Mesotherapy for equine pain management

Mesotherapy provides alternative treatment option for equine pain management. Mesotherapy describes a nonsurgical treatment option involving multiple injections into the mesoderm, the middle layer of skin. The technique entails the use of multiple intradermal or subcutaneous injections of a mixture of compounds in minute doses, by means of very fine needles, typically 4 to 6 millimeters, directly over or near the affected sites. The term and procedure is attributed to French physician Michel Pistor, who developed it in 1952 to manage pain and vascular disorders in humans.

Mesotherapy proponents have cited many benefits for the procedure, including:

• Inexpensive equipment
• Minimal training required for providers
• Reduced drug dosages
• Minimal side effects
• Quicker realization of benefits
• Minimal invasiveness

   

   

  Mesotherapy treatments for equines

  French veterinarian Jean-Marie Denoix is credited for introducing mesotherapy to equine practices in the United States. It is based on the principle of the gait control of pain, originating from the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. Nerve fibers coming from the skin have collateral fibers that can inhibit the conduction of information in major nerve tracts, transmitting painful information from deep structures of the same spinal segment to the brain.

  The number of required treatments can vary based on the horse’s condition, but mesotherapy is considered effective to treat many conditions, especially pain, because the treatment helps to relax the muscles and aid healing.

  Small skin bumps appear at the injection sites, but the swellings will quickly disappear and benefits are usually noted within 3-7 days. In an article titled How to Diagnose and Treat Back Pain in the Horse, authors state that “Mesotherapy is an effective technique to control pain by blocking sensory-pain fibers that pass through the skin in the epaxial region.” The authors note mesotherapy often is used concurrently with ESWT to alleviate soft tissue inflammation.

  Mesotherapy may be used to treat a variety of conditions, including:

• Arthritis
• Degenerative osteoarthritis
• Peritendonitis
• Tendonitis
• Traumatic paralysis of the metacarpals
• Exostosis and phlebitis

The number of treatments will vary based on many factors, such as the severity of pain, overall health, cause of pain, and persistence of the problem. A complete physical examination should be done prior to the start of any therapy.

For more information, contact your Covetrus representative at 855.724.3461.

Sources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3513770/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3142757/

https://www.iselp.org/staff-directory/board-of-directors/

http://www.broadrunvet.com/documents/Link8--Mesotherapy.pdf

http://www.thehorse.com/articles/37746/keeping-your-equine-athlete-at-the-top-of-his-game

http://www.bevet.com/services_and_treatments/services/mesotherapy/

http://equineshockwave.com/pdfs/diagnosing-treating-horse-back-pain.pdf