Acupuncture for pets

This ancient Chinese treatment, in which ultra-fine needles are placed at strategic points along the body, is just as effective at treating animals as people

According to Eastern beliefs, acupuncture needles are used to correct flows of energy, or Qi (pronounced ‘chi'), around the body should an imbalance arise. From a scientific point of view, acupuncture works by triggering the brain to release natural painkilling hormones.

Needles may make you nervous, but your pet is unlikely to be fazed by them. "Most animals accept needles without a problem," says Samantha Lindley, who lectures in veterinary medicine at the universities of Glasgow and Edinburgh, and is a member of the Association of British Veterinary Acupuncturists. "In fact, it usually relaxes them. Some even fall asleep." However, acupuncture can be dangerous in the wrong hands, so only take your pet to a trained vet who specialises in the treatment - it's against the law for anyone other than a vet to perform it.

Acupuncture is good at treating chronic pain such as arthritis and backache. "A young Labrador was suffering from arthritis in both elbows, which was restricting his exercise," Samantha explains. "He was particularly receptive to acupuncture and after just one session was dramatically better."

It can also be used to treat skin conditions and digestive disorders. "A seven-year-old moggy came in with eczema - she'd been licking a lot and had lesions on her skin. She was on drugs to control it but she was still suffering. In the 18 months since we started her acupuncture, she hasn't needed any medication. She now comes back for a session every six weeks," Samantha says.

To find vets trained in acupuncture, visit the Association of British Veterinary Acupuncturists' website.

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