Equine Acupuncture
Supplementary Treatment for Sports Horses & Pasture Pets
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 still plays a significant role in enhancing the health and vitality of our equine partners.
Our veterinarians are trained to provide top-notch multimodal care to alleviate your horse's pain. We work to address a wide range of conditions by incorporating acupuncture and other supplementary treatments into our comprehensive treatment plans.
At Great Lakes Equine, we understand that when your horse is in pain, it can cause issues throughout its entire body. We are here to help return your horse to pain-free mobility as quickly as possible.
What Is Equine Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is primarily used in sports horses to manage pain and restore function. The process involves inserting ultra-thin needles at specific points on the body where there are increased numbers of nerve endings, blood vessels, and lymphatics. This specific placement of the needles helps alleviate pain.
What Conditions Can Be Treated with Acupuncture
Acupuncture for horses can help to soothe pain and inflammation associated with conditions such as:
- Sore backs and necks
- Navicular issues leading to foot pain
- Laminitis (acute and chronic)
- Tendon or ligament injuries
- Arthritis
- Extending the period between joint injections
- Muscle atrophy
- Gastric ulcers
- Heaves or allergic lung conditions
- Anhidrosis or non-sweating
- Reproductive issues such as the inability to conceive or maintain pregnancy
When to Expect Results
Acupuncture is not a magical cure for lameness and disease. It will not instantly mend a broken bone or turn a lumbering draft horse into a Five Star Eventer.
However, by using thin needles to stimulate various points on the horse’s body, acupuncture can produce immediate physiological effects.
This may be due to the release of hormones, activation of nerve responses, or triggering of immune system function, all of which take time to improve health.
An improvement in performance and overall well-being can often be noticeable after one to three treatments performed weekly.
Services Available In-Hospital*
Diagnostics
Reproduction
Internal Medicine
Non-surgical Colic Care
Critical Care
Surgical Services
Regenerative Therapy
24/7 Emergency Care
*Services are available in our Hortonville hospital by appointment. No appointment required for emergencies.
Rehabilitation Services*
Lameness Exams
Diagnostics
Acupuncture
Abscess Care & Treatment
Spinal Manipulation Therapy
Dentistry
Ophthalmology
Regenerative Therapy
Podiatry
*Rehabilitation services are available by appointment and will be performed on your farm.
New Patients Welcome
We are welcoming new patients at Great Lakes Equine. We can't wait to meet you and your horse. Book an appointment today.