STURTEVANT - Acupuncture for animals is not a new concept in Racine County. Sturtevant's Healing Oasis Veterinary Hospital has been offering such services to a variety of animals for about 12 years, according to Dr. Pedro Luis Rivera, co-owner of the hospital and its affiliated school, the nationally-accredited Healing Oasis Wellness Center.

Acupuncture is one of a variety of integrative and alternative health care modalities - in addition to traditional medical care and surgery - offered to pets of all shapes and sizes at the Healing Oasis, 2555 Wisconsin St., which Rivera and his wife, Michelle, founded 17 years ago.

Both acupuncture and acupressure (no needles) can be especially effective in relieving the pain and discomfort associated with some illnesses and conditions, Rivera said.

"Sometimes it is used just to improve the quality of life."

For many years, acupuncture treatments were only considered by animal owners as a last hope, Rivera said. But, as new information has developed and consumers have become more knowledgeable in recent years, more and more people are turning to integrative and alternative medical care for their pets.

Acupuncture, however, is not an all-cure treatment that is appropriate for everything, according to Rivera.

"A lot of conditions can be treated very safely with acupuncture or acupressure," he said.

Before choosing a form of treatment, however, it is very important to make sure your pet has a definitive diagnosis, so that certain illnesses/conditions (cancer, kidney failure etc.) can be ruled out, the vet said.

The cost for animal acupuncture treatments varies from practice to practice. It can range between $45 and $125 per treatment in this area, depending on things such as whether a dry needling technique or electronic acupuncture is used, Rivera said.

And, no matter what type of acupuncture you are considering for Fido or Fluffy, you should always inquire about the credentials of whoever will be administering the treatment. Don't hesitate to ask about a practitioner's schooling and accreditation, Rivera said. "And don't be afraid to ask 'Did you successfully complete your schooling?' "

Questions are a good way to protect yourself and your pet, he said.