Meet Spike, a 23 yo Thorouhbred gelding and a Acpuncture client. He has a history of voiding small amounts of urine frequently which prompted an examination by his veterinarian. He was found to have increased amounts of calcium in his urine and increased acidity. Horses normally have calcium in their urine which gives it that cloudy nature. Due to the increased acidity, Spike was treated with oral vitamin C for one year but he did not seem to improve.  In addition he also had loose stool for approximately one year prior and was placed on a hind gut buffer (with added calcium) which improved the loose stool condition.  At his examination today, it was suggested to wean Spike from the hind gut buffer as it was thought to be contributing to more than normal calcium into his urine. He was also weaned from the vitamin C.

When the owner was questioned about his musculoskeletal history, it was revealed that Spike had an injury several years ago where he flipped over and injured his caudal back and sacral area, which caused him to suffer significant nerve damage at the time. To this day Spike is very sore over these areas of his body.

Spike recently tested positive for Cushing’s Disease and found to have an elevated ACTH. What prompted this testing? The owner found him to have a reduced amount of sweating and had started treating him with a supplement for the condition. In addition, his sheath has been found to be edematous (swollen).

Lastly, Spike has a poor appetite. In the past year, the owner has felt they have been able to keep weight on him and get him to an acceptable body condition. He is a picky eater and when different feeds are offered to entice him, he can be very finicky. Spike is worked by his owner and enjoys hacking around in the fields.

At Spike’s examination he was found to be bright, alert and responsive. He has arthritis in his joints and back area. His sheath was swollen with edema and due to his history he has several issues to address with acupuncture today which include: urinary tract issues, picky eater, Cushing’s Disease, arthritis/joint pain, history of loose stool, reduced sweating.

From an Eastern Medicine perspective the following principles were used to treat Spike: support the Kidneys and promote health to the kidneys, opening water passages,  improve blood flow, move Qi and Blood, reduce pain and inflammation related to arthritis, aid the bladder in emptying more appropriately, reducing “damp” (an eastern medicine diagnosis), relieving pain in the sacroiliac region and back.

Spike was treated with an Acupuncture technique known as dry needle therapy and the owner reported he was eating much better after his first treatment and feeling great under saddle.  Spike then received multiple treatments to follow to help improve many of his other conditions.