Harry has a long history of foot problems, requiring ‘bute’ prior to and after shoeing and often requiring up to 2 weeks off work after being shod due to very sensitive feet and convex soles.

At our first meeting, Harry was lame on the left fore both at walk and trot and his owner was concerned that he struggles to strike off on the correct leg on a right circle.

On examination, Harry was tender around his left ear and poll, painful in both armpits and tender along his back, more so on the left hand side.

Harry has undergone 3 acupuncture treatments (1 treatment weekly for 3 weeks).  Following his first treatment, his owner reported great improvement in his work in the school, with no problems on upward or downward transitions.

Between the second and third treatments, Harry was shod and became very lame.  His owner contacted me the day after our third treatment to report that he was much more comfortable and sound on soft ground.

Based on Harry’s response to acupuncture we will now plan his future treatments to coincide with him being shod.

Harry enjoying his treatment – having a snooze