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Veterinary Chiropractic Care

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Why Choose Shalako K | Veterinary Medicine for Chiropractic Care?

At Shalako K | Veterinary Medicine, chiropractic care is an important part of our integrative approach to veterinary medicine. Dr. Kaci Merk combines advanced chiropractic training with evidence-based Western medicine and complementary therapies to help improve comfort, mobility, and overall function for a variety of animal species.

After earning her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, Dr. Kaci completed more than 210 hours of specialized training through Options for Animals College of Animal Chiropractic, the only chiropractic program in the United States recognized by the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association (IVCA). This advanced education allows her to safely evaluate and treat neuromusculoskeletal conditions using veterinary chiropractic techniques tailored to each patient.

In addition to chiropractic care, Dr. Kaci is also certified in veterinary acupuncture through the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS). By integrating chiropractic care, acupuncture, rehabilitation, laser therapy, and Western veterinary medicine, she develops personalized treatment plans that address each patient’s unique needs and support long-term health and wellness.

Supporting Comfort, Mobility, and Healing Without Surgery

IVCA-certified veterinary chiropractic care focuses on restoring proper movement within the spine and joints to support healthy nervous system function and improve overall mobility. As part of an integrative treatment plan, chiropractic care may help reduce discomfort, improve flexibility, support recovery from injury, and enhance quality of life without relying solely on medications or surgery.

The Benefits of Veterinary Chiropractic Care

Veterinary chiropractic care complements traditional veterinary medicine by addressing biomechanical dysfunction that may contribute to pain, reduced mobility, or decreased performance. Rather than replacing conventional medical care, it works alongside other therapies to provide a more comprehensive approach to patient health.

Depending on the individual patient, chiropractic care may help:

  • Improve mobility and flexibility

  • Reduce musculoskeletal discomfort

  • Support recovery following injury or illness

  • Enhance balance, coordination, and movement

  • Promote overall health and quality of life

Why does veterinary chiropractic care require a veterinarian?

Texas law regulates who may perform animal chiropractic and other forms of Musculoskeletal Manipulation (MSM) to help protect animal health and safety. Before treatment can begin, a veterinarian must establish a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR), perform an examination to determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate, and obtain the owner’s signed acknowledgment that chiropractic care is considered an alternative therapy under Texas law.

In certain situations, a trained non-veterinarian may perform these procedures only under the direct or general supervision of a licensed veterinarian after all legal requirements have been met.

For the complete regulations regarding animal chiropractic and Musculoskeletal Manipulation (MSM), please refer to the Texas Administrative Code.

(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.

Shalako K | Veterinary Medicine is a mobile veterinary practice serving North Central Texas and South Central Oklahoma. We provide ambulatory veterinary services within approximately a 60-mile radius of Pilot Point, including Whitesboro, Denton, Gainesville, Sanger, Valley View, Collinsville, Celina, and surrounding communities.

Our mobile practice offers integrative veterinary care, including IVCA-certified veterinary chiropractic care, IVAS-certified veterinary acupuncture, rehabilitation, and laser therapy, for a variety of animal species right where they are most comfortable.

IVCA-certified veterinary chiropractic care is an important part of integrative veterinary medicine, helping improve comfort, mobility, and overall musculoskeletal function. When combined with treatments such as IVAS-certified veterinary acupuncture, rehabilitation, laser therapy, and Western veterinary medicine, chiropractic care can help animals move more comfortably and enjoy a better quality of life.

Some of the benefits include:

  • Improved Mobility: Helps restore normal joint motion and flexibility.
  • Pain Management: Helps relieve discomfort associated with musculoskeletal dysfunction.
  • Supports Recovery: Complements rehabilitation following injury, illness, or surgery.
  • Promotes Long-Term Wellness: Encourages healthy movement and may help reduce the risk of future mobility issues.

Every patient receives an individualized treatment plan based on their condition, lifestyle, and goals, ensuring the most appropriate integrative approach for their care.

It’s a common misconception that a chiropractic adjustment is only effective if you hear a “pop.” The sound, called cavitation, is simply the release of gas within a joint and is not an indicator of whether the adjustment was successful.

There are several reasons why animals often do not make this sound during treatment:

  • Different Anatomy: Animals have different joint structures and biomechanics than people, so joint cavitation is less common.
  • Species-Specific Techniques: Veterinary chiropractic adjustments use gentle, precise techniques that restore normal joint motion safely and comfortably rather than focusing on producing an audible sound.
  • Individual Patient Differences: Some animals may experience cavitation during an adjustment, while many do not. Both are completely normal and do not affect the outcome of treatment.

The goal of IVCA-certified veterinary chiropractic care is to improve mobility, reduce discomfort, and support healthy musculoskeletal function, not to create a “pop.” When appropriate, chiropractic care may be combined with IVAS-certified veterinary acupuncture, rehabilitation, and laser therapy as part of a personalized integrative treatment plan.

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

No. Shalako K | Veterinary Medicine does not provide reproductive or breeding services for any animal species. Our practice focuses on integrative veterinary medicine, including IVCA-certified veterinary chiropractic care, IVAS-certified veterinary acupuncture, rehabilitation, laser therapy, and personalized care to support your animal’s health, mobility, comfort, and overall well-being.

A Coggins test involves more than just laboratory testing. The cost includes the veterinary examination (when required), blood sample collection, laboratory processing, electronic submission through GlobalVetLink (GVL), documentation, and the veterinarian’s review and certification of the official paperwork. These steps help ensure accurate records and compliance with state and federal regulations.

The Coggins test screens for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA), a contagious and reportable disease that affects horses. Current negative Coggins tests are often required for travel, competitions, boarding facilities, and other equine events.

To learn more about Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA), visit the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) website.

Yes, there is a farm call fee in addition to the other services provided.

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.