bits & pieces ASK THE VET your horse health questions answered
A Different Approach Three Alternative Therapies Explained BY STACIE AARSVOLD, D.V.M., NEW ENGLAND EQUINE MEDICAL AND SURGICAL CENTER
I have heard a lot about alternative therapies, but to be frank, they confuse me! What are they and how will my horse benefit from them?
Q:
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A:
Alternative therapies have taken off in the past few years, with many positive results. Whether they are used to treat minor discomfort, or used in conjunction with veterinary care to treat a larger problem, many horse owners are turning to them. In this article I have outlined some of the more popular therapies and benefits. It is important to note that while all of these therapies may reduce signs of lameness or discomfort, they may not be treating the underlying cause of lameness. If your horse is stiff or uncomfortable, he should be evaluated by a veterinarian. Veterinarians are always happy to work with your therapist to find the best treatment options for your horse.
Acupuncture What: Acupuncture is a therapy that was first developed in China approximately 3,000 years ago. It has been used in humans for a long time to treat everything from muscle pain to acne. The ancient Chinese believed that needle placement along energy meridians helped to change or increase the flow of energy through the body, and, thus relieve pain. More research still needs
to be performed, but Western medicine suggests that it works by activating various neurotransmitters that help to dull the pain response and stop the pain cycle. Acupuncture has also been used in addition to traditional medicine to help treat signs of colic. How: This type of therapy is best performed in an unsedated horse, as the sedation may affect how the horse responds to the needles. Your horse will first be scanned to see which areas are most sensitive. Needles will then be precisely placed to help reduce this sensitivity. They are very thin, and most horses don't object to them. The needles will then remain in place for anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes. Most horses need a minimum of three to six treatments to see long-lasting effects.
Why: Acupuncture is a great tool to help relieve muscle tension and stiffness.
Chiropractic What: Chiropractic work is a form of manipulation that helps to realign the pelvis and spine. It is often used in conjunction with acupuncture to relieve muscle tension and spine misalignment. The ultimate goal of chiropractic work is to restore function and mobility to the compromised vertebrae. How: Similar to acupuncture, your horse is examined for stiffness and misalignment. The horse’s spine and other structures are then realigned by pushing on the hips, pelvis, back, and shoulders with various amounts of thrust and pressure. The spine is a complex system of vertebrae, nerves, and liga-
EQUINE PHYSICAL THERAPY: The utilization of specialized procedures and equipment to help treat horses recovering from surgery or injury, much like its human counterpart. MAGNOTHERAPY: Using magnets embedded in horse boots, blankets, and
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wraps in order to promote healing, increase circulation, and loosen tense muscles. PHOTONIC LIGHT THERAPY: The use of light to stimulate soft tissue, and treat slowhealing muscle strains, body soreness, and tendon injuries.
LOW INTENSITY THERAPEUTIC ULTRASOUND: Using ultrasonic waves to treat common soft tissue and bone injuries, such as tendon and suspensory injuries, splints, and bone chips.
PHOTO: DUSTYPERIN.COM
health hints › ADDITIONAL ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES
| June 2013
5/15/13 4:30:55 PM