We know that acupuncture has been used for centuries for various treatments, primarily for pain. A relief is created at the tip of each tiny needle by the hands of a trained professional.
“This is Sarge, a 15-year-old gelding,” said Dr. Elena Shirley, DVM.
Veterinarian Elena Shirley introduced me and my summer intern, Marti. Visit the patient before treatment. Dr. Shirley believes in acupuncture as a treatment.
“This is a tool in the toolkit,” she said. “It doesn’t replace all of my education. I keep my entire toolbox.”
Although it does not help in all cases, it can be used instead of drugs that can cause other unwanted side effects. So let’s get down to business. Unless you are treating Mr. Ed, how will you know where it hurts?
Dr. Shirley begins the scan, looking for any reaction that might indicate trouble.
“Okay, if it hurts a little bit, as you can see, oh, I’m sorry, baby,” she says to the patient.
That’s where the needle goes.
She said show horses and barrel racing horses can get injured just like any other athlete. Traditional painkillers may not be appropriate.
The tips of small needles may have reliefs. A small electrode may be attached to the needle for additional stimulation.
Acupuncture has been used effectively on humans for centuries, but is now increasingly being used on animals as well. Of course, kissing the horse always helps too.
Dr. Shirley provides acupuncture to small animals at Hunters Glen Veterinary Hospital, 9150 South Bladen, and also provides acupuncture to horses through Tulsa Veterinary Acupuncture Services at Legacy Equine in Glenpool.
