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.

Gold Bead Therapy for Pets FAQ

Gold bead therapy, also known as gold bead implantation, is a form of long-term pain management that involves placing tiny gold beads beneath the skin at specific acupuncture points. These gold bead implants create a continuous, mild electrical stimulation that promotes blood flow, reduces inflammation, and encourages the release of natural pain-relieving compounds. Unlike traditional acupuncture, which requires repeated sessions, gold bead therapy offers ongoing relief with just one procedure.

Gold bead implants are most commonly used to treat chronic musculoskeletal and neurological conditions in pets. They’ve shown positive results for hip dysplasia, arthritis, intervertebral disc disease, chronic back pain, incontinence, and even some seizure disorders. Many owners have seen improved mobility and reduced discomfort in their pets, especially when hip dysplasia treated with gold bead implantation has not responded well to conventional methods.

Gold bead implantation is performed under mild sedation by a trained veterinarian. The doctor first identifies the correct acupuncture points, then inserts small 24-karat gold beads (about 1–2 mm in size) just beneath the skin. These beads remain permanently in place and are biocompatible, meaning they don’t trigger allergic reactions or rejection. The procedure usually lasts under an hour, and most pets recover within 24–48 hours with little to no discomfort.

When comparing the gold implantation group to those receiving conventional therapies like NSAIDs or repeated acupuncture sessions, many pet owners and vets report longer-lasting relief and fewer side effects with gold bead therapy. For example, hip dysplasia treated with gold beads often requires fewer follow-up treatments and shows improved stability and comfort over time. Gold bead therapy offers a less invasive, drug-free option for chronic conditions that may otherwise require lifelong medication.

Pets receiving gold bead implants often show signs of improvement within two to six weeks, though some respond even sooner. The benefits can last for years, and in some cases may even provide permanent pain-relieving effects. While outcomes vary based on the condition and individual response, many pet owners report significant long-term improvement in their pet’s mobility, mood, and quality of life.