"Are they acupuncture needles in that model dog?" asked Mrs Morgan.  "My brother has them for his back".

So started a consultation the other day and now that acupuncture is being used and accepted more in human treatments, the same is also happening with pets, especially dogs.  Although it can be used for a large number of conditions it is used predominantly for chronic pain and arthritis, either on its own or as a complement to orthodox treatment.

Acupuncture originated in China around 2500 BC and has been used in animals for about 2000 years.  In fact the oldest medical textbook in existence is an acupuncture book written around 300 BC.

The name acupuncture is a European term, coined by a Dutch physician Willen Fen Rhyne, who introduced acupuncture into Europe following a two year stay in Japan in 1683.

When the first veterinary schools were started in Europe, acupuncture was on the curriculum and was widely practised in both large and small animal medicine until the early part of the 19^th century, only coming back into use in the last 30 years.

A course of acupuncture initially consists of six sessions over a 10 week period, the first three at weekly intervals and after this "top-ups" are given as and when necessary.  A worthwhile response is usually evident by the third week if it is going to help.

The needles used are sterile, used once only and are very fine  - 0.3mm diameter by 30mm long.  Most dogs tolerate them very well, some 6 to 15 being used in each treatment and they usually pant or go to sleep during the session.  The needles are left in place some 5 to 10 minutes.

At Highcliff we have been offering acupuncture for a number of years and continue to offer it to our clients as a valuable addition to our treatment options.