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. The initial clinical examination revealed a severe muscle spasm throughout his entire back and in the hamstring muscles. Eight acupuncture needles were inserted into selected acupuncture points and gently manually stimulated during a ten minute period. Following a subsequent two days rest, the owner attempted to ride Gabriel again and found that this time he was fully cooperative and obedient, as before the incident. He could be jumped again.
On the second treatment, scheduled five days later, I found and treated only a few tender muscle points in the low back area. Following the second treatment, Gabriel was judged as pain-free and his usual training could continue uneventfully throughout the rest of the competition season. In some other cases, it might be necessary to periodically repeat the acupuncture treatment.
Sore back is a common clinical condition in competition horses. There are numerous causes for sore back such as self-inflicted trauma (due to bucking, rearing, falling while running in the paddock etc) and training-related injuries (jumping accidents, excessive work load etc). So-called "kissing spines" are a well-known predisposing factor for the development of sore back. Acupuncture treatment can be highly effective in selected cases following a thorough veterinary examination.
Cases of severe injuries with suspected fractures, major lameness, open wounds, unusual swelling, infection, shock etc should be managed using conventional veterinary medicine and surgery as a matter of emergency. Please consult your usual veterinarian, if in any doubt.
Other possible causes, such as a poorly fitting saddle or inappropriate shoeing, should be managed accordingly before considering acupuncture treatment.