Today I was able to watch the procedure of Acupuncture in dogs.
In the two cases that I saw, the dogs had arthritis or hip displasia. Around 15 needles are used.
A initial needle is inserted into the neck, simply to test the response of the dog to the needles. The vet then felt the affected areas for tightness of muscles and inserted needles into the area surrounding this tightness, but never directly into the area as this would cause pain for the animal. This continues until all needles have been added. The needles can be left for a period of time and then gently pulled part way out and pushed back again several times, to attempt to loosen the tightened muscles. The needles are then all removed and the procedure is completed. The idea of the process is to send impulses to the brain to override the impulses being sent causing pain in the affected area of the body.
The treatment occurs weekly for a four week period and then becomes spaced out to one treatment every month.
The treatment success depends entirely on the dog, and how it individually responds to the treatment, but it is a alternative treatment that I have really enjoyed learning about.