Equine Veterinary Medicine

COMPREHENSIVE EQUINE VETERINARY CARE

Equine Veterinary Medicine

At Shalako K Veterinary Medicine, we are dedicated to advancing the health and performance of equine athletes. Our comprehensive approach combines the latest in veterinary medicine with a deep understanding of equine physiology and biomechanics.

Led by Dr. Kaci Merk, our team offers a range of specialized services tailored to the unique needs of each horse. Whether it’s preventive care, performance enhancement, or injury rehabilitation, our goal is to provide the highest level of care to ensure your horse remains in peak condition.

Chiropractic Care

Our chiropractic care services focus on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of musculoskeletal disorders in horses. By adjusting and realigning the spine and joints, we help improve mobility, relieve pain, and enhance performance.

Acupressure and Massage Therapy

We provide acupressure and massage therapy to promote relaxation, reduce muscle tension, and improve circulation. These therapies are designed to complement traditional veterinary care, aiding in the overall health and recovery of your horse.

Performance Evaluations

Our comprehensive performance evaluations include a detailed assessment of your horse’s physical condition, gait analysis, and strength testing. This helps us identify any potential issues that could impact performance and develop a tailored treatment plan.

Vaccines

We offer a full range of equine vaccines to protect your horse from common diseases. Our vaccination programs are customized based on your horse’s age, lifestyle, and risk factors to ensure optimal protection.

EIA Testing (Coggins)

We provide Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) testing, commonly known as Coggins testing, to ensure your horse is free from this infectious disease. Regular testing is crucial for maintaining the health of your horse and preventing the spread of EIA.

Health Certificates

Health certificates and extended certificates of veterinary inspection (EECVI) through Global Vet Link

Diagnostic Services

Our advanced diagnostic services include digital radiography, ultrasonography, and laboratory testing for bloodwork and fecals. These tools help us accurately diagnose and treat a variety of conditions, ensuring your horse receives the best possible care.

 

Digital Radiography + Optional Radiologist Consult

Our digital radiography services provide high-quality images of your horse’s bones and joints. We offer optional radiologist consultations for complex cases, ensuring precise diagnosis and treatment.

Ultrasonography

Ultrasonography is a valuable tool for diagnosing soft tissue injuries and monitoring the healing process. This non-invasive technique allows us to assess your horse’s condition with minimal stress.

Reference Laboratory For Bloodwork and Fecals

We utilize a reference laboratory for comprehensive bloodwork and fecal analysis. These tests provide vital information about your horse’s health, helping us detect and treat a range of conditions early.

-- 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.