Holistic Veterinary Physiotherapy
Michelle Santy
Leech therapy
These little bloodsuckers are now also part of my therapy toolbox. Leeches have been used for therapeutic purposes for hundreds of years. The reason: the many active substances in the leech's saliva, including hirudin and calin. Blood clotting is inhibited and the blood vessels expand. The blood circulation is stimulated, there is a gentle bloodletting, the lymph flow is improved. Leech treatment takes an average of 30 minutes, but bleeding can last up to 12 hours.
Important for treatment: leeches are a bit fussy and sensitive and don't just bite everyone. Shampoos, fly sprays, tick remedies, but also antibiotics and other drugs in the patient's blood can interfere with the treatment. Therefore, such agents or medications should not be used for at least 48 hours before treatment.
Leeches can be used for many issues, including tendon injuries, hip dysplasia, laminitis, nerve inflammation, spondylosis, osteoarthritis and patellar dislocations.