What changed
Veterinary traditional Chinese medicine is gaining ground in Nanchang pet hospitals, alongside modern veterinary care. Jiangxi Beibei Pet Hospital says it has handled hundreds of cases since opening a TCM specialty in 2022, using acupuncture, Chinese medicine and laser therapy; professional standards for treating dogs and cats are also being issued.
Why it matters
The shift gives pet owners another treatment route, especially when conventional care has not produced the hoped-for result. One dog in Nanchang, weakened by a tick bite and severe anaemia, reportedly regained the ability to move after a week of acupuncture, laser therapy and Chinese medicine.
The hospital says blood tests and imaging are usually done first. That detail matters: TCM is being used alongside diagnostic veterinary medicine, not as a replacement for it.
Researchers and clinicians point to possible value in treating neurological injuries, chronic anaemia and digestive disorders, while also extending care toward quality of life as pets grow older. The market is large enough to make that expansion consequential: China had 126 million urban dogs and cats in 2025, with urban pet consumption reaching 312.6 billion yuan.
The field is still uneven. Treatment can depend heavily on a practitioner’s experience, and stronger outcome measures, clinical research and training remain necessary. If those foundations improve, the combination of traditional and modern veterinary medicine could become a more consistent part of pet care rather than an option owners try only after other treatments disappoint.
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