Gold Bead Implants
Gold bead implantation is a sophisticated form of veterinary treatment based upon the principles of acupuncture but intended to achieve permanent effects. Unlike the temporary placement and removal of fine needles in conventional acupuncture, however, this method involves the insertion of small 24 carat gold beads permanently implanted in the acupuncture points. They exert permanent stimulation upon the targeted acupuncture points combined with the anti-inflammatory effect of gold itself, leading to consistent pain relief and enhanced quality of life in pets with chronic musculoskeletal ailments.
This method is gaining popularity in its use by holistic and integrative veterinarians, particularly in cases where the more conventional treatments are limited in their relief or have unwelcome secondary effects.
What is Gold Bead Implantation and How is it Done?
Gold bead implantation is a minimally invasive operation usually done with the patient under general anaesthesia. Its technique entails:
- Pre-operative evaluation: The pet receives a careful clinical evaluation, pre – anaesthetic blood test to ensure save anaesthesia and imaging diagnostics (e.g., X-rays) are used to detect the affected joints and identify proper acupuncture points.
- Implantation: In a sterile environment with a very thin needle, 1-2 mm small 24-carat gold beads are inserted directly into specifically targeted acupuncture points.
- Post-operative Care: The patient is observed while recovering from the anaesthesia and can be released the day of the operation.
Since the beads are installed permanently, they constantly stimulate the acupuncture points, aiding in the relief from chronic pain without the use of continued medications or regular acupuncture treatments.
How Does It Work?
The gold beads deliver a steady micro-stimulation at their corresponding acupuncture points and gold itself has an inflammation reducing effect. That results in several curative effects:
- Pain Blockage: The beads disrupt pain messages travelling to the brain through the alteration of conduction patterns in nerves.
- Endorphin Release: They cause the release of natural pain-relievers such as endorphins.
- Increasing serotonin production helps manage mood and pain perception, and the dog will feel more at ease and contented.
- Anti-inflammatory effect: Gold itself can reduce the inflammation in and surrounding the administered joints.
These bodily changes can decrease stiffness, increase range of motion, and enable dogs to function more freely, frequently with significantly diminished or no pain medications at all.
Many of our patients with chronic pain ailments have experienced consistent life-improving outcome by this method, particularly in cases where dogs have significant hip or spinal degeneration.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have had no complications in our large clinical experience at Blue Oasis Veterinary Clinic in the form of infection or migration of the beads into the joints. The surgery is conducted in aseptic conditions to eliminate all risks.
Yes, laser treatment, ultrasound therapy, and pulsed magnetic therapy are still safe to use following gold bead implantation. Even MRI scans are usually not contraindicated but should first be discussed with your veterinarian.
Results are quite varied between patients. Efficacy can take 24 to 48 hours in some dogs and slowly over several weeks in other dogs. Although some pets will experience benefits for many years, over time, a gradual fading of the effect may then ensue.
The gold beads are permanent and cannot be removed once they are implanted. Nevertheless, you can have the treatment repeated if your dog acquires a new medical problem that would need more beads.
We’ve had numerous cases with large-breed dogs with advanced hip dysplasia and pain issues. Most of the dogs relied on pain medication every day, and as you know this can lead to kidney and liver damage over a period of years. After the gold bead implantation, they could lead active lives with minimal or no medication at all.
Early intervention ensures optimal results. After a diagnosis is established through the use of X-rays, we suggest moving forward immediately with the implantation to reduce the risk of long-term joint deterioration and pain.
The prices charged will depend on the number of joints being implanted with the gold bead. Generally, the rates are as follows:
- Procedure Fee: AED 3,000 – 5,000
- Anaesthesia Fee: AED 500 to AED 800, depending upon the size of the dog
- Value-added tax
A detailed quotation will be presented after the initial consultation and imaging assessment.
Depending on the region(s) that are treated the price ranges from 3,000.– to 5,000.– AED plus the anaesthesia, depending on the size of the dog ranging from 500.– to 800.– AED (+ VAT)
