ACUPUNCTURE FOR TREATING CHRONIC BACK PAIN IN THE HORSE

Fifteen horses of various breeds and occupations, with chronic back pain for ½ to 9 years, were treated with acupuncture. Before treatment these horses were not normal in performance nor on physical . examination. The average number of treatments was 7.9. The treatment consisted of inserting acupuncture needles and leaving them in place 20 minutes. No electrical stimulation was used. Moxibustion was used in one case. The horses were evaluated by the author, at least one other veterinarian and the owner (or trainer, or rider) Only when all three agreed that a horse was normal in performance and examination was the horse placed in that category; 13 of the 15 horses treated fulfilled this requirement. Of these 13, 8 horses competed successfully after treatment.