Acupuncture & Complementary Medicine for Your Horse

Dr. Linda Rydgig is a certified veterinary acupuncturist (CVA) through the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS). She has also completed advanced training for equine at the Chi Institute in Florida. For more than 15 years, Dr. Rydgig has been treating horses with musculoskeletal soreness, nerve damage, ophthalmic conditions, behavior issues, and other conditions that respond well to this complementary therapy.

Although acupuncture has been widely used in China for thousands of years, equine acupuncture in the United States has been introduced in just the last century. Equine acupuncture is recognized as an accepted treatment modality by both the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Association of Equine Practitioners.

How Acupuncture Works

According to ancient Chinese medical philosophy, disease is the result of an imbalance of energy in the body. Acupuncture is believed to balance this energy and, thereby, assist the body to heal disease.

In Western terms, acupuncture can assist the body to heal itself by affecting certain physiological changes. For example, acupuncture can stimulate nerves, increase blood circulation, relieve muscle spasm, and cause the release of hormones, such as endorphins and cortisol.

For Which Conditions Is Acupuncture Indicated?

Acupuncture is indicated mainly for functional problems such as paralysis, noninfectious inflammation (allergies), and pain. Some general conditions may be musculoskeletal (sore backs), nervous system (suprascapular nerve paralysis "Sweeney"), skin problems, respiratory problems, gastrointestinal (non surgical colic), and reproductive disorders.

Is Acupuncture Painful?

For small animals, needle insertion is virtually painless. The large needles necessary for large animals may cause some discomfort as the needle passes through the skin. Once the needles are in place, there should be no pain. Most animals become very relaxed. Nevertheless, acupuncture treatment may cause some sensation, presumed to be those such as tingles, cramps, or numbness, which can occur in humans and which may be mildly uncomfortable to some animals.

After examining your horse, Dr. Rydgig will discuss the treatment options with you, such as dry needle, aquapuncture (injection of B12 or saline into points), electro acupuncture (electrical stimulation), and/or Chinese herbal medicine.

If you would like to learn more about these complementary medical treatments or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact us at (805) 482-1902.