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Conditions already benefiting from leeches
Leeches have already been used successfully on a variety of ailments, both on small and large animals. Veterinarians have used leeches as part of post-operative rehabilitation following procedures such as skin grafts, tissue transfers and following the reattachment of body parts such as a paw after a car accident. Generally leeches are a good option in any instance where blood has become congested or where blood flow needs to be regained. This therefore means that their use is not necessarily restricted to veterinary surgeons, we supply many customers for use on aural hematomas for example.
Dogs
Aural hematomas are the most common candidates for leech therapy across all animal species. However they are particularly widely used by dog breeders and those who show their animals as the leech has proved to scar the ear less, give the ear a higher chance of returning to its original form, and most importantly to reduce the chance of the hematoma recurring. Leeches can of course be used on hematomas located elsewhere as well. The treatment of aural hematomas usually only requires the use of 2-3 leeches, but it is important to use leeches as soon as possible preferably whilst the hematoma is still soft. Leeches can still be used on hematomas that are slightly older and firmer but in these cases two leech treatments may be required in order to best decongest the blood.
Customers should be aware that results are not immediate and may take several days. It is also not advisable to drain the ear either before or after leech treatment as this will negate the benefit of the leech.
Customers should be aware that results are not immediate and may take several days. It is also not advisable to drain the ear either before or after leech treatment as this will negate the benefit of the leech.
Cats
Leeches have been particularly successful in treating Polycythaemia Vera where more invasive methods are not possible or desired. Veterinary articles have been written on the successful use of leeches for treating this disease and veterinarians have found them to be a useful alternative.
Horses
Preliminary studies have given encouraging results on the use of leeches on acute laminitis. The leech has been shown to relive the build up of pressure created by the blood within the hoof and therefore help to make the animal more comfortable.
Tendonitis and other tendon injuries have also been common indications for the use of leeches. we have supplied a number of international customers for use on their competition horses. The leech is beneficial as it promotes circulation throughout the injured area and thus serves to aide the healing process.
Tendonitis and other tendon injuries have also been common indications for the use of leeches. we have supplied a number of international customers for use on their competition horses. The leech is beneficial as it promotes circulation throughout the injured area and thus serves to aide the healing process.