A "New" Approach to Reproduction Issues in Horses

Reproduction issues in horses can be particularly frustrating, especially when it’s top genetics you are working with. The purpose of this article is to briefly touch on the use of acupuncture for reproductive issues and make equine owners aware of options available to them. Research looks at the use of acupuncture in treating reproduction failures in both mares and stallions with great success. Acupuncture originates from traditional Chinese medicine and is defined as the use of needles on specific locations on the body for the treatment of certain conditions. Researchers have discovered over 300 acupuncture points on the horse.

So what is acupuncture? Acupuncture comes in many forms from tiny needles to laser therapy to even injections of vitamins; all focusing on those specific points on the animal. The contemporary form of acupuncture is the insertion of a needle through the skin of the horse at specific, predetermined spot (acupuncture point) for the treatment of many problems from pain, to disease and even reproductive issues.  With the advances in neuroscience, researchers are able to observe the direct therapeutic response of needle insertion. The basis of acupuncture is when the needle is inserted it results in an inflammatory response that subsequently increases blood flow, muscle and tissue relaxation; this is a direct result of an immune response.  Producers should note that the insertion of the needles cause little to no discomfort to the horse and that all cases are different and therefore a veterinarian should perform an examination prior to deciding what target areas to address.

One might be wondering what specific reproduction issues are treated and the answer is most of them including but not limited to cystic ovaries, retained CL, silent heats, false pregnancies, retained placentas, impotence of the stallion, uterine prolapses and even act as a tool for abortion prevention as it relates to the mare’s inability to carry full-term. The main focus behind reproductive acupuncture treatment is that it is being utilized to treat abnormally functioning reproductive tissue by causing a direct neurological response.

Various Forms of Acupuncture Used Today:

·      Dry Needling

o   Needle insertion into skin

·      Aquapuncture

o   Injection of fluid

§  Fluids can include B12 as well as other medications and vitamins

·      Electrostimulation/Electroacupuncture

o   Use of electrodes à attach to the acupuncture needles

·      Moxibustion

o   Burning herbs used on acupuncture point

·      Hemoacupuncture

o   Bleeding of a specific acupuncture point à similar to having your finger pricked

·      Cold Laser IR Stimulator 

o   Use of lasers or Infra-red stimulators on specific acupuncture points

When considering the use of acupuncture, it is extremely important to consult with your veterinarian. The uses of acupuncture and research backing are almost limitless in not just reproductive issues but also other health problems.