What Causes Equine Anhidrosis?

Equine anhidrosis is a non-sweating disease. It’s the partial or complete inability of a horse to sweat in response to exercise or heat.

What causes it exactly is not specifically known.

We do know that prolonged exposure to high temperatures and humidity really stresses the thermoregulatory system.

Continuous high levels of circulating adrenaline cause the sweat gland receptors to become desensitized and down regulated which fails to trigger sweat production.

It’s interesting to know that there are recent studies that indicate a strong, hereditary or genetic component, making horses with a family history more susceptible.

How do you treat it?

They say acupuncture really helps……this is why…

1) It neuromodulates the horses autonomic nervous system, enforcing a “hard reset” on the communication pathways between the brain and the sweat glands.

2) It increases local blood circulation. Acupuncture triggers, the micro release of nitric oxide and other vasodilators around the needle site. This dilates blood vessels and boost oxygen delivery directly to the sluggish sweat glands.

3) The stimulation of acupuncture points causes a central nervous system to release endorphins and neurotransmitters. These chemical messengers help lower systemic stress in all levels in the horse.

What does the research say?

Clinical trials, including a notable double blind study by the AVMA Journals, found that using acupuncture significantly improves sweat responses compared to a placebo.

If your horse seems to have difficulty sweating, acupuncture might be something for you to consider.