Premier Mobile Veterinary Care for Equines and Canines in North Central Texas

At Shalako K Veterinary Medicine, we bring exceptional sports medicine, chiropractic care, and acupressure right to your doorstep. Specializing in performance enhancement and rehabilitation for your equine and canine athletes, we ensure your animals receive the highest standard of care, tailored to their unique needs. Experience the convenience and quality of our mobile clinic today.

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-- About Us --

Welcome to Shalako K | Veterinary Medicine

Shalako K | Veterinary Medicine, led by Dr. Kaci Merk, DVM, is a mobile-based veterinary practice devoted to enhancing the health and performance of equine and canine athletes across the North Central Texas region.

With a focus on sports medicine, chiropractic care, and acupressure, we’re not just a veterinary team; we’re your partners in your animals’ well-being.

Our unique mobile service offers personalized, comprehensive care where it’s most convenient for you.

Meet Our Team - About Us
-- Why Choose Us --

Why Choose Shalako K | Vet Med For Your Equine and Canine Veterinary Care?

As the only veterinary chiropractor in the area certified by IVCA and Layce as a certified equine massage therapist, Shalako K Veterinary Medicine stands out for its specialized care. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our hands-on approach and dedication to education, ensuring every patient receives the personalized care they deserve.

Very Thorough Patient Care

We take the time to answer questions and provide education on your equine and canine veterinary care needs.

Professional And Friendly

The Shalako K team is consultative and fully communicates what our approach for the care your animals will receive.

Personalized Experience

We are the only veterinary chiropractor in our area. This provides assurance that you are in the best of hands.

-- Our Services --

Services Offered by Shalako K | Veterinary Medicine

Our services are designed to meet the comprehensive needs
of your equine and canine athletes, including:

Equine Veterinary Medicine

Tailored evaluations and treatments to optimize performance.

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Outline of a dog leaping to catch a flying disc, depicted in light blue on a transparent background.

Canine Rehabilitation

Tailored evaluations and treatments to optimize performance.

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Chiropractic Care for Horses

Manual therapy focusing on the neuromusculoskeletal system for improved health and function.

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Enhance Your Horse’s Mobility with Equine Acupressure

Enhancing natural meridians for better muscle and joint function.

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-- Our Team --

Meet Our Expert and Compassionate Team

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Dr. Kaci Merk, DVM

Owner & Sole Practitioner

A person wearing a plaid shirt smiles at the camera, standing indoors against a blue and brown background.

Layce A. Sheets

Business Associate and Practice Manager

-- BLOG --

Latest Blog And News Articles

Stay informed with the latest insights on equine and canine health, sports medicine, and wellness tips from our experts.

horses in field
Unleashed Digital
Oct 11, 2024

Controlling Parasites – What You Need to Know

Parasite control is a key part of taking care of your horse’s health. Common equine parasites include small and large strongyles, tapeworms, roundworms, pinworms, and…

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horse in pasture
Unleashed Digital
Oct 04, 2024

Equine Toxicities

From the pasture to the barn, there are a variety of toxins that can pose a serious risk to your horse’s health. Here are a…

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A white horse stands in a sunlit field with wildflowers, surrounded by greenery and a wooden fence in the foreground.
Unleashed Digital
Aug 10, 2024

Sunny Days, Safe Horses: Preventing Heat-Related Illness in Equines

Rising temperatures can be tough on your horse. As the final stretch of summer heats up, it’s essential to understand the dangers of extreme heat…

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-- CLIENT TESTIMONIALS --

What Our Clients Are Saying About Us

Dr. Kaci and her team helped my horse’s mobility greatly, with the help of acupressure and chiropractic. They make veterinary care easy, by coming to your ranch and also provide vaccinations and other preventive care. Thank you, Dr. Kaci!

- Current Client
ABC Equine Sports Authority LLC
-- FAQ --

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Have questions? Find answers to commonly asked questions about
our mobile veterinary services, appointments, and care philosophy.

Where are you located?

Shalako K | is a mobile veterinary service. We provide equine ambulatory services in North Central Texas Region, a 60-mile radius from Pilot Point, Whitesboro, Denton, Gainsville, Sanger, Valley View, Collinsville, and Celina. In addition to providing veterinary care for horses, we offer canine rehabilitation services, as well.

Why do I need a Veterinary Chiropractor?

Veterinary chiropractic care is a holistic approach to managing and improving your animal’s health, offering numerous benefits for both equine and canine companions. Here are key reasons to consider such care for your pet:

  • Enhanced Mobility and Performance: Vital for animals involved in competitive sports or regular physical activities.
  • Pain Management: Targets the root cause of pain by realigning the spine and other joints.
  • Accelerated Recovery: Facilitates the body’s natural healing processes, enhancing recovery from injury or surgery.
  • Injury Prevention: Regular assessments can prevent potential issues from developing into serious conditions.

This approach complements traditional veterinary medicine, focusing on the musculoskeletal system to improve your companion’s quality of life and overall health.

Why animals don’t ‘pop’ like people do when they are adjusted?

It’s a common misconception that the effectiveness of a chiropractic adjustment is measured by the sound or “pop” that might occur. This sound is actually caused by a rapid change in pressure within the joint, leading to the release of gas bubbles — a process known as cavitation. While it’s more common to hear this sound during human chiropractic sessions, there are several reasons why it might not be as noticeable, or occur at all, during adjustments on animals:

  1. Anatomical Differences: The anatomical structure of animals, especially in smaller pets or certain breeds, might not lend itself to the same type of joint cavitation seen in humans. Their joints are different in size, shape, and functionality, which can influence the occurrence and audibility of the “pop.”
  2. Technique Adaptations: Veterinary chiropractors often use techniques that are adapted to the specific anatomy and needs of each animal. These techniques may focus more on gentle, precise movements rather than the quick, forceful adjustments more commonly used on humans. As a result, the adjustments might not produce a loud “pop,” but they are still effective in alleviating discomfort and improving mobility.
  3. Animal Behavior and Response: Animals react differently to adjustments compared to humans. They may be more relaxed or, conversely, more tense, affecting the likelihood of a joint making a popping sound. Moreover, the ambient noise of a veterinary clinic or the animal’s own movements might mask any sounds that do occur.
Do you have an online store I can buy things from?

Yes; for any prescription based items, your animal must be seen by Dr. Kaci.

Do you provide equine reproduction services?

Shalako K | Vet Med does not provide Reproduction services of any kind for any species

Why does a coggins test cost so much?

Shalako K | runs Coggins test through Global Vet Link (GVL) which is a online submission form that has monthly fees and per test fees that we have to pay. We also have to pay the lab to run the Coggins test. It also takes a lot of time for a technicion to fill out all the submission forms for a Coggins test and Dr. Kaci has to review the forms and sign them. All of this adds up. 

Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) is what the Coggins is testing for. This is a reportable disease in all states. To learn more about it, please visit the following link; USDA APHIS | Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA)

Do you charge for travel, e.g., Farm call fee?

Yes. Drive time is charged per 15 minute increments. 

My dog needs his teeth cleaned, do you provide this service?

No. However, Dr. Kaci does have a collegue that performs dentals on dogs and cats located in Garland TX. Dr. Kaci can perform a dental exam, grade the teeth, get a cost estimate, and do all the pre-anesthetic workup for a dental and refer you to have a dental done.