Leech Therapy for Animals – Natural Healing with a Centuries-Old Tradition

Leech therapy is a proven, natural treatment method that has been used for centuries in both humans and animals. The healing properties of the saliva of the medicinal leech (Hirudo medicinalis) make this therapy particularly valuable in alternative veterinary medicine.

​

Effects of Leech Therapy

During the sucking process, leeches release a variety of bioactive substances, including:

• anti-inflammatory effect

• Promote blood circulation

• Stimulate lymph circulation

• relieve pain

• Support the removal of harmful substances These effects make the therapy particularly effective for a variety of diseases.

areas of application

Leech therapy is used in animals in a variety of areas, including:

• Orthopedic diseases: osteoarthritis, arthritis, tendon and ligament problems

• Wound healing: Poorly healing wounds, abscesses, scar treatment

• Circulatory disorders: laminitis, edema

• Musculoskeletal disorders: HD (hip dysplasia), spondylosis

• Skin diseases: eczema, dermatitis

contraindications

Despite its versatility, there are some cases in which leech therapy is not recommended:

• blood clotting disorders or taking blood-thinning medications

• Severe anemia (anemia)

• Infectious diseases with high fever

• allergy to leech saliva

• Immunodeficiency or certain cancers Before treatment, a veterinary examination should be carried out to rule out contraindications.

Possible side effects

Although leech therapy is generally well tolerated, side effects may occur in rare cases, such as:

• Longer bleeding (up to 24 hours, but desired)

• Temporary local swelling and redness

• itching or allergic reactions

• Infections at the bite site (if improper aftercare)

techniques and treatment process

The treatment takes place in several steps:

1. Preparation: The skin is cleaned to remove foreign odors and encourage the leech to suck.

2. Application of the leeches: The animals are kept in a quiet environment while the leeches are placed specifically on the affected areas.

3. Suction process: The leech bites into the skin and releases its active ingredients through saliva. Depending on the animal and indication, the treatment lasts between 20 and 90 minutes.

4. Aftercare: After the leeches have fallen off, the wounds usually continue to bleed for a few hours. This is desirable as it helps with detoxification. Clean and sterile aftercare is important to avoid infections.

Conclusion

Leech therapy is a gentle and natural treatment method with a wide range of applications. It supports healing, relieves pain and improves the quality of life of many animals. However, professional advice from a veterinarian or experienced therapist should always be sought before use.