Use of acupuncture in the control of pain in equine laminitis

Abstract

Today the acupuncture technique is a well-established and frequently used in Veterinary Medicine, with effectively in treatment of different types of illnesses. The analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect of this technique are proven by Traditional Chinese Medicine, and it is used as an adjunct to treatment of pain control methods, reducing the use of drugs that have harmful effects to the body. In equine acupuncture is highly recommended in the treatment of chronic pain, like those caused by changes in the locomotor system, been that last one a common clinical change in the clinical routine for this specie. In the treatment of laminitis in horses acupuncture has many advantages, including reducing the use of drugs, has a much lower cost, and also, does not have deleterious side effects to the patient. This literature review was aimed to inform the public and veterinarians about the acupuncture technique, describing the concept of the technique, its benefits, and additional information on pain control in horses with laminitis.