure is Scheduled BEFORE Noon:

If your pet normally takes the following medications/supplements, please DO NOT give them the morning of the procedure. You may resume with dinner that night or breakfast the following morning.

Glucosamine and /or Fish Oil Supplements
Probiotics
Denamarin
Ursodiol
Any Herbals / Homeopathics
Non-Steroid Anti-Inflammatory (Vetprofen/Carprofen, Meloxicam, etc.)
Pain Medications (Gabapentin, Tramadol, Amantadine, etc.)
Antibiotics

If your pet normally takes the following medications/ supplement, PLEASE GIVE their regular dose in the AM in a small meatball size of food (*not a full meal).

Heart/Blood Pressure medications (Vetmedin, Lasix, Enalapril, Amlodopine, etc.)
Thyroid medication (Levothyroxine, Methimazole)
Seizure medication (Phenobarbital, Zonisamide, Keppra, Potassium Bromide, etc.)
Addison’s medication (Prednisone, Fludrocortisone)
Cushing’s medication (Trilostane)

For diabetic patients, please give insulin at the NORMAL time with their regular breakfast. If your pet normally takes insulin after your drop-off time, please bring the bottle of insulin, insulin syringe, and food, and let our staff know exactly when you normally give it. We do not want dogs on insulin to have interruptions in their normal pattern.

If your pet suffers from a condition and/or medication not listed above and you are unsure if you should give the medication that morning, please confirm with our surgery nurse prior to the day of surgery by texting or calling our main line at (775) 853-6900.

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