Acupuncture the answer to bark pain

A DOG owner has described her delight after acupuncture restored her dog's health.

• Robert Wallace uses acupuncture to treat Heather, who seems to enjoy the experience Pictures: PA

Scottie Heather, nine, was in severe pain with spinal problems and had trouble walking. Conventional medicine did little to help. The dog was referred to a vet who practises acupuncture. After one treatment, owner Helen Anthony, from Kilmacolm, Renfrewshire, noticed an improvement and after a few more sessions, her pet was able to walk up to a mile.

She said: "I could hardly believe it, because a dog can't be fooled into thinking needles are helping, but she just relaxed."

Falkirk vet Robert Wallace, who also offers holistic treatments, said: "Dogs and cats like that type of thing. Most animals do like touch and respond well."