Correlation Between Acupuncture Point Sensitivity and Front Hoof Thermography in Horses: A Preliminary Investigation

Abstract

The objective of this pilot study was to determine whether acupuncture point sensitivity to palpation at LI-18 and/or PC-1 in horses was associated with changes in hoof surface temperature as measured by high-resolution infrared camera. Client-owned horses (n=18) presented for TCVM exam for poor performance were recruited. After 20 minutes of stall rest and permission for study participation, bilateral front hoof thermography was performed in a designated stall. This was followed by bilateral acupoint scan, with a positive scan identified when acupoint palpation elicited a flinch response. Study findings suggest acupoint scan results (positive versus negative) were associated with thermographic imaging temperature differences between the right and left front feet. Further investigation and confirmation of these findings is needed along with further studies associating this temperature difference with hoof disorders for diagnostic investigations.