Acupuncture for general veterinary practice

Since the International Society of Veterinary Acupuncture (IVAS) was founde d in 1974, acupuncture (AP) has received greater acceptance by veterinary p rofessionals throughout the world. This article introduces some important a nimal diseases that respond well to AP therapy. These include resuscitation of small animals. treatment of anoestrous gilts and sows, bovine reproduct ive disease. canine vertebral problems and equine backpain, etc. Convention al medicine considers these to be difficult cases to treat. Veterinarians h ave become more aware of the benefits of AP especially for those diseases, thanks to the efforts of experienced practitioners and scientists, and the many published reports on veterinary AP that have introduced some good indi cations for AP therapy in veterinary practice. Possible mechanisms behind t he effectiveness of AP are discussed. This article aims to introduce veteri narians to good indications for AP to initiate their interest in the practi ce of AP. Although this is a rapidly expanding field. a long march must beg in with one step. We wish this article to be the shoes for such a march. Fo r more information on veterinary AP.