MIA-OWWW AS CATS GET ACUPUNCTURE

By Heather Greenaway

Sunday Mail
13 September 2003

SCOTLAND'S pampered pets are being given acupuncture to ease their aches and pains.

Two pet acupuncturists are hard at work sticking needles in cats, dogs and horses.

Last week Californian Dr Maria Glinski, the world's top acupuncturist, told a Glasgow University alternative health conference that vets should increase its use.

She said: ``It should be encouraged. It can be of particular use in treating animals with severe painrelated issues due to surgery, injury and disease.''

Clare Knottenbelt, of Glasgow Vet School, is happiy to refers patients for acupuncture.

She said: ``It's not a cure but can ease pain and seems to relax the animals. It's amazing how many dogs seem happy when they are at the vets for an acupuncture session.''

Clare uses pet acupuncturist Samantha Scott twice a week while the only other qualified practitioner, Ann Hutchison, works in Ayr.