Gold Bead Implants
By Marlene Smith-Schalkwijk DVM

Your pet has been diagnosed with arthritis or another painful or degenerative condition that will likely benefit from acupuncture treatment. As part of this treatment, Dr. Marlene Smith-Schalkwijk and Associates have been getting very good results using gold bead implants at specific acupuncture points. This abstract will give you some information about gold bead implants and answer questions that you may have.

Gold bead implantation for hip dysplasia, involves the placement of 2 gold beads in 3 acupuncture sites around the hip or other area where your pet is experiencing pain. It is not known exactly how the gold bead implants actually work but it is believed that the beads may produce a negative charge in the joint membrane, which helps to control pain and prevent further arthritic changes in the joint. The gold beads stay in the site because they are embedded in the muscles. Most animals with gold bead implants do not require further acupuncture treatments, but they may require an occasional treatment during times of stress. 

Both Dr. Smith-Schalkwijk and Dr. Heather Matheson perform gold bead implant surgery under general anesthetic. Pre-anesthetic blood work is strongly recommended to alert us of any changes that may affect anesthesia. The area around the hip is shaved and surgically prepared for the procedure. A large needle is then passed through the skin at three acupuncture points. The gold beads are embedded into the point using a stilet in the needle. Gold beads are implanted on both hips even though only one hip may be painful at the time. X-rays are done after the surgery to assess placement of the beads, and to evaluate the condition of the hips. Recovery from the anesthetic is usually quick and your pet can go home in the early afternoon.

For the first 24 to 48 hours we ask that you keep your dog quiet, with only leash walks to go out for urination and bowel movements. Use homeopathic Arnica in 30C or 200C potency every 12 hours for the first 3 days. When you get home from the vet clinic you should only give small amounts of water (i.e. tablespoons) and a very small meal the night of the surgery. Watch carefully for any licking around the surgery area, or any redness and swelling. Please call the clinic if any of these occur.

After 24 to 48 hours you can give your pet their normal amount of exercise. There seems to be some pain and discomfort 4 to 6 weeks after the gold bead implant procedure. We would like you to know that this can occur, and to know that it should last only 5 or 6 days. Again, you can use homeopathic Arnica at this time for the pain. 

Please contact the office if you have any questions or concerns.

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