By LORI TUCKER
6 News Anchor/Reporter
KNOXVILLE (WATE) - A growing number of people are seeking out alternative therapies they normally enjoy, for their pets instead.
That's the case for Eric Thomason, who wanted to provide some relief for his one-and-a-half-year-old boxer named Dixie.
Thomason adopted the happy, playful pup from a local shelter 10 months ago. Her tail had already been shortened, or "docked" by her previous owner.
He noticed Dixie suffered some sort of mysterious malady affecting her tail.
"It looked as if her tail was docked prematurely, maybe even incorrectly, so it looks as if she's got some, what's considered phantom pain where her tail has been docked," Thomason explained.
"She would kind of chew at her tail, almost like she would chase her tail but basically chew at it," he added.
Thomason, who manages the local pet store Natural Pet Supply, got in touch with veterinarian Michelle Williams, who makes house calls. She said Dixie might be a good candidate for acupuncture.
Dr. Williams demonstrated Dixie's treatment by placing a needle in the center of the dog's head, what Williams calls "the calming center." She also placed needles on both of Dixie's legs.
In the ancient Chinese treatment, it's believed that animals have 173 so-called ACU points on their bodies; areas with bundles of nerve endings.
Pretty soon, the lively Dixie was nodding off, clearly feeling no pain.
"I do a lot of pain management type treatments, and it's really gratifying to see patients improve," Dr. Williams said.
She doesn't just treat dogs with acupuncture. She's also treated cats, rabbits, horses; all kinds of animals dealing with the same health issues that bother people. She's also treated various forms of pain including arthritis, diabetes, stomach issues and allergies.
Dixie gets acupuncture every few months. It seems to be helping the beloved member of Thomason's family. "She's a wonderful dog. She's very healthy now, and we love her very much," he said.
For more information on acupuncture for pets, go to www.wholepointvet.com or www.tcvm.com.
You can reach Dr. Michelle Williams at 865-456-8065.
Dr. Michelle Williams demonstrated Dixie's treatment by placing a needle in the center of the dog's head, what Williams calls "the calming center."
Pretty soon, the lively Dixie was nodding off.
