Vets Get the Point of Acupuncture

A report in June's issue of Acupuncture in Medicine (vol 19[1]p27) reveals that veterinary acupuncture is a growing field as owners become increasingly interested in alternative treatments for their pets.

According to Samantha Scott, many more veterinarians now wish to use acupuncture as an additional skill to use in their everyday practice, particularly in the treatment of musculoskeletal pain.

According to the author, many owners do not realise when their pets are in pain as natural instincts often drive animals to disguise their discomfort. Scott argues "in all probability, their pets suffer from the pain of musculoskeletal conditions with the same frequency and severity as their owners".

The report also mentions two new trials in acupuncture being undertaken at Glasgow University Veterinary School, funded by the Kennel Club of Great Britain and the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy.

Friday, 10 August 2001