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Horses with laminitis—inflammation of the laminae within the hoof—are often in severe pain. Acupuncture treatments can be an effective pain-reduction tool for some horses. Possibly by regulating nervous system function and interrrupting pain signals, acupuncture also seems to enhance the effectiveness of other therapies and medications.

Though acupuncture may seem unscientific to owners who are more familiar with traditional Western medicine, the technique has a long history in Eastern cultures and is practiced in many countries because of its effectiveness in managing acute and chronic pain. It is generally safe and has few if any negative side effects.

After examining a laminitic horse, practitioners will decide how many needles to use and where they should be placed to influence blood flow and energy pathways in the hoof and leg. There is no guarantee that this technique will be effective for every horse, and several treatments may be necessary before a horse shows signs of lessened pain.

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