Equine Acupuncture
How does acupuncture work?
Veterinary acupuncture is thought to influence the body through stimulation of specific points that contain a high concentration of nerve endings, small blood vessels, and connective tissue. When a needle is placed, it may activate local nerves that send signals to the spinal cord and brain. These signals can lead to the release of natural chemicals involved in pain modulation, circulation, and relaxation.
Research in both human and veterinary medicine suggests acupuncture may support normal physiological processes such as:
✓ Modulation of discomfort and pain
✓ Support of the nervous system
✓ Normal immune function
✓ Regulation of gastrointestinal and reproductive functions
✓ Support for musculoskeletal stiffness or mobility concerns
Acupuncture is used as a complementary therapy alongside standard veterinary care.
How often will my horse need acupuncture?
Every case is different. Many patients begin with a series of 3–4 sessions to evaluate how they respond. The frequency and number of treatments depend on the condition being addressed, how long it has been present, and how the patient progresses. Chronic conditions often require more than one or two sessions to assess benefit. Dr. Fenton will develop a plan based on your horse’s individual presentation and response.
Will it hurt my horse?
Most horses tolerate acupuncture very well. Some may react briefly when a needle is first placed, which can indicate sensitivity or tension in that area. Once the needles are in place, many horses relax, stand quietly, or even fall asleep. Any signs of discomfort during treatment are monitored closely, and techniques can be adjusted to keep the horse comfortable.
What types of conditions can acupuncture support?
Acupuncture is used in veterinary medicine to support a wide range of conditions. Instead of focusing on a disease label, treatment is based on the horse’s individual history, clinical signs, constitution, lifestyle, environment, and current presentation. The goal is to support balance, comfort, and normal function.
This may include attention to:
- diet and nutrition
- stress levels
- environment and herd dynamics
- sleep and recovery
- pre-existing conditions
- overall wellness patterns
What are the different types of acupuncture available?
🔸 Traditional Acupuncture – Uses fine, sterile needles at specific points to support normal neuromuscular function, circulation, and overall comfort as an adjunct to standard veterinary care.
🔸 Electro Acupuncture – Uses gentle electrical stimulation through acupuncture needles to support neuromuscular function, circulation, and comfort as an adjunct to standard veterinary care. Very effective for pain. Usually requires 3 sessions minimum.
🔸 Vitamin B12 Acupuncture – Combines acupuncture with targeted vitamin B12 delivery to support cellular function, energy metabolism, and overall tissue responsiveness. Dr. Fenton will muscle test which acupuncture points to use for maximum treatment potency.
🔸 Adequan Acupuncture – Integrates acupuncture points with intramuscular (Adequan®) to support joint mobility, comfort, and musculoskeletal balance. Dr. Fenton will muscle test which acupuncture point needs the adequan. This helps create a synergistic effect of receiving both the adequan itself and the adequan substance stimulating an appropriate acupuncture point related to your horse's specific concerns.
🔸 Autogenous Blood Acupuncture – Uses a small sample of the patient’s own blood in conjunction with acupuncture points to provide localized support for musculoskeletal and tissue responsiveness as an adjunctive therapy. Very good for allergies, skin conditions, pain and immune support. Dr. Fenton will muscle test which acupuncture points to use for maximum treatment potency.
🔸 Moxibustion (Moxa) – Applies gentle heat from burning moxa over acupuncture points to support circulation, relaxation, and musculoskeletal function, which can be especially helpful in cold or damp conditions to support joint comfort and mobility as a complement to standard veterinary care. Helpful for resolving edema during cold winters when horses are stocked up from standing in box stalls due to rain. Also beneficial for older horses that become more arthritic, slow and painful during fall, winter, rain, cold, wind and damp conditions.