Acupuncture for Horses
Acupuncture has been used to treat various medical conditions in humans and animals for more than 3,000 years. Horses were among the first animals treated with acupuncture due to their importance in warfare and farming.
Today, equine acupuncture is commonly incorporated in the treatment of several conditions, especially musculoskeletal disorders and back pain.
Our vets at Northwest Veterinary Clinic of Mount Vernon understand that when your horse is in pain, it can cause issues throughout its entire body. We are here to help.
What Is Equine Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is primarily used in sport horses to manage pain and restore function. Acupuncture involves inserting needles at specific points on the body where there are increased numbers of nerve endings, blood vessels, and lymphatics to help alleviate pain and target specific conditions.
What Conditions Can Benefit From Acupuncture?
Acupuncture for horses provides relief for conditions like:
- Sore backs and necks
- Navicular issues leading to foot pain
- Laminitis (acute and chronic)
- Tendon/ligament injuries
- Arthritis
- Extending the period between joint injections
- Muscle atrophy/loss
- Gastric ulcers
- Heaves/allergic lung conditions
- Anhidrosis or non-sweating
- Reproductive issues such as inability to conceive or maintain pregnancy
When Will I Notice Results?
Acupuncture is not a magical cure. It will not instantly mend a broken bone or turn a lumbering draft horse into a Five Start Eventer.
However, by using thin needles to stimulate various places on the horse’s body, this treatment can influence physiological effects.
This may be due to the release of hormones, activation of nerve responses, or triggering of immune system function.
Results from veterinary acupuncture treatments are typically noticeable after 1 – 3 treatments performed weekly.