• Leech Therapy for Diseased Horses

  • Animal therapists mainly deal with animals as patients. However, animals can also assist with certain therapies for example the medicinal leech (Hirudo medicinalis or Hirudo officinalis). The medicinal leech belongs the the Genus annelids (closest relation to the earthworm) and is one of the oldest remedies known to man. This results in extensive experiential knowledge. The phylogenetically ancient medicinal leech (circa 65,000,000 years old) plays a large role in the healing of animals. According to reports animals from similar regions as leeches (for example Turkey) seek out and prefer bodies of water with a large medicinal leech population in order to heal themselves. 

    As animal therapists we too have also put this valuable healing process to use by using medicinal leeches against certain diseases in our horses.

  • So How Does The Medicinal Leech Work?

  • The secret is a combination of the leeches bite and injection of a cocktail composed of over 13 highly effective components and it’s suction of blood. Through the use of the anticoagulant protein Hirudin (chem. Heparin) the leech is eventually able to suck out thrombus or blood clots. Furthermore the leech’s Mercedes star shaped incision is nearly pain free. Depending on its size, the leech is able to suck up to five times its bodyweight in diluted blood within 30 minutes. The drawing of blood and the subsequent bleeding (up to 10 seconds), during which the horse loses about 40-60ml of blood,  is very similar to a phlebotomy. Further components of the saliva cocktail include anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents. The drawing of blood and injection of matter relieves congestion, releases toxins, and induces and speeds up the healing process.

  • During my 20 plus years working as a veterinary practitioner I have had tremendous success using the medicinal leech therapy in conjunction with other therapies such as homeopathy and acupuncture. Even horses who haven’t experienced success with prior medical treatment could usually be helped through the use of these methods.

    Time is of the essence when using the medicinal leech therapy. Like all living beings, leeches are individuals that often take some persuasion in order to remain in the right places for optimal effect. Most horses will accept this animal assisted therapy, although some horses may react sceptically to it. Depending on the degree of illness, multiple treatments may be necessary.

  • Medicinal leech therapy has proven itself in the following illnesses:

    • Tendonitis 
    • Sesamoiditis
    • Joint inflamation
    • Secretions 
    • Arthrosis
    • Suspensory Ligament infection
    • Phlegmons 
    • Bruising
    • Abscesses
    • Boils
    • Neck Lumps
    • Saddle Pressure 
    • Navicular Disease


  • Some examples from my practice:

  •  Tendonitis After Treatment
     

    Neck Lumps

    		  Scar Tissue
    Inflammation of Scrotum   Kissing Spines
    Fetlock Abscess   Knee Osteoarthritis
     Luxation Of The Achilles Tendon
  • Photos: R.Garbe