b'GETTING TO THE POINTFrom a Western perspective, acupunc-ture works through neuromodulation, meaning it normalizes function through-out the nervous system. Acupuncture points correspond to areas of decreased electrical resistance and increased con-ductivity, as well as increased density of free nerve endings, small blood and lym-phatic vessels, and mast cells (immune cells found in connective tissues). From a physiology standpoint, acu-PAULA DA SILVApuncture elicits a response at different levels of the nervous system. 3First, it causes local effects, such as increasing Researchers have studied the efficacy of various types of acupuncture, including electroacupuncture blood flow to a certain point and relaxing(pictured) and aquapuncture.the surrounding muscle and tissue. Sec-ond, it causes segmental effects, as mostfor acupuncture in companion animal lit- also does not decrease clinical signs of meridians (pathways of acupunctureerature is to alleviate pain and treat lame- colic pain and is not recommended as points) correlate with nerve pathways.ness conditions. Researchers have foundthe primary intervention for colic. For This means stimulating an acupunctureacupuncture to be 98% effective for treat- horses with diarrhea, acupuncture points point can cause nerve impulses to traveling back soreness in companion animalsdo seem to have some positive effects on up the pathway and into the spinal cord.(dogs, cats, and horses), with increasedregulating GI motility. 6Third, it has central effects, meaningpain threshold (measured as twitching inFor respiratory conditions such as functional MRI (brain imaging) hasresponse to heat stimulus), increased skinequine asthma, study results show that shown different effects on the brain whentemperature, and increased endorphins inacupuncture can help dilate the airways, an acupuncture point is stimulated.the spinal fluid. 5 making it easier for affected horses to Finally, it affects the endocrine (hormone)Penelope Rochelle, DVM, CVA, CVSMT,breathe. That said, clinical trials have not system by changing the level of naturalequine acupuncturist and co-owner ofshown statistically significant differ-chemicals and opioids in the centralBlue Sage Veterinary Wellness Center,ences between lung parameters of equine nervous system. in Little Silver, New Jersey, finds acu- asthma patients treated with or without puncture to be very effectivefor the acupuncture.Is it Effective? treatment of sports injuries in equineInfertility is a common area of ap-As early as 1997, the National Institutesathletes, navicular/heel pain cases, andplication for acupuncture, especially in of Health concluded that acupunctureequine neck and back dysfunction. It ishuman medicine. In horses acupuncture was effective in treating human nauseaalso instrumental in helping reinforcereduces abnormal fluid accumulation in and dental pain and was useful for myri- postural changes necessary for a healthierthe uterus, resulting in increased fertil-ad medical issues ranging from osteoar- spine and greater athleticism. ity. 2Aquapuncture (injection of solution thritis to low back pain to asthma. 4SinceWhen used to treat arthritis, acu- into acupuncture points) can also help then, researchers have performed manypuncture seems to provide pain relief,regulate the heat cycle and, so, reduce case studies and experimental studiesalthough it does not reverse the process.the need for high-dose medications. An on the efficacy of acupuncture in horses,Studies on its efficacy with lamenessintegrative approach including TCVM dogs, and cats. However, in a review ofcases have produced mixed results. Forand Western medicine can, therefore, 843 references, Canadian scientists foundexample, in a single clinical study involv- effectively normalize equine patients with only four hypothesis-driven (more likelying horses with laminitis and navicularreproductive diseases.to be scientifically sound) studies. 5 disease, researchers found no significantPhysicians use acupuncture to treat Meagan Smith, DVM, Dipl. ABVP,difference in lameness between thosevarious ophthalmic conditions in hu-assistant professor of Clinical Equinetreated with acupuncture and those not. mans, including dry eye and glaucoma. Field Service at the University of Penn- For treatment of gastrointestinal (GI)Although stimulating local acupuncture sylvanias New Bolton Center, in Kennettdisorders, acupunctures efficacy comespoints around the eye seems to be anec-Square, primarily uses acupuncture forfrom its ability to alter blood flow to or- dotally effective, and efficacy has been musculoskeletal maintenance or to helpgans, decrease pain by releasing opioidsproven in dogs and rabbits, there have musculoskeletal issues, she says. Train- into the bloodstream, and normalizebeen no controlled studies performed ers and riders of the horses I performGI motility.6Acupuncture should not,specifically in horses to support this.monthly maintenance treatments on trulyhowever, replace colic surgery. AlthoughNicole Estes, DVM, associate practi-believe their horses feel better for at leastit increased affected horses pain thresh- tioner at Genesee Valley Equine Clinic, a couple weeks after treatmentmoreolds in one study, it was not as effectivein Scottsville, New York, and owner of supple and freely moving.as readily available injectable medica- Woods Dry Veterinary Services, has used Indeed, the most common indicationtions such as butorphanol. 2Acupunctureacupuncture to help control pain and 20November 2019The Horse|TheHorse.comUntitled-19 20 9/25/19 9:50 AM'