Complementary Therapies

Chiropractic Care  •  Acupuncture

Scott Equine ServicesEquine Chiropractic Care

In animals and humans, the spinal column is the primary framework that helps the body to function properly and operate without aches and pains. If your horse's joints lose full range of motion, they will not move as they are intended, leading to stiffness, painful spasms, and other problems associated with motion.

Chiropractic treatment utilizes the process of motion palpation to assess range of motion, followed by specific adjustments to restore normal function in the joints and surrounding soft tissue. The procedure is most commonly used to treat neck and back pain, but can also be helpful for any joint in the body. In cases of lameness or behavioral problems caused by discomfort or stiffness, chiropractic can offer a remedy without resorting to injections or medication.

Before beginning chiropractic care, one of our experienced veterinarians will perform a through performance examination, including an assessment of the spine's joints, and review your horse's medical history.

Scott Equine ServicesEquine Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese form of medicine that focuses on balancing the body's energy to promote health and healing. The Chinese refer to this energy as Qi (pronounced chee) and view it as the life force of all beings. It has long been one of the most common types of holistic medicine for animals and humans alike.

Numerous studies have shown acupuncture to affect biochemical and physiological processes that aid in pain relief, gastrointestinal motility, inflammation, immune regulation, hormones and reproduction and microcirculation.

Before treatment starts, one of our doctors will conduct a thorough examination. This examination often involves an in-depth history of environmental and emotional situations that may be affecting your horse's condition, as well as palpation of certain acupuncture points. Acupuncture does not replace the use of traditional treatments for the above disorders; rather, it compliments them. Therefore, we encourage all horses undergoing acupuncture to have a complete and thorough western medicine workup and be treated medically or surgically as appropriate in addition to acupuncture.