Equine Acupuncture Services - F.A.Q. Guide

The Origin of Acupuncture
The earliest evidence of acupuncture is stone needles recovered from Mongolia, dated back to the Neolithic period, approximately 8,000 years ago.  Bole Zhenjing, the first text on veterinary acupuncture was written by Sun Yang (aka Bole), the veterinarian for the emperor’s horses, sometime from 659 to 621 BC.
Acupuncture was originally introduced into North America in the 1800’s but didn’t really take off until the 1970’s when New York Times reporter James Reston, traveling with Nixon to China, was treated with acupuncture after an emergency appendectomy.  Reston was so impressed with the pain management, that he wrote
about it upon returning to the US. Nixon, also impressed, helped to initiate an exchange program between medical practitioners in China and the US.  Acupuncture was officially recognized by the NIH as a viable treatment option in 1997.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
From a Western perspective, acupuncture works by stimulating specific points on the body that have both decreased electrical resistance and increased electrical conductivity.  These points also have a high density of free nerve endings, arterioles, lymphatic vessels & mast cells.
Therefore, stimulation of these points activates nerve endings, sending a message to the brain which then tells the body to make different chemicals and hormones to help the body heal.  From an Eastern perspective, energy, known as qi (pronounced chi), flows through the body on
highways, known as meridians.  Too much, not enough or any blockage of energy along these highways can lead to pain or general imbalance leading to illness.  Stimulation of acupuncture points simple helps to restore a normal flow of energy.
What is Acupuncture Good For?
Acupuncture, is perhaps best known for its use in pain relief.  In fact, studies have shown increases in endogenous opoids in the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) and serum, as well as β-endorphin, both of which are potent pain mediators.  In horses, one of the most common signs of pain is lameness.  Lameness is often treated very effectively by Western medicine with glucosamine/chondroitan supplements, anti-inflammatories and joint injections.
Acupuncture is very effective when used in conjunction with these treatments to increase the interval between joint injections or to treat joints such as hips and shoulders which are difficult to inject.  It can also be used to treat soft tissue injuries, foot pain (such as laminitis and navicular syndrome) and back pain. In addition acupuncture can be used for general performance enhancement by keeping everything in top order and heading off problems before they result in lameness or
poor performance. Besides the above mentioned uses of acupuncture other uses include immune regulation,  reproductive disorders, endocrine problems, anxiety/stress issues and skin diseases.  In general, if you follow the basic Eastern philosophy, physical ailments are caused by some underlying unbalance, if this can be addressed the body will heal the outward manifestation of the unbalance.
Can Acupuncture be Used on Any Horse?
Yes, however it should be used with caution on pregnant, very ill, or very old horses.
What Does a Treatment Look Like?
Generally an acupuncture exam and treatment will last from 45 to 90 minutes.  Initially a detailed history of the horse is taken, including information on their personality, current problem, past problems, and medications.  An exam is then performed including palpation of the jugular pulse, evaluation of the tongue and scanning the body for point sensitivity.  After this, a plan is made and needles are placed.  Most horses  tolerate needles well, many
even seem to become somewhat sedated or fall asleep as treatment proceeds.  Besides placement of dry needles, most treatments include electro-acupuncture which involves attaching leads to the needles and passing a small electrical current between them.  Electrical stimulation is kept to a low level that seems to relax most horses, however, occasionally a “blockage” is suddenly removed causing horses to react by kicking out or
startling.  Two other treatment modalitites which may be used include injection of vitamin B12 into acupuncture points or burning of the mugwort herb known as Moxa on the end of the needle to add heat into the point.  Chinese herbs may also be recommended to further enhance and prolong the acupuncture treatment.
Equine electroacupuncture session
Dr. Snedden's horse "TS" having an electroacupuncture session
How Often Should Horses be Treated?
The simple answer is that it depends.  More complex or chronic cases may need to be seen as frequently as once a week, though more often we recommend every 2 to 4
weeks for 3 to 5 treatment.  Some acute cases may resolve after only one treatment.  If  using acupuncture for preventive medicine, it is best to see the horse 3-4
times per year when the seasons change.  For performance enhancement it is best to see them about a week before competition.
Are There Any Exercise Restrictions Pre or Post Treatment?
If you plan to ride your horse the day of treatment, please plan to do so before treatment.  We also recommend they either be given the following day off or just receive a light workout.
Can I Combine Acupuncture with a Regular Visit?
Acupuncture can be combined with a regular visit, but preferably not with one that will require sedation (such as teeth floating or joint injections) as this will decrease the efficacy of acupuncture by 30 to 40%.
How Much Does Acupuncture Cost?
At FHVP we charge $100, plus a call fee for an initial visit/treatment.  Follow-ups are $75.
What Training Does Dr. Snedden Have?
Dr. Brandy Snedden became a certified veterinary acupuncturist in 2008 after completing 130 hours of training at the Chi Institute of Chinese Medicine (www.tcvm.com) as well as internship hours and a case study.