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Approaching Equine Lameness with Evidence-Based Acupuncture Diagnostics

Writer's picture: Dr. Colleen O'LearyDr. Colleen O'Leary

Acupuncture is not just an ancient healing practice—it’s also diagnostic tool in equine veterinary medicine. Recent studies demonstrate how Acupuncture Point Sensitivity Scanning (APSS) can detect subtle issues like lameness, providing actionable insights that traditional methods may overlook.


What Is Acupuncture Point Sensitivity Scanning (APSS)?

APSS is a systematic technique where specific acupuncture points are palpated to identify areas of increased sensitivity. These sensitive points often correlate with underlying issues, such as musculoskeletal pain or joint dysfunction. It’s a quick, non-invasive method that can uncover hidden compensatory problems in horses.


Acupuncture treatment is revolutionizing equine health by offering:

  1. Early Detection: Identifying subtle issues before they escalate ensures timely intervention.

  2. Comprehensive Assessment: APSS evaluates the whole horse, uncovering systemic or compensatory dysfunctions.

  3. Enhanced Performance: Proactive care keeps equine athletes performing at their best.



Acupuncture for Diagnosing Lameness

Lameness is a leading cause of reduced performance in horses, but early detection is often challenging. A study by Le Jeune et al. investigated APSS as a diagnostic tool in 102 performance horses.

Key Findings:

  • 82.4% Sensitivity: APSS detected lameness in more than 80% of cases.

  • 78.4% Specificity: The technique correctly identified sound horses, reducing false positives.

  • 80.4% Accuracy: These results make APSS a reliable tool for screening lameness


Notably, over 50% of lame horses were not recognized as lame by their owners, highlighting the importance of routine APSS evaluations for early detection.


Diagnosing Stifle Disease with Acupuncture

The stifle joint is one of the most complex in a horse’s body, making diagnosis of related conditions particularly difficult. A study by Michelotto et al. examined athletic horses and found acupuncture to be highly effective in diagnosing stifle disease.


Key Results:

  • Imaging Confirmation: Radiographs and ultrasonography confirmed stifle-related lesions in 21 out of 22 horses examined, including degenerative joint disease and ligament injuries


  • When there was stifle disease, acupuncture identified compensatory pain in areas like the sacroiliac joint and spine, offering a comprehensive view of the horse’s health.


Why Use Evidence-Based Acupuncture for Horses?

A third study, published in the American Journal of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, further validated the use of APSS:

  • Reproducibility: APSS produced consistent results across trained practitioners.

  • Clinical Relevance: Sensitivity at specific acupuncture points strongly correlated with musculoskeletal issues

These findings confirm that APSS is not just a complementary practice but a scientifically supported diagnostic tool.


How The Zen Vet Can Help

At The Zen Vet, we integrate evidence-based acupuncture techniques into our equine care services. From diagnosing subtle lameness to managing complex conditions like stifle disease, we provide personalized, holistic care for your horse.

Take the first step in revolutionizing your horse’s health. Contact us today to schedule an acupuncture consultation and discover how this cutting-edge diagnostic tool can benefit your equine partner.


References

  1. Le Jeune, Sarah S., and James H. Jones. "Prospective Study on the Correlation of Positive Acupuncture Scans and Lameness in 102 Performance Horses." American Journal of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, vol. 9, no. 2, 2014, pp. 33-39.

  2. Michelotto, Pedro V., et al. "Acupuncture Diagnosis in Equine Stifle Disease." Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, vol. 34, no. 8, 2014, pp. 967-971, doi:10.1016/j.jevs.2014.05.001.

  3. "Assessment of Acupuncture Point Sensitivity Scanning Method for Localizing Equine Issues." American Journal of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, vol. 16, no. 1, 2021, pp. 19-30.




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