How Can Acupuncture Help Your Horse?

Acupuncture is an alternative treatment approach that can provide relief for your horse if they are exercising any pain. This method of therapy involves stimulating certain points on the horse's body with needles or lasers to relieve discomfort and create balance. At Davie County Large Animal in Mocksville, NC, we're dedicated to offering quality animal care services to our clients. We’ve implemented acupuncture for horses as part of our treatments because it offers the following benefits: 

Chronic Pain Control

If your horse is experiencing chronic pain, it could be caused by an injury or another underlying medical condition. Our vets can help reduce inflammation and ease any tension your horse may feel with acupuncture. This therapy also releases endorphins that reduce pain and improves their overall comfort. Our veterinarians will ensure the procedure is done correctly and safely. The approach is delicate and we will ensure that your horse is in good condition and does not suffer pain after treatment. 

Improved Performance

Every owner wants their horse to be able to perform at an optimum level. However, this is not always the case due to chronic pain or other underlying medical conditions. Acupuncture helps to improve your horse's performance by stimulating the points in the body that release hormones and natural chemicals which help to relax muscles, reduce inflammation, and improve blood circulation. This allows for improved muscular coordination and range of motion so your horse can perform at its peak levels.

Eliminating Nerve Problems

Horses tend to be diagnosed with unending nerve problems due to being involved in many daily activities. Conventional medicine is sometimes not reliable for nerve problems. Acupuncture can help to restore balance and improve nerve function, allowing your horse to move more freely and with less pain. You don't have to worry about the possibility of any side effects, as the procedure is natural and doesn’t involve any substances.

Treating Intestinal Issues

You may have a perception that acupuncture only addresses external issues. However, acupuncture can be used to treat digestive and intestinal problems in horses by targeting points within the body that are connected to the intestines. It also helps support overall health by improving nutrient absorption and assimilation. 

Muscle Relaxation

Horse muscles tend to become stiff and tense due to activities. Acupuncture helps relax these muscles, allowing your horse to move more freely and comfortably. You will notice a decrease in stiffness and increased range of motion with each acupuncture session.

Traditional Chinese veterinary medicine (TCVM)

Acupuncture and herbal medicine are part of Traditional Chinese veterinary medicine (TCVM); combined they have been shown to increase therapeutic effectiveness.

Among other health problems, acupuncture has been demonstrated to aid with pain management, immune system health, and fertility. Furthermore, chronic diseases that have not responded well to traditional Western therapy can benefit from the use of herbal medicine and acupuncture.  Dr. Castro obtained his acupuncture and TCVM certification from Chi University.

Tui-na Massage is a Chinese massage technique that promotes the free and harmonious flow of chi (a life-enhancing force that circulates throughout the body of the horse).  Dr. Castro is also a Certified Veterinary Tui-Na (Equine Massage) Practitioner (CVT).

Acupuncture is indicated to help with: 

• Back Pain
• Muscle soreness
• Laryngeal Hemiplegia
• Facial and radial nerve paralysis
• Anhidrosis (inability to sweat) 
• Uveitis 
• Infertility
• Behavioral problems 
• Performance enhancement
• General well-being 
• Preventative care 

Acupuncture is contraindicated in conditions such as: infectious diseases, tumors, open wounds, pregnancy, fractures and any condition that requires surgery. 

Contact Us Today for Horse Acupuncture Services

At Davie County Large Animal in Mocksville, NC, our veterinarians are here to ensure your horse receives quality medical care. We believe acupuncture is an appropriate and natural approach to treating chronic pain and improving your horse's performance. Contact us today at (336) 998-7131 to schedule an appointment.

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Chiropractic

Chiropractic is the manipulation or adjustment of joints and their related structures.  The purpose of chiropractic adjustments is to mobilize stiff or restricted areas.
The reduction of mobility due to restricted joints in the back, neck or pelvis results in resistance and decreased overall performance. Your horse may experience the following: 

• Difficulty executing desired movements such as collection, bending, and flexing.
• Short strided
• Cold backed
• Weak sided: having trouble taking the lead or keeping it
• Discomfort that causes behavioral issues such as head shaking, bucking, or sensitivity of the girth/cinch
• Painful posture to urinate or defecate

Dr. Castro is a Certified Equine Spinal Manipulator (Equine Chiropractic) by the Integrative Veterinary Medical Institute.

Contact Us Today for Horse Chiropractic Services

At Davie County Large Animal in Mocksville, NC, our veterinarians are here to ensure your horse receives quality medical care. We believe chiropractic is an appropriate to treating musculoskeletal conditions and  improving your horse's performance.  Contact us today at (336) 998-7131  to schedule an appointment with Dr. Castro!