Today, the practice of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) in the Western world differs from its Chinese origins. Most of the acupoints and Meridian lines used by Western veterinarians are transposed from humans. The ancient texts describing many of the classical Meridian lines and charts were lost long ago. The acupoints and Meridian lines are unique for species with fewer digits or a quadruped animal primarily used for agricultural such as cattle, pigs and horses. The understanding of acupuncture in these species has grown greatly in recent history. Many of the ancient techniques have been modified to fit Western perceptions and medical practice. For example, the needles commonly used today are very thin, solid and sterile: whereas traditional ones were large, non-sterile, and various shapes and sizes. Western practitioners may combine TCVM with a variety of other medical techniques such as chiropractics, Western herbal medicine, and homeopathy. These modifications are not inherently good or bad but are merely part of the system's continued development.