Most equine exams will include a mixture of acupuncture, chiropractic, and conventional exam techniques. Depending on the degree of lameness and the problems perceived by the owner/rider, the horse may be watched in motion and flexion tests may be performed prior to the integrative exam.
Our services currently include: - Acupuncture: The horse will be scanned using diagnostic points established over hundreds of years by the Chinese and a mixture of dry needling, electro stimulation, and aqua-acupuncture with B12 injections will be used. Typically horses do not need to be sedated for this and many will even fall asleep while the electric unit is running! Acupuncture as a modality is great as a pain management tool, but can also be used to treat medical issues including cough/heaves, eye issues, laminitis, nerve damage, and more.
-Chiropractic adjustments: The horse typically will be scanned first using acupuncture points and these points will be evaluated again after adjustment. The pelvis, intertransverse joints, lumbar spine, thoracic spine, withers, ribs, neck, shoulders, front limbs, poll, and TMJ will be evaluated and adjusted as needed. Chiropractic care is a great tool for pain management, especially back and muscle pain.
-Joint injections: For horses with more advanced joint disease who require joint injections, these can be performed under standing sedation. Joints that can be injected include hocks, stifles, fetlocks, knees (carpi), and coffin joints. Dr. Jill will consult with the owner on what material(s) will be injected. For best results, give us a 3-5 day notice prior to when the injections are needed so we can make sure the supplies you need will be in stock.
-Pre-purchase exams: For buyers that would like their prospective horse examined prior to purchase, Dr. Jill can go over the horse and examine the heart, lungs, eyes, and perform a full lameness exam. We do not currently have any X-ray or ultrasound capabilities, so if these services will definitely be needed, we recommend you schedule with a different veterinary professional of your choice.
-Coggins (coming January 2018) -Blood testing (coming January 2018) -Laser therapy (coming soon)