Alternative
therapies for dogs  | | Alternative
therapy - dog receiving treatment |
There's no doubt that complementary
health therapies are becoming more and more popular these days. Aromatherapy,
acupuncture and chiropractice are commonplace. So it's perhaps no surprise
that man's best friend has muscled in on the act, as Inside Out South East finds
out. Hydrotherapy Penge the dog was in an accident two years
ago. She was run over and lost the use of her back legs. Her human
companion, Barry Line has got her a rather dinky rear wheel arrangement which
gives her some mobility and means she can still go for a bit of a run around the
park.
| "We'll try anything to get Penge back on her feet again." | | Barry Lines, owner of Penge |
But Barry
wants a better future for Penge.
And so he's turning to the healing properties
of water. Penge is going through a course of hydrotherapy at the Silverden
Centre in Heathfield, East Sussex. To try to restore Penge
back to full health, she's had some cells taken from her nose and injected into
her back legs. The hope is that this will encourage nerves to grow back
(check).
Penge's vet suggested a course of hydrotherapy to help the process
along.
Acupuncture Splashing about in the water isn't
the only alternative therapy available.
There is also the ancient Chinese
art of acupuncture. Tim Cousins runs a holistic vets' practice in
East Hoathley near Lewes where the emphasis is on alternative therapies.  | | Don't
try this at home - dog having acupuncture |
Acupuncture is an
ancient Chinese medical treatment. Needles have to be inserted into very
specific points on the skin. These points lie on channels called meridians. The
Chinese believe that this redirection of energy can cure a whole range of ailments.
We look at a Rottweiller called Ben who has been brought to Tim for treatment
for arthritis. Only trained experts can do acupuncture - you must not try
sticking needles into your dog at home. Chiropractice Chiropractice
is another alternative therapy which is increasingly being used on dogs..  | | Teegan's
treatment has helped ease her problems |
Disease is considered
to be a result of something wrong with the nervous system. And the treatment
involves manipulation of the spinal column.
A dog called Teegan has
stiffness problems in her back legs from a previous injury. Her owner decided
that a normal vet was not for her. We watch as the vet demonstrates her
chiropractic technique on Teegan. Alternatives for animals Alternative
therapies for humans is a new field. For animals it's even newer. So
traditional vets like Mark Johnston in Crowborough East Sussex recommend using
caution. Drugs are usually tested on animals before we use them on human
beings.  | | A
better quality of life for Penge the dog |
But with alternative
therapies, it seems to have worked the other way round.
More human patients
are aware of the benefits for themselves so they're prepared to try it on their
animals as well. Of course the big question that you would ask about any
alternative therapy is - does it work? Many of the owners Inside Out spoke
to were convinced that it was improving the quality of lives for their pets. Recovery
from ailments and injuries can be a slow process so in some cases it's too early
to tell. But one thing is clear - alternative therapies are currently growing
in popularity.
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of external websites | 
听听Inside
Out - South East: Monday February 27, 2006
