Animal acupuncture and veterinary orthopedic manipulation is catching on ...

For some veterinarians, treating pets can be an art and a science. Right now there may be just a handful of pet doctors who apply the Eastern practices of acupuncture and chiropractic work to animals. But the practice is growing.

Pet owners are bringing their pets in record numbers for back adjustments, or to have tiny needles inserted at various strategic points in their bodies to promote flow of endorphins and energy known as ``qi'' through networks that connect with the internal organ systems.

Courses are offered through the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society, to become licensed to practice holistic medicine with animals. An Atlanta vet stated the community has responded very positively. "They were strongly supportive," she said. "In fact, it was a little surprising to me just how much support there was. The owners are now so much more educated for themselves and their pets. I think it was a logical progression they were waiting for."

Holistic medicine, in simplistic terms, approaches medical treatment from a "whole body" approach, addressing not just the symptoms of an animal, such as fever or chronic back pain, but also nutrition, environment and even spiritual aspects. Faith in the treatment from the pet and pet owner plays a big role in its effectiveness.

For chiropractic adjustments to animals, a device called an activator is used. Itís put against the animal's body and pressed. The activator gives the animal a gentle thump. Other than the activator, main tool for veterinary orthopedic manipulations are simply the trained hands of the therapist. Generally included in veterinary orthopedic manipulation are such treatments as: massage therapy, accupressure and Reiki, an ancient oriental healing art, using universal energy.