Specialized Horse Services -> Acupuncture
Acupuncture can help horses with many conditions involving pain, inflammation, or behavioral problems.
If your horse has any of the following problems, acupuncture may be an appropriate treatment either alone or in addition to other therapies.
• Trauma
• Heaves
• Ulcers or other digestive disturbances
• Recurrent non-surgical colic
• Scratches or other skin problems
• Reproductive problems
• Cushing's disease
• Metabolic syndrome
• Laminitis
• Navicular disease
• Performance problems: refusing to go forward, won't take a particular lead, stiff to one side, loss of power
• Behavorioral issues: girthyness, bad attitude, won't stand still, nervousness
• Back or neck pain
• Obvious or subtle lameness
Sometimes acupuncture can be part of curing the problem. In cases of advanced disease such as cancer, acupuncture can help alleviate some of the pain.
What to do next and what to expect
As with any veterinary visit, your horse's appointment with me begins with a physical exam. Acupuncture may be indicated after a physical exam. If further workup is needed I will refer you to a veterinary colleague if your horse requires imaging or other diagnostic services that I don't provide. I do offer blood testing for routine or disease specific analysis. 
Some owners worry that the needles may hurt or scare their horse. Be assured that your horse will be treated gently, with care and respect! I use the smallest possible needles. A few horses are afraid of the needles, no matter how small. If this is the case I begin with a gentle chiropractic treatment. I have found that some horses who are afraid of needles become very relaxed after a chiropractic treatment. Often these horses will accept the needles after the chiropractic treatment.
The first appointment takes up to 1 1/2 hours, sometimes longer. For many animals, acupuncture and chiropractic are indicated together. The appointment may be a little longer if I treat your horse with both therapies. If you are able to fill out the new client form before your appointment, this will save some time. Follow up treatments can often be done in half the time. I usually recommend 3 to 4 follow-up treatments, approximately one week apart although some problems can be solved more quickly.
Feel free to call or email if you have questions. Common questions:
• Your horse has a condition you do not see listed here
• You are not sure what diagnostics your horse might require
• Your primary care vet has made a diagnosis and you are not sure if acupuncture is indicted alone or in conjunction with drugs, medicine or surgery