Enhance Your Horse’s Mobility with Equine Acupressure - Shalako K

Why Consider Shalako K | Acupressure For Your Horse?

In addition to providing chiropractic care, Shalako K | also provides Acupressure Therapy performed by Layce Sheets CESMT. Acupressure therapy is different than chiropractic care but when used properly alone or in conjunction with chiropractic care, it is instrumental in healing injuries and restoring normal function and physiology

What is acupressure?

Acupressure is a form of acupuncture, but the main practice is applying digital pressure to the points rather than the traditional method of placing acupuncture needles. This is to stimulate the meridians to supply more oxygen and the body’s natural healing cells to the affected area. Acupressure also aligns muscles that get tensed and sometimes even damaged during an injury.!

What makes acupressure different from traditional veterinary medicine?

Veterinary acupressure therapy is the science, art, and philosophy concerned with good health through the restoration and maintenance of a properly functioning neuromusculoskeletal system, without the use of drugs or surgery.

How do veterinary acupressure and chiropractic help my horse?

Veterinary Acupressure is a physical therapy focusing on stimulating the body’s natural meridians and alignment of muscles. Veterinary Chiropractic and Acupressure treatments do not replace traditional veterinary medicine; however, they can provide additional means of diagnosis and treatment options for spinal problems as well as biomechanical-related musculoskeletal disorders. Veterinary Chiropractic and Acupressure therapy can often eliminate the source of acute or chronic pain syndromes, resolve undiagnosed lameness, and restore full performance

Why do I need a Veterinarian for Acupressure?

Acupressure can be a great treatment for helping horses that are in pain, limping, or simply need to be at peak performance for training and competitions. When undergoing an acupressure treatment, the horse may experience a release of body tension and healing from injuries. Acupressure performed by a non-veterinarian has to practice under a licensed veterinarian. This is why Dr. Kaci will always be present and have an established client-patient relationship when Layce Sheets performs acupressure on an animal.

(1) A licensed veterinarian. Animal chiropractic and MSM may be performed by a licensed veterinarian under the following conditions:

According to the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners, Texas Administration Code Title 22 Part 24 Chapter 573 Subchapter B Rule 573.14; Chiropractic care or other forms of Musculoskeletal Manipulation (MSM) can only be performed under the following conditions;

(A) a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship has been established as defined in the Act;

(B) an examination has been made by the licensee to determine that animal chiropractic/MSM will not likely be harmful to the patient; and

(C) the licensee obtains as a part of the patient’s permanent record a signed acknowledgment by the owner or other caretaker of the patient that animal chiropractic or MSM is considered by Texas law to be an alternate therapy.

(2) A non-veterinarian employee or an independent contractor. A non-veterinarian employee or an independent contractor may perform these procedures on an animal under the direct or general supervision of the veterinarian if the conditions in paragraph (1)(A) – (C) of this subsection have been met.

The full subsection can be found here and contains the full legal ramifications of performing MSM on animals.

-- 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:

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.”
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.
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.