Mesotherapy

Starwood Equine believes in the use of both traditional and integrative medical approaches, and feels there is a place for both western and eastern medicine in our equine patients. Dr. Jillian Mills graduated from the Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine and is a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist. The following article is intended to introduce you to the use of mesotherapy in the horse, and explain the science behind this treatment method. 

What can mesotherapy be used for?

• Mesotherapy is used to address chronic musculoskeletal pain of the neck and back by stopping the pain-spasm cycle.  

How does mesotherapy relieve pain?

• Pain relief is based on the gate control theory of pain.
• In the spinal canal there are nerves that exit the top and bottom portion of the spinal cord in each vertebral segment. These nerves are known as the dorsal and ventral nerve roots. The dorsal nerve roots deliver sensory input to the central nervous system from the body and the ventral nerve roots facilitate movement as a response.
• Pain signals are transmitted by small diameter A-delta and C fibers in the skin. The skin also contains A-beta fibers, which are larger diameter nerve fibers that transmit information related to touch. These A-beta fibers are stimulated at a lower threshold than the pain fibers and activate the inhibitory interneurons in the spinal cord. This activation blocks the transmission of painful impulses from the body to the brain.
• Mesotherapy is performed in regions where palpable sensitivity is detected. When the skin is stimulated there is an inhibitory affect on the conduction of pain in both the superficial and deep structures in that region, ultimately stopping the pain-spasm cycle.

What does the mesotherapy treatment entail?

• Treatment entails multiple intradermal injections spaced approximately 1cm apart using a 27 gauge 4mm in length needle. A small amount of solution is injected at each site to stimulate the skin. Injection results in multiple small strategically placed bumps that will disappear within 24-48 hours following treatment.
• Treatment is often performed with saline, however a combination of medications such as a local anesthetic or a short acting corticosteroid may be used depending on your horse’s condition.
• Depending on the size and location of the region being treated, your horse may be sedated prior to the procedure. 

​How does it feel?

• The size of the needle is similar to that of an acupuncture needle.
• The intradermal sensation is synonymous to what is felt during a tuberculosis or skin allergy test, which is performed in the same manner. 

How soon can we expect results?

• Pain relief is generally appreciated within a few days of treatment.