Tillotson Equine                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

              Internal Medicine Mobile  Services

 Horses serve us in so many ways.  Although horses have been used in sports for years, the variety of performance disciplines as well as the level of performance is ever expanding.  They also serve as close companions bringing comfort, joy, and a welcome distraction to our busy lives.  As both the monetary and emotional value of the horse increase, so does our desire to provide them with the best lives possible. 

 The use of acupuncture in veterinary medicine is increasingly used as an adjunctive therapy.  By this I mean, in most cases, acupuncture is not used as an alternative to Western civilization type medicine but more often it is used in conjunction with traditional medicine.

  Although there are many situations where acupuncture may be indicated including improving overall well being, management of pain, removal of undesirable behavioral habits, limiting susceptibility of disease, and diagnosis and treatment of disease.  In my opinion, acupuncture offers the greatest benefits in the management of pain as well as maximizing the horse’s overall well being.  In order to provide this service, the veterinarian must be able to integrate Western biomechanics in the context of traditional Chinese medicine. 

 From an Eastern point of view, a much simplified explanation of how acupuncture works is that is aids in balancing the energy of the body.  The body is mapped out with what is called Meridians which are associated with different parts of the body.  The bladder meridian is called the association meridian because it is made up of acupuncture points that are associated with different organs in the body.  It travels from the nose to the hind foot on both sides of the body.  Increased sensitivity at an acupuncture point suggests some imbalance with the particular organ with which the point is associated.  For example, sensitivity at acupuncture point BL 23, suggests an imbalance with the kidney.  From a western perspective, a more scientific explanation for this phenomenon is required.  For example, the acupuncture point, BL 23 is located along the spine where the nerves that supply the kidney exit the spinal cord.  The goal of traditional Chinese medicine is to balance the flow of energy to all organs in order to keep the body in harmony with itself. 

 Trigger point therapy aka “treat the point that hurts” is often used in the management of pain.  Although there is a difference in eastern vs. western medicine’s explanation for the cause of pain, the goal for both is to eliminate or at least reduce the pain.  Trigger points are not necessarily associated with traditional named acupuncture points.  These points are treated by stimulation which increases blood and oxygen flow to the area.  Stimulation can be in the form of massage (acupressure), needles (acupuncture), injection of medication (aquapuncture), heat and needle combination (moxibustion), or electricity and needles (electroacupuncture)  The type of stimulation chosen is based on the individual patient.  

Dr. Tillotson did her training in veterinary acupuncture at Colorado State University.  In 2000, she passed the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS) certifying exam.  If you have questions concerning this type of therapy, please do not hesitate to contact her. 

Last modified: 12/30/09