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Writer's pictureHeather U

My Horse Doesn't Sweat!

Treating Equine Anhidrosis with Acupressure. A Sweaty Story About Horses That Won't Sweat.

Anhidrosis, also commonly referred to as "non-sweating disease", is a condition that causes the horse to have a decreased ability to sweat in response to increased body temperature. This condition is most commonly seen in humid, hot climates such as Gulf Coast regions, like Florida or Southern Alabama but cases have been discovered throughout the world, and are certainly present here in Arkansas. Humidity in the environment decreases the efficiency of sweat evaporating, thereby decreasing the cooling of the horse.


For simplification purposes, we can look at anhidrosis as a disorder of the sweat glands. Research indicates that in chronic cases, the sweat glands lose functionality from atrophy. In acute anhidrosis cases, the atrophy and abnormalities found in the sweat glands and in the body haven't yet occurred, suggesting that the condition happens over downregulation of the receptors in the sweat glands.


Research doesn't yet indicate any specific breed, age, gender, etc of equine that may be more susceptible to anhidrosis. However, more recent research has indicated that many horses may benefit from the use of acupressure or acupuncture as a means to treat the disease.


A recent study performed at the University of Florida in 2023 demonstrated that horses may benefit by increasing in their ability to sweat through consistent application of these ancient Chinese modalities. Acupressure, a form of acupuncture without using needles has been used for many years to treat a wide variety of equine conditions, including non-sweating disease. In November 2016, an equine acupressure expert published her findings as well, in observing the benefits of performing regular acupressure which resulted in horses eventually being able to sweat consistently.


How to Tell If Your Horse Has Anhidrosis:

Indicators of equine anhidrosis may include less sweat under saddle after a workout, heavy panting even when horse is at rest, patchy or lack of sweat present in higher temps or during work, elevated pulse, and a higher than normal body temperature. When a horse is suffering from anhidrosis he can become very lethargic, and have a slower recovery after exercise. Hot or humid temperatures can be difficult for the horse to thrive in. Anhidrosis can progressively worsen over time, or stay mild (acute) so it is best to have the horse evaluated by a veterinarian to determine if the horse is worsening. The anhidrosis can also "flare up" with increased stress, heat or exercise.

Ultimately, if you suspect your horse may be suffering from anhidrosis, contact your veterinarian right away.


Management and Treatment:

Presently, there is no known cure for anhidrosis, but we do know of several factors we can consider as caretakers to help our horses who have this condition.

  • Manage your horse's temperature and exercise regimen.

  • Use fans and stall the horse during warmer times of the day.

  • Encourage water intake through use of electrolytes or salt supplements.

  • Turn horse out during nighttime when temps are lower.

  • Reduce calories in the diet if possible without sacrificing horse's body score.

  • Cold or ice exposure such as ice packs, hosing down with cold water, etc.

  • Acupressure therapy or acupuncture performed by a professional.

Image: Acupressure points that may benefit during treatment of equine anhidrosis.


The acupoints that have been mentioned here support the lung functions of controlling Qi and respiration. (See also my article on equine acupressure as a modality).

With horses suffering from anhidrosis, essentially the lung function is not working properly in spreading the fluids from the spleen. This results in no sweat or reduced sweat. To regulate bodily function and see the optimal outcome of the horse sweating or increasingly sweating more over time, we must promote spleen, lung, wei, and liver Qi (also pronounced Chi) circulation. The acupoints that may help the anhydrotic horse include:

  • Governing Vessel 14 - regulates sweating and calms spirit

  • Bladder 40 - clears summer heat

  • Lung 7 - Promotes Wei qi circulation

  • Liver 4 - Promotes Wei qi circulation

  • Kidney 7 - sweat regulation

  • Bladder 17 - helps support skin dehydration, which supports the spleen

  • Bladder 20 - supports the lung function

  • Triple Heater 4 - known as the thermostat that controls the body's central heating system; respiration, assimilation

  • Heart 7 (Shenmen) - reduces stress and anxiety

  • Bladder 13 - respiratory and supports lung function


If you need help with acupressure for addressing anhydrotic horses, after formal diagnosis from your Veterinarian, please don't hesitate to contact me (Heather at Hilltop Equine Concepts).


Sources:

Brinsko, Steven P. Acupuncture Treatment of Anhidrosis in a Quarter Horse Gelding. TCVM Class: Fall 2016

Mallicote, Martha. Anhidrosis: Help – My Horse Doesn’t Sweat! University of Florida Large Animal Hospital. https://largeanimal.vethospitals.ufl.edu/equine-anhidrosis

Anhidrosis in Horses. Hagyard Equine Medical Institute. https://www.hagyard.com/anhidrosis-in-horses#


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