Case Reports
Acupuncture Treatment of Sport Injuries in Polo Horses
Acupuncture
is a therapeutic method based on the stimulation of acupuncture points.
It is highly effective in alleviating pain and other medical conditions
in man as well as animals. Regarding the equestrian disciplines, acupuncture
has been used very successfully in managing various riding problems.
Soft tissue injuries due to strained muscles or ligaments or irritated peripheral nerves are also well-managed using acupuncture.
Shoulder lameness in a horse
Aislin is an eighteen-year-old thoroughbred gelding. He was rested for the last three months because of chronic lameness in the right front limb.
The diagnosis of a soft tissue strain was made and appropriate acupuncture points were stimulated.
Acupuncture can be particularly useful in cases of soft tissue injuries located around the shoulder and hips. These injuries are usually due to muscle or ligament strain, or due to nerve irritation.
A digestive problem in a Dachshund
Bonnie, a five year old Dachshund, suffered from frequent nausea and vomiting for more than 18 months. She also suffered from diarrhoea and associated pain.
Acupuncture (or any other) treatment of such complicated cases, can be lengthy and not always rewarding. In Bonnie's case, it was necessary to administer a total of nine acupuncture treatments over a period of two months.
Since the end of the treatment (two and half years later), vomiting is no longer a problem. In the opinion of the owner, the acupuncture treatment was crucial in improving Bonnie's quality of life.
Shoulder lameness in a cat
A three year old Abyssinian female cat, Mawn, recently had a fight with another cat. Since then, she showed a prominent limp on her right front limb.
Three acupuncture treatments were necessary to deactivate all the tender muscle nodules. The range of movement of the joint increased and the muscle nodules disappeared. Four weeks later the cat was still sound as before the injury and does not exhibit any signs of pain.
German Shepherd Tigger: Pain in Hips and Low Back
This case demonstrates possibilities of acupuncture in treating muscular rheumatism. The condition usually develops as a consequence of acute or repetitive muscle strain. While many cases will improve spontaneously with appropriate rest, some dogs will show subsequent periodical pain and stiffness and appropriate treatment should be sought. Acupuncture is a reliable option, especially in situations when the more conventional drug treatment is not desirable because of possible side-effects, or because it could be considered as doping (when using the dog in competitions).
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Gabriel: Sore Back in a Horse
When Gabriel, an eight-year old thoroughbred gelding, started to be disobedient while ridden, the owner correctly assumed that he has injured its back. Gabriel was first treated with acupuncture in May 2006. Following the second treatment, Gabriel was judged as pain-free and his usual training could continue uneventfully throughout the rest of the competition season.
Acupuncture treatment can be highly effective in selected cases following a thorough veterinary examination.
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