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TUCSON - Acupuncture has been around for nearly 4,000 years as part of traditional Chinese medicine. More and more people are learning about it, using it, and touting its benefits - but can it work for our pets?

Our pet vet, Dr. Randy Aronson, stopped by the News 4 Studios, and he says it definitely worked in this study of 65 arthritic dogs. Here's some more information he brought:

• A study of acupuncture was performed with 65 arthritic dogs who were no longer responding to conventional medicine to control their pain. The only options left for these dogs using conventional medicine were a life of pain or euthanasia. After acupuncture treatment, 76% of these dogs had an improvement of greater than 50% in mobility and gait

• The needles used for acupuncture are tiny, a fraction of the size of a normal hypodermic needle. Over 95% of patients are comfortable with acupuncture, including most of those whose owners do not initially believe they will tolerate it, as it is not generally painful.

• Over 95% of dogs don't even flinch and actually relax when the needles are inserted into the canine acupuncture points. Many dog owners will notice that their dogs happily fall asleep during the acupuncture treatment as do many human beings. Dogs are much more likely to cry when given a conventional shot than when treated with canine acupuncture needles.

How does acupuncture work?

Ø Chinese believe disease is imbalance of energy in the body
Ø Acupuncture balances this and assists body in healing
Ø In Western terms acupuncture:
o Stimulates nerves
o Increases blood circulation
o Relieves muscle spasms
o Causes release of endorphins

What kinds of problems does it address?

Conditions treated with Veterinary Acupuncture:
Ø Musculoskeletal disorders
Ø Gastrointestinal disorders
Ø Urinary problems
Ø Dermatological problems
Ø Nerve disorders