Acupuncture for horses

[no_no_nanette]

Our ex-racehorse has developed discomfort in his back/stifle area again (its happened once before). Both times seem to be connected with jumping - the first time he seemed unsound was after doing a local clear round, and this time after jumping cross-poles in the school. He tends to overjump ENORMOUSLY, and I wonder if he pulls/strains something in leaping so high! Anyway, he has been through all the usual tests and scan and nothing found. So we are now thinking of using acupuncture on him (there's a local vet who seems to be very well thought of). Has anyone experience of using acupuncture? How successful was it? Its quite an expensive road to go down, so would value your thoughts before we decide to go for it.

 

[Bossanova]

We have acupuncture done on the eventers. It's been amazing to see it work- It's not going to drastically improve everything over-night but certainly seems to make them more comfortable. It costs a fair amount but we got one horse done on his insurance with the co-operation of our vet.

 

[pottamus]

I have no experience of using acupunture on horses or animals but have had treatment myself. I had acupuncture and physio once a week for a couple of months and have been pain free for over a year. I had experinced pain for years surrounding one hip, where at it's worst it felt like it was dislocating when walkng! It turned out that the muscles at the base of my spine were pulling and so tight that they had mis aligned both my lower spine and hip joint. It had remarkable effects on me and I would not hesiate to use it again.
I would be intrigued to know how it would work with horses though as when I had the needles in place I had to keep very still. Occasionally in the early treatments I would twich a muscle and it would be quite painful if that was the location of a 'pin'. So I don't know because you can't tell horses to keep perfectly still!!!!
Basically there can be a bit of a warm feeling surrounding the 'pins' but nothing other than that, but I think it does need following straight up by physio to release muscles etc...
Would be very interested to know how you get on and hope all goes well for your horse...

 

[Theresa_F]

Delia my TB had it following muscle problems after a virus. First two sessions she was ok but she was very down at the time. Third session she objected and figited, fourth session vet offered to sedate and I said think time to stop putting needles in as she is not enjoying this one bit.

Have heard it can be very good, but not for Miss Delia who did not enjoy it one bit.