As veterinarian Liz Fernandez placed acupuncture needles in her dog Ginger's furry body, the 10-year-old Labrador retriever stayed calm, showing no signs of discomfort.

A DIFFERENT APPROACH-Veterinarian Liz Fernandez says acupuncture can treat a variety of ailments in animals. "In some dogs I can put a needle in a sore spot and they will just lie there and enjoy the treatment," Fernandez said. "Where it hurts the most is where (they) need it the most. It's where the energy is stuck. By putting the needles in, we move the energy along."

According to Fernandez, acupuncture has been used on animals for centuries in the Far East. In the West, the Chinese practice has grown in popularity in humans, but the application on animals is relatively new.

Some years ago, Fernandez became interested in acupuncture after using it to heal her own shoulder injury. Dr. Liz-as she's affectionately known-said she realized the power of the treatment and decided she wanted to use it on her four-legged patients.

In 2002, Fernandez enrolled in Florida's Chi Institute, a school open only to veterinarians who want to learn Eastern healing for animals.

"You have to learn the same theory as in human Chinese medicine and apply it to animals," the Simi Valley resident said. "Obviously, as veterinarians we already have the background in general medical and anatomy, but we have to learn the Chinese principles."

In Chinese medicine there are five different areas involved- acupuncture, herbology, Tui-Na (massage, chiropractic and physical therapy), healing food and meditation.

"We meditate, but dogs and cats do too," Fernandez said. "We have to practice but for them it's natural."

Upon graduation from the Chi Institute, the Chicago native brought her new talents back to Simi Valley and started a housecall practice she appropriately named Acupuncture for Pets.

Most of her acupuncture patients are dogs and cats, but she's also treated hamsters, rabbits and a bird.

One of her recent patients was a 5-year-old boxer named Lexi.

After a normal walk the dog's back end had suddenly become paralyzed. Her owners, Kevin and Laurie Depew of Simi Valley, immediately rushed Lexi to the vet.

X-rays failed to pinpoint the problem. Surgery was an option but there would be only a 20 percent chance of restored mobility.

"One of the technicians working at the vet clinic told us about Dr. Liz and the acupuncture treatments," Laurie Depew said. "It seemed our only option. We were willing to give it a try."

Fernandez started by giving the dog 45-minute treatments, placing needles in pressure points and providing stimulation with low voltage electrical current through the needles. Within three months, Lexi was able to pull herself up and walk.

"We love our dog and we didn't want to put her down without giving her a chance," Laurie Depew said. "The treatments worked for us and we are very grateful."

Treating pets with acupuncture is growing among respected veterinarians, Fernandez said. Though no one seems to be against it, the veterinarian did say there are some who may not think it works.

"Most of the vets know who I am and refer their patients to me," said Fernandez, a 1982 graduate of UC Davis who's been treating animals in Ventura County for more than 25 years. "When they see it working on their patients, sometimes they'll change their minds."

Dr. Liz and Acupuncture for Pets can be reached at (805) 5200717.