Equine Acupuncture in Staffordshire

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Acupuncture can help manage pain, support recovery and keep horses comfortable.

At Little Rock Equine Vets in Endon, Staffordshire, it’s carried out by Kami (right), one of our vets, who has been certified in veterinary acupuncture since 2016. She uses it alongside conventional veterinary care.

What is equine acupuncture?

Acupuncture is the insertion of fine needles, or injection of substances, into specific points on the body to treat pain, imbalance or disease. In horses, it’s most commonly used for musculoskeletal and neurological problems.

Acupuncture has been used in humans and animals for more than 3,000 years.

 

How does acupuncture work in horses?

Acupuncture points have a high concentration of nerve endings, blood vessels and immune cells.

Stimulating these points releases natural signalling chemicals, both at the point itself and elsewhere in the body, including the central nervous system.

The effects can include:

  • Pain relief
  • Improved blood flow
  • Reduced inflammation
  • Regulation of gut movement
  • Support for the immune system

Conditions acupuncture can help with

Acupuncture may help horses with:

  • Back and neck pain
  • Chronic musculoskeletal conditions such as arthritis
  • Altered gait without lameness
  • Laminitis
  • Trigeminal-mediated headshaking
  • Gastrointestinal disorders
  • Respiratory disorders such as equine asthma
  • Laryngeal hemiplegia
  • Facial and radial nerve paralysis

It can also be used to keep older horses comfortable and to support performance and general wellbeing.

Frequently asked questions

What happens during an acupuncture appointment?

Kami will look at your horse’s history and any existing veterinary diagnoses. She will also carry out a Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) examination, which includes:

  • Checking the appearance of the tongue
  • Taking the pulse
  • A diagnostic acupuncture scan to find sensitive points around the body

This helps her reach a TCVM diagnosis and plan your horse’s treatment.

Each session takes around 20 to 60 minutes. Treatment may involve acupuncture needles, injections into acupuncture points or electro-acupuncture.

How many acupuncture sessions will my horse need?

This depends on how severe the problem is and how long your horse has had it. In general, we recommend 3 to 5 sessions.

Some horses benefit from regular maintenance treatment throughout the year. If acupuncture is being used to maintain comfort and general health, we may suggest 3 to 4 sessions a year.

Is acupuncture suitable for every horse?

Acupuncture is suitable for most horses. It should not be used, or should only be used with great care, in pregnant mares. Kami will discuss whether it’s right for your horse before starting treatment.

Book equine acupuncture

To find out whether acupuncture could help your horse, or to book an appointment with Kami, call Little Rock Equine Vets on 01782 898102.

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