14/12/2025
Leech therapy - did you know we use medical grade leeches in veterinary medicine?
We have used leech therapy twice recently, and are fascinated with these incredible organisms. Leeches act to remove toxins, stimulate blood flow and relieve congestion, all benefits that continue long after the leeches detatch. These effects make them perfect for areas where swelling has damaged tissue and affected blood supply to an area, especially if an infectious ir toxic cause is suspected.
We order medical grade leeches from a specific supplier, who transports them to us in a hibernating state. We then warm them up and encorage them to attach to the areas requiring help. They feed for 20-40minutes and fall off naturally. Sadly the medically grown leeches are not native species, so they cannot be released after they have worked for us.
Our recent patients were Dave and Chester. Dave had severe cellulitis and tissue loss, with swelling initially extending up his whole leg and into his groin. He initially responded to medical management, and the leeches attached well, but Dave lost significant areas of skin due to his original inflammation, so the decision was made to amputate his leg. Happily this resulted in a very rapid recovery, and a whole new, bouncy Dave!
Chester is a beautiful Large Munsterlander who had aggressive limb swelling, cellulitis and lymph node inflammation. He responded excellently to medical treatment and leech therapy, with the swelling resolving nicely and a quick return to his active self!
Just goes to show, traditional medicine techniques still have a place in the modern world!
