Acupuncture for pets: So, what's the point?

Q: My dog has been getting acupuncture for arthritis, and it really seems to help. I'm curious how it works.

A: Acupuncture is the insertion of fine, thin needles into the skin at strategic points on the body. In traditional Chinese medicine, these points were known as meridians, through which "chi," or life force, flowed; in modern medicine, we know them as the vascular, nervous and muscular structures of the body.

Insertion of the needles at specific points is said to help activate healing by stimulating nerve endings and releasing certain substances that relieve pain, reduce inflammation and improve blood flow and oxygenation. Acupuncture doesn't treat specific symptoms, but instead stimulates the body to heal itself.

Most of us think of acupuncture as being used to relieve the pain of arthritis or other degenerative joint diseases. Other conditions that may benefit from acupuncture include gastrointestinal, respiratory or neurological problems. Veterinarians trained in the use of acupuncture have needled pets with upset stomachs, rhinitis, sinusitis, vestibular syndrome, hepatitis and allergies, among other things.

Depending on the problem, acupuncture may be the main treatment or a supportive treatment. For instance, acupuncture may serve to boost the effects of pain medication.

As with any treatment, it's essential to have an accurate diagnosis before using acupuncture.