Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Acupuncture?

So, I have Moon scheduled in with a highly recommended equine veterinarian/chiropractor...

She went through her procedure process and ended by saying that she does acupuncture after the adjustment.

Ummmm...I'm not so sure I want that done to my horse.

I told her this, but kind of left it at, "We'll see what you find when you work him over."

Has anyone had acupuncture done on a horse?

Why did you have it done?

What is your opinion of the outcome?

Fill me in guys, I'm all for exploring new options that help, but I am very cautious about falling into doing something that is unnecessary and/or ineffective.

12 comments:

Elise said...

Had it done on my horse and myself. Horse didn't even flinch. I can't say if the acupuncture helped as it was administered during a chiro adjustment so who knows which did the most work. Acupuncture was the only thing that helped my husband's back trouble even after getting a new bed and going through physical therapy.

sara said...

I had a older QH that I ran barrels and poles on that was getting sore in the hind end. After x-rays showed nothing, and chiro and supplements didnt seem to help I took him to have acupuncture done. The outcome was amazing. I don't know that I would do both the chiro and acupuncture- at least at the same time (so you know what worked) but I would suggest considering it.

Kristen said...

wow, I'd never even heard of people doing acupuncture for horses! Good luck with what you decide!

Unknown said...

I've seen acupuncture remove pain instantly. I wouldn't hesitate to try it for my horse.

Carroll Farm said...

I have had it done on 4 of our horses. It had been great so far. It has worked for many different things even ulcers. If the chiropractor says she thinks it needs done I would do it. Sometimes it is just suggested to help with instant pain removal so the muscles don't undo the adjustments made because they are so stiff from being out so long.

Chelsi said...

I know of an old barrel horse that the owners keep running (they claim) through the benefits of acupuncture. The science behind it makes sense to me (treating the nervous system) but as with most things i think it comes down to the ability of the practitioner.

Good luck! Cant wait to hear how it goes.

Grey Horse Matters said...

We've had it done on many horses with their chiro adjustments. It does seem to help if it's done correctly by a reputable vet. Give it a try one time and see if you think it makes a difference.

Sherry Sikstrom said...

I have had acupunture on me and it helped . I have seen Acupressure done on horses to some effect and one of our local vets took a course in it ,he seems to think it is an excellent compliment to tradtitional treatment so.Ultimatley though he is your horse

Anonymous said...

It has been interesting to read the comments of your readers. Acupuncture has been around for a very long time and it is just now being recognized in our culture.

Cut-N-Jump said...

Accupunture, accupressure, massage, stretching and chiropractic work can all be benificial as long as the practitioner is a good one and knows what they are doing. It's amazing the amount of money spent on the things we do for our horses to keep them sound and comfortable. As Fern said, he is your horse and the choice is up to you.

BrownEyed Cowgirl said...

Thanks for posting all of the positive comments. We will see what the vet comes up with today. Since, acupuncture is 'new to me', it sure helps to hear that others have had success with it.

SunnySD said...

Weighing in a little late, but I have seen it done on a couple of horses, and while I don't know about long-term (didn't get to see the follow-up visits) the immediate reaction of the horses was very positive. Complete relaxation - even the one that started the session completely strung out and bouncing off the walls.

I know of at least one vet that recommends it instead of, or in combination with Adequan, along with massage and her patients seem to do well.