Veterinary Acupuncture Treatment for Horses

Horse acupuncture has become popular in the U.S. in more recent times but has a history in China. During the T'ang dynasty around 600A.D to 900 A.D. they raised more horses for military purposes than ever�before and most of the knowledge of veterinary medicine arises from this time. Veterinary acupuncture was also practiced on cows, pigs, camels, and donkeys because they were very important to the Chinese history. The T'ang Dynasty established the very�first veterinary school.

Traditional thought on acupuncture says there are 365 points where the energy flows, and the western view states that these meridians are located where nerves and blood vessels cluster. The treatment stimulates the release of neurotransmitters such as endorphins and cortisol an anti-inflammatory steroid.

Today veterinary acupuncturists use solid, hypodermic, and bleeding needles in specific spots to cure aches and pains and maladies like sore muscles and breathing problems. They also use electricity, heat massage, and low powered lasers to activate acupuncture points. If the energy is blocked in one then other meridians are backed up too. The acupuncture treatment releases the obstruction and energy can flow to the organs again.

Among horses vertebral disorders and injuries of the sacroiliac are common problems treated with acupuncture. It has been used for almost 3000 years by veterinarians in China to treat many ailments including founder and colic. Other ailments common to large animals that are commonly treated with acupuncture are nervous system problems like facial nerve paralysis, skin problems like allergic dermatitis, respiratory aliments like heaves, and some reproductive diseases. This method can also be used to treat sports injuries. If your horse is involved in racing or jumping for instance then acupuncture can keep it in better shape.

The question that arises is, is�it painful? For smaller animals it is essentially painless, but for larger animals the insertion of bigger needles may hurt the skin but the pain stops after that. Once the needles are in place the pain should stop completely. Usually the patient becomes relaxed and sleepy during the procedure. Sometimes sensations such as tingles, cramps, or numbness may occur which could be uncomfortable to the animal.

What about the safety of the treatment? Acupuncture is one of the most harmless medical treatments around when performed by a trained veterinarian. There are few side effects, though the animal may appear worse for a period of up to 48 hours. Others may seem drowsy for 24. These are signs that physiological changes are happening, which normally are followed by improved health.

How long do the treatments take to see results? The condition being treated and the method used by the vet determine the length and frequency of the treatments. Stimulation of one acupuncture point could take from 10 seconds to 30 minutes. A spasm might need only one visit. If several treatments are needed, they usually are started more intensively and tapered off as improvement occurs. Horses in athletic training can benefit from visits twice a week to once a month. It depends on how hard they are training. Make sure your veterinary acupuncturist is licensed and formally trained to practice veterinary acupuncture