askHELTIE HELTIEhorse® Leeches – what is the function of these creatures?

Leeches – what is the function of these creatures?

Leeches: the word often brings to mind images of medieval quackery, from a time before modern medicine was invented. And if you’ve ever walked through a rainforest, you may have developed a strong aversion to these creatures. Nowadays, however, medicinal leeches are making a comeback in therapy – even for horses. But how does it work?

Others

17 June '25 • 2 min reading time

Leech therapy, also known as hirudotherapy, involves placing several leeches on a strategic location – for example, the fetlock. They bite the horse and remain attached for about one to one and a half hours, drawing blood. Afterward, the leeches detach themselves, and the wound continues to bleed for a while. When they bite, leeches release a range of substances through their saliva, some of which have pain-relieving effects. Their saliva also contains anticoagulants, which is why the wound continues to bleed for some time. During the blood-feeding process, more active substances are released into the horse’s bloodstream.

Medicinal substances

According to therapists who work with leeches, leech saliva contains about 80 medicinal compounds. These substances are the foundation of the therapy’s effectiveness. Leeches are used to treat a wide range of conditions. In humans, for instance, they help remove pooled blood after plastic surgery. In Eastern Europe, Asia, and Russia, proponents of hirudotherapy emphasize its usefulness in treating arthritis, high blood pressure, and glaucoma (increased intraocular pressure). In Europe and the United States, leeches are mainly used for vascular problems and plastic surgery. They have also proven effective for treating hematomas (internal bleeding), often caused by trauma or accidents.

Use of leeches in horses

Therapists who apply leech therapy to horses say the creatures may help with:

  • CPL and mud fever
  • Fluid buildup in the legs, such as windgalls or lymphangitis
  • Lymphatic issues
  • Hematomas and thrombosis
  • Abscesses and mastitis
  • Osteoarthritis and bone spavin
  • Hoof problems and laminitis
  • Tendon injuries
  • Coordination issues, back and spinal problems
  • Pressure sores and muscle pain
  • Poorly healing wounds and scarring
  • Leech therapy is often used in combination with lymphatic drainage and/or craniosacral therapy.

Leeches as veterinary assistants

Something you might not know about leeches: They’re also used as a tool for blood collection. For example, in zoos or with wild animals. This method causes less stress than taking blood with a needle. After correcting the blood values for any effects of the leech, the samples can be used normally in laboratory analysis.

Bronnen:

Nowicki A, Jaworska J, Baranski W. Leech therapy in the treatment of a penile haematoma in a stallion. Veterinarni Medicina. 2021 Jun;66(6):266-271. DOI: 10.17221/163/2020-vetmed. PMID: 40201147; PMCID: PMC11975388.

Alves R, Policarpo I. Animals and Human Health : Where Do They Meet?∗ Ethnozoology. 2017 Oct:233-259. PMCID: PMC7150316.

Also interesting:

Guest blog

Lymphatic system

Marjan Cornelis is an orthomolecular nutritionist and lymphatic drainage therapist for horses. She has extensive experience treating horses with CPL and has a draft horse with CPL herself. In this guest blog, Marjan is going to tell you more about the condition CPL. What is CPL? What can you do if you think your horse has CPL and how best to care for a horse with CPL. But most importantly, how can you prevent CPL from getting worse? You can read about it in this blog.

Guest blog Marjan Cornelis: How to prevent CPL from worsening

Marjan Cornelis is an orthomolecular nutritionist and lymphatic drainage therapist for horses. She has extensive experience treating horses with CPL and has a draft horse with CPL herself. In this guest blog, Marjan is going to tell you more about the condition CPL. What is CPL? What can you do if you think your horse has CPL and how best to care for a horse with CPL. But most importantly, how can you prevent CPL from getting worse? You can read about it in this blog.. What is CPL? Chronic Progressive Lymphoedema (=CPL) is a condition of the legs of horses and is common in cold horses with fur and in Friesians. Years ago, CPL was only seen in heavier horse breeds such as draft horses and Shires, but nowadays it is also seen in many Tinkers and Friesians, recently, unfortunately, CPL has also been observed in other breeds. There are different manifestations of CPL and different stages at which a horse can have CPL. The abbreviation (CPL) stands for: Chronic Pro...

Nettle

Skin

Lymphatic system

Dandelion

Einschuss (elephant foot) and CPL (Chronic Progressive Lymphoedema) are conditions affecting the legs of a horse. In both cases, the lymphatic system plays a crucial role. Fluid accumulates and the horse develops swellings in the legs. What is the difference between these two leg problems and how can you help your horse?

What is the difference between CPL and einschuss in horses?

Einschuss (elephant foot) and CPL (Chronic Progressive Lymphoedema) are conditions affecting the legs of a horse. In both cases, the lymphatic system plays a crucial role. Fluid accumulates and the horse develops swellings in the legs. What is the difference between these two leg problems and how can you help your horse?. What is einschuss? Einschuss usually occurs due to a small wound on the horse's leg, which may sometimes be hard to find. An inflammation of the lymphatic vessels occurs, which can spread to the blood vessels. Einschuss is recognizable by the fact that it always occurs on one leg. Swelling in einschuss often starts at the base of the leg and rapidly expands. A minor injury can lead to a severe acute inflammation, resulting in a swollen and warm leg. The horse may also have a fever and feel letha...

Nettle

Lymphatic system

Your horse's lymphatic system is an important part of the immune system. Fluid and waste products are transported out of the body through the lymphatic vessels. A well-functioning lymphatic system is crucial for a healthy and happy horse. The lymphatic system can be affected by conditions such as CPL and "einschuss." Which herbs can support the lymphatic system?

Lymphatic problems and CPL: which herbs support your horse?

Your horse's lymphatic system is an important part of the immune system. Fluid and waste products are transported out of the body through the lymphatic vessels. A well-functioning lymphatic system is crucial for a healthy and happy horse. The lymphatic system can be affected by conditions such as CPL and "einschuss." Which herbs can support the lymphatic system?. The Lymphatic System The lymphatic system serves various functions. Lymph nodes filter waste products, harmful bacteria, and toxins from the lymphatic fluid and ensure their removal. This is crucial for the immune system and the self-healing ability of your horse. Moreover, the lymphatic system regulates the fluid balance in the horse's body. When the lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels fail to function properly, fluid buildup can occur. You may observe swollen legs, edema, or CPL (Chronic Progres...

Questions? AskHELTIE!

Are you looking for advice about your dog or horse? Or do you want to know more about conditions or ingredients? Feel free to contact AskHELTIE, and we will be happy to assist you! .