Equine Acupunture
At Alta Equine, we believe in taking an integrative approach to Veterinary Medicine. Acupuncture can be a useful treatment modality in keeping your performance horse in top shape. There is a large and expanding body of scientific evidence supporting the use of acupuncture in pain management. It is most commonly utilized to treat musculoskeletal problems such as lameness, muscle soreness, back pain, and arthritis. This therapy is intended to complement, not replace, traditional veterinary care.
There are several acupuncture methods of acupuncture, including aquapuncture, hemoacupunture, dry needling, and moxibustion. Dr. Natalie customizes acupuncture treatment to meet each patient's individual needs. Only a licensed veterinarian who has completed additional training after veterinary school is qualified to provide acupuncture for your horse.
Acupuncture involves the insertion of a needle through the skin at predetermined sites (acupuncture points). The needles used for acupuncture are quite small and flexible; most horses tolerate acupuncture exceptionally well. We have had some patients become so relaxed that they fall asleep during the needling session. Acupuncture reactivity can also be a useful diagnostic aid in locating a problem.
The number of treatments needed will vary according to your horse's individual needs. Improvement may be noticeable right away, but the effects may not last as long without completing a treatment course. Acute conditions resolve quickly (1-3 treatments), while chronic conditions usually resolve more slowly (4-8 treatments). After the initial treatment course, many issues benefit from routine maintenance.
Please contact our office if you have any questions and we would be happy to discuss if acupuncture would be beneficial for your horse.
References:
Boldt Jr., Ed., "Veterinary Acupuncture and Chiropractic: What, When, Who?" Am. Assoc. Equine Practitioner, 2016
Schoen, Allen, "Applying Acupuncture to Lameness in the Horse" Am. Assoc. Equine Practitioner, 2016
Rizzo, Maria, et al. "Acupuncture Needle Stimulation on Some Physiological Parameters After Road Transport and Physical Exercise in Horse." Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, Volume 48, 23 – 30.
