Nature at the disposal of health.
ILFARM distributes quality and certified leeches for human and animal therapy.
Since 2011, medicinal leeches to be used for therapeutic purposes can no longer be taken from the natural environment, but must derive from companies ("leech farms") specialized and equipped with a certificate of suitability which certifies the quality and integrity of the animals before placing them on the market.
H. medicinalis was already approved in 2004 as a "medical device" by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in the USA and is particularly indicated in plastic and reconstructive surgery, in order to avoid the development of clots and possible tissue necrosis, to relieve congestion venous flow and to improve micro-vascularization during limb reimplantation.
ILFARM is the first Italian company specialized in the breeding and worldwide export of H. verbana for scientific and therapeutic purposes, and its marketing is carried out in compliance with the EU Regulation 2017/745 on medical devices (MDR).
Humans treatments
In the therapeutic field, hirudotherapy, i.e. the treatment with leeches, has impressive pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects and is used for the treatment of a wide range of human pathologies, such as:
- arthritis and arthrosis
- vascular diseases
- varicose veins
- muscle contractures
- epicondylitis
- plantar fasciitis
- skin and subcutaneous disorders
- pimples
- hematoma or edema
- tinnitus
- angina pectoris
- some neurological diseases
- arterial hypertension
- herpes virus infections
Furthermore, due to the anticoagulant properties of its saliva, the medicinal leech is used in plastic and reconstructive surgery to avoid the development of clots and tissue necrosis, to relieve venous congestion and to improve micro-vascularisation during limb reimplantation.
Horses and animals of
big dimensions
In horses and for all animals with hooves, leeches can be used in case of:
- Arthritis/arthrosisHoof disease (Laminitis, Dermatitis digitalis, Horn rot, Hoof cancer, etc.), Ligamentous and tendon system diseases (Tendon inflammation, Crusader disorders, Patella luxation), Lumps (Heel, Neck, etc.), Low back pain (Rhabdomyolysis exertional), Muscle induration and Myalgia (Muscle pain), Skin diseases (Eczema, Dermatitis, Burn injuries, Excoriations), Spine diseases (Spondylosis, Kissing Spines), Vascular diseases (Thrombosis, Thrombophlebitis), Lymphangitis (inflammation of the lymphatic), Mastitis (breast inflammation), Phlegmon (Inflammation of the subcutaneous tissue), Teeth diseases, Hematomas (Bruises), Healing problems (also post-operative) and Wound healing disorders.
HOW DOES YOUR HORSE OR LARGE ANIMAL REACT TO A LEECH BITE?
Horses and large animals in general usually tolerate well the treatment. In the course of evolution, animals have adapted to the healing effect of the leech bite, so that many animals relax during the treatment.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS TO YOUR HORSE/LARGE ANIMAL?
In animals, adverse reactions to leech therapy are very rare. However, there is usually a risk of wound infection and an allergic reaction. Furthermore, there may be pre-existing diseases of the horse or large animal, in which leech therapy is not indicated.
We therefore advise owners against self-medicating their pets without veterinary supervision.
Small animals
size
In small animals, leeches can be used in case of:
- Arthritis/osteoarthritis, joint malformations (dysplasias such as HD, ED), ligament and tendon diseases, spine diseases (spondylosis, disc disease, cauda equina etc.), neuritis (nerve irritation, inflammation, e.g. sciatica), low back pain, myogelosis (muscle hardening), eczema (also lick eczema, ear eczema, paw eczema), abscesses and mastitis, wound healing disorders, scar problems (also post-operative), hematomas (bruises), vascular diseases (thrombosis, thrombophlebitis), lymphangitis (inflammation of the lymphatic system) and diseases of the teeth and jaw.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING HIRUDOTHERAPY?
The procedure is painless, as the leech releases into the animal's bloodstream natural bioactive anesthetic compounds from its salivary glands. The timing of treatment depends on the area in which leeches are applied and the specific pathology that needs to be treated. The onset and duration of the healing effect is variable: it can start immediately and last for several months. .
HOW MANY LEECHES SHOULD BE APPLIED??
The number is variable and mainly depends on the desired therapeutic effect, on the particular pathology and on the general status of the animal (age, clinical history, any contraindications).
- For animals weighing less than 10 kg, the use of 1 leech is recommended
- For animals weighing 10-15Kg, 1-2 leeches are recommended
- For animals weighing 30 and 40Kg it is recommended to use 3-4 leeches
