Acupuncture has been employed for thousands of years to help relieve pain in humans. Its use in pets has increased dramatically in the last two decades. Dr. Hiatt is certified by the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society and has thirty years of experience using acupuncture to treat animal patients.

Acupuncture has been a part of traditional Chinese medicine for 4000 years. It is based on the stimulation of specific points around the body. Early Chinese practiced acupuncture on animals soon after their domestication. Today Acupuncture can be used for a variety of canine ailments including osteoarthritis, intervertebral disk disease, hip dysplasia, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Once considered "alternate" medicine, acupuncture is now recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association as a valid medical procedure. Several current theories might explain the efficacy of acupuncture to relieve pain, including the gate theory and bio-electric theory. Acupuncture can be used alone or combined with other treatment modalities. When combined with electrical stimulation the enhanced therapy is known as electroacupuncture.