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Dec 20, 2006 7:40 pm US/Pacific
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Acupuncture For Pets: An Ancient Cure For Illness
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS13) ―
Daisy is a 9-year old Sheppard mix normally active but now unable to stand on her own. "It's a bulging disk in the neck. When humans get it the arms go numb," said Daisy's caregiver Rose Marie Eyth.
Eyth takes her to Dr. David Fong. The San Francisco veterinarian's modern practice uses ancient Chinese medicine--acupuncture.
When Dr. Fong first started needling pets over a decade ago, fellow veterinarians scoffed, calling him a voodoo doctor. "The channels have been formulated for thousands of years," said Fong.
But now the American Veterinary Medical Association recognizes acupuncture as an effective treatment. Dr. Fong explains, "There's no surgery or harsh drugs. Strategically placed hair-thin needles promote the flow of energy known as Chi."
Adding small electric pulses can speed the process. "We are trying to treat the whole body, not just the animal's physicalness but emotions and mental attitude," said Fong.
Dr. Fong says this approach can cure cancer symptoms, arthritis, and even gum disease.
With a few more visits Daisy could become walking proof the key to a pet's good health may very well be…finding its Chi.
Dr. Fong says he sees nearly 15 patients a day, at close to $100 an appointment. But acupuncture is covered by some pet insurance health plans.
(© MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)