Comparing Microcurrent Devices for Equine and Canine Use

Deborah Powell Microcurrent Microcurrent for Dogs, Microcurrent for Horses

by Deborah Powell

Updated 2023

Choosing a microcurrent device is often challenging because the features and pricing vary greatly. It is often confusing to sort out what product is right for your needs and budget, especially when you do not know the pros and cons of each device. To help prospective microcurrent users, as well as anyone looking for another device, I wanted to provide some general information and a rating and summary for eleven different devices found to be used for horses and other animals.

Years ago, I discovered that I could look at products more skeptically than the average person because my husband and I have been in the consumer and commercial electronics industry my entire adult life. This background enables me to look at electronic devices with more awareness than most people, and I have the resources to test therapy products. It is important to remember that a purchase is about the device’s guts: the quality, or lack of quality, of the components, used. It’s looking at the price tag with all of that in mind. And, of course, keeping the result as a therapy treatment compared to the time and money spent.

Finally, work with a company that offers knowledge, protocols, repairs, and service for animal application.

General Info on Microcurrent

Microcurrent is in the microamperes range, which is a low level of electrical current slightly above what the body produces naturally. Microcurrent is part of the TENS class and is regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). TENS stands for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and this term is used for any therapy device that delivers electrical stimulation topically, meaning it does not penetrate the skin. The FDA approves most microcurrent devices for the use of temporary pain relief. Studies show microcurrent has many additional benefits, but devices are not necessarily approved for other conditions unless noted by the manufacturer.

Most devices in the TENS class are in mid-to-high ranges of milliamperes, which means they are operating at current levels 1,000 times higher than microcurrent. Milliamp devices are used to block pain for short periods. However, the majority of horses do not tolerate high levels of milliamps. Horses feel current at lower levels than people and tend to respond faster than people when using microamperage (microcurrent) for healing. Some devices have both milliamp and microamp features, and using low milliamps can help treat certain equine conditions. The units I have rated only use the lowest milliamps or have no milliamp ranges.

Microcurrent reduces recovery time while administering soothing, safe treatment. There is a long list of equine conditions and injuries that respond well to microcurrent, and I think of it as a foundation therapy for recovery. I love that my horses, who are now familiar with microcurrent, expect me to “fix it”—whatever it may be—and often, I can. And yes, of course, I still call my vet when needed.

After two-plus decades I have yet to see a better tall around therapy that can do as much as MCT when suitable protocols and an appropriate device are used for the job.

Product Ratings

Below are some standard microcurrent devices used on horses, which I have rated based on my experience and knowledge of each. One star is the lowest recommendation, increasing to five stars for the devices I found to have the best qualities for their cost. I also included brief descriptions of how I determined my ratings. The costs are approximate for each basic equine package because prices are subject to change, and variations in accessory packages are available.

AlphaStim 100 – ★

$995 for basic package
Small portable device
9-volt battery
Made in Japan
Two channel

This is a nice quality unit but has minimal features. Included are plastic Acupoint probes, and most users report disappointment in the use of animals application. Limited choice of frequencies. The AlphaStim has new models and remains a higher-priced option for the features.

ArcEquine ★

$ 400.00
4 Programs (with ?)
Made in? (Sold from the UK)
Basic Accessories
Rechargeable battery
1 Channel

Nice packaging. Details of specifications not shared. Loss of connection indicator. Convenient to use. They are designed to be worn only on a leg. Limited design means recovery will be slower than direct application to the injured site methods.

Best-Vet III – ★★★★

1,450.00 for basic equine package
four programs/each with a range of frequencies
Small handheld device
E-Comb for accessing
GSR Indicator
Two AA batteries
Made in the USA

Has a GSR for conduction—biofeedback indicators for locating tissue restrictions, soreness, hoof imbalances, and more. The electrode comb, Acupoint pen, and Y Probe do not require return electrodes, simplifying the treatment and eliminating prep time. The Best Vet can also be used in the standard positive/negative setup. The device is digital and very electronically sophisticated. Registered as a biofeedback microcurrent device, the Best-Vet has simple choices of programs and amplitude (current) controls. All programs have automatic biofeedback that causes the device to adjust signals based on information received from the body. A couple of minor cons are that the indicator lights could be brighter if working outdoors, and the audio tones are too soft for some people to hear.

Electro-Acuscope/Myopulse – ★

$15,000 to $20,000 for the entire system (two devices & accessories)
Desktop Model: approx. 25 lbs each (plus case)
Large lead-acid batteries
Made in the USA

The Electro -Acuscope and Myopulse are separate devices depending on the model or built into a suit metal carrying case. They are electronically outdated machines with twelve selectable frequencies. The brands (labels) are constantly changing, which is odd as the features do not. The electrodes are the old-style brass plates that are heavy and non-conforming to the body, and even though they never wear out, they require more conductive gel, extended preparation, and more maintenance than other options. GSR (galvanic skin resistance reading) is the form of biofeedback by reading the level of conductance between two points. The Myopluse was sold as part two of the system to treat muscles and has polarity control and a modified waveform with the GSR feature though owning the Electro-Acuscope is sufficient.

Another con is the high requirement cost of maintenance. Some models state that they are “calibrated for equines,” but this appears to be more of a marketing tool than anything practical because most of these machines are the original devices for people. For the cost-to-features ratio and connivence, this is not a recommended microcurrent device for equine use. Various other models also.

EquiStim Leg Saver – ★

$3,390 for equine package
Small, portable device
Rechargeable battery
2 Channel
Loss of connection indicator

Although similar in function to the Micro 400, the EquiStim Leg Saver lacks the Micro 400’s user controls and features. The EquiStim Leg Saver offers alternating current and an intensity setting but has no other user controls. The package includes equine accessories.

MicroStim II – ★★

$ 50.00 (unit only)
Small portable device
9-volt battery
Two channel
Made in China

There are many like this low-end model. A couple of cons are that users cannot choose an exact level of microamps, limited to three frequencies, and alternating currents. Treatment quickly reaches one to two milliamps at higher levels on the controls, which is often uncomfortable for horses. The MicroStim II is low-cost; it can do an adequate job after outfitting it with equine accessories. They are quoted without any equine additions.

Micro 400 – ★★★ (OUT OF PRODUCTION)

$200 for basic equine package
Small portable device
9-volt battery (short battery life)
Two channel
Made in Taiwan

The Micro 400 has four frequencies, alternating current, and is adjustable to low milliamps using higher voltage. Including carrier background frequencies make the Micro 400 an excellent low-cost unit for colic and acute conditions. It also does a good job on other conditions. In some cases, it is beneficial for a horse to receive long exposure to microcurrent, so unattended treatments are necessary, i.e., fractures.

Matrix MCT Patch – ★★★

$40
Disposable patches, no replacement batteries
Made in China

This is a disposable patch. It is composed of two patches connected with a 9-inch wire. The unit runs an average of 200 to 500 hours before being discarded when the battery has been exhausted. The MCT Patch turns on when applied and automatically turns off when not in use. It can be used continuously for several days or shorter and saved for another treatment. When used correctly, the battery lasts longer as the injury heals. This is because when the MCT Patch works hard, the patch’s life is shorter. The MCT Patch operates at an average of 45 microamps with no frequency and declines in output as the battery power is diminished. The MCT Patch is great for leg and foot issues, such as stone bruises and abscesses, because it can be applied to difficult locations with accessories. The best treatment results are seen when the MCT Patch is used in conjunction with traditional microcurrent treatments. The Matrix MCT Patch is a good purchase for low-cost, unattended treatments.

Precision MicroStim – ★★ (OUT OF PRODUCTION)

$4,500 for basic equine package
Desktop, portable device; weighs 16 lbs
GSR Meter
8 D-cell batteries
Two channel
Made in the USA

The Precision is the re-engineered label from Dr. Wing’s MEN units. Dr. Wing was the inventor of microcurrent devices in the United States, and his initial models were called Accu-o-Matic and My-o-Matic. The Precision’s features include internal solid-state modules, GSR, 1,000 selectable frequencies, polarity control, and adjustable channels. It comes with remote-start Acupoint probes. The Precision is relatively large, weighing 16 pounds, and looks like an old-style electronics test meter. Protocols for using these older machines are in MicroCurrent for Horse Book. Other similar analog units, the MENS and MasterStim, are also mostly out of production.

MicroPlus – ★★★★

$270 for basic equine package
Small handheld device
9-volt batter
Two Channel
Made in the USA

The MicroPlus has stable and accurate current selections, which is unique for a device in this price range. This unit with five frequencies can adjust between positive, negative, or alternating current and switch from microamps to milliamps. The MicroPlus has very soft voltage outputs, which makes it one of my favorites in the low-cost category. One con is that you must know the little tricks to get the best results and effectively use the full features of this unit. This is the case with all low-cost units. The MicroPlus has a 5-year warranty and is a good choice for the price.

StimPlus – ★

$150 for unit
Very small portable device
2 lithium batteries (watch batteries)
Single-point treatment
Made in China

The StimPlus comes equipped with a fine-point end only for Acupoints. They are primarily used as a replacement for Acupoint needle treatments. The StimPlus has the Acupoint locator feature (using GSR), three frequencies, and selectable intensity in microamps. Most Acupoint finders in this category use milliamps, which is not as ideal as microamps. Not all horses will tolerate the stimulation this device delivers. Due to horse hair, point finding is a challenge with this unit.

Shopping

When shopping for therapy devices, it is easy to get caught up in the emotion of trying to help our horses. However, when choosing an electronic therapy product, you must use the same scrutiny you would when shopping for other electronic devices (such as computers and phones). This way, you can find a device that meets your needs and fits your budget.

Deborah Powell is the author of the books “MicroCurrent Therapy for Horses, MicroCurrent for Dogs, and other vital therapies you should know.” Additional information can be found at the Matrix Therapy Products website, therapyproducts.net