NHT Magazine Summer 2018
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ACUPUNCTURE<br />
Veterinary Advice…<br />
What Does It Involve?<br />
What is acupuncture?<br />
Acupuncture has been used in human medicine for thousands<br />
of years. More recently research has shown a scientific basis<br />
behind the process; which has put it firmly in place as a<br />
credible complementary therapy.<br />
Acupuncture in animals is regarded as a veterinary procedure<br />
and as such can only be performed by a qualified veterinary<br />
surgeon.<br />
It entails placing very fine needles into specific points or<br />
muscles on the body. The needles trick the brain into<br />
producing a variety of naturally occurring chemicals, including<br />
potent painkillers such as endorphins. As a result, we are<br />
able to achieve natural pain relief as well as other positive<br />
effects on the body, such as relaxation.<br />
The procedure is not painful as the needles are very thin, but<br />
it can produce some discomfort, especially if the muscles are<br />
very tight and painful. Sometimes a short acting sedative is<br />
given to prevent the horse tensing up and so resisting the<br />
positive effects of acupuncture. The horse’s action is not<br />
affected, only enhanced by sedation as the horse is more<br />
relaxed and tolerates the procedure better.<br />
What Can It Treat?<br />
Equine Acupuncture can be used to treat a number of<br />
conditions in horses - including muscular spasm<br />
throughout the body, especially neck and spinal pain;<br />
chronic arthritic processes such as Spavin and<br />
Ringbone, as well as Temporo-Mandibular joint<br />
tension (jaw pain) which can cause schooling issues.<br />
Equine Acupuncture can also be used to loosen off<br />
tight muscles following exercise, helping horses who<br />
compete in Dressage/Eventing and Show Jumping.<br />
Sometimes lameness examinations don’t yield<br />
satisfactory or definitive results. These cases could be<br />
down to a “Myofascial Pain Syndrome” where there is<br />
a characteristic pain referral pattern and these cases<br />
respond really well to acupuncture.<br />
Aside from musko-skeletal pain acupuncture may<br />
provide some relief to those horses suffering from<br />
frequent spasmodic colic episode, head shaking, and<br />
skin conditions.<br />
Conditions triggered by stress may be alleviated by<br />
acupuncture.<br />
What Does It Cost?<br />
The first treatment is £55.43 excluding visit and any subsequent treatment is £44.30 excluding visit.<br />
In most cases treatment can be claimed through your insurance as an alternative therapy.<br />
Please contact Serena at the surgery if you would like to discuss the potential benefits and treatment that would be<br />
best for your horse or donkey.<br />
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