Alternative Care
Treat acute or chronic ailments more effectively.
At Elkhorn Veterinary Clinic, our doctors provide equine alternative care services in Elkhorn, WI to treat acute or chronic ailments more effectively. Performance horses are especially prone to developing issues due to the repetitive movements they go through while training and performing. Furthermore, if your horse's current treatment is proving ineffective, we can try one of our alternative therapies for better results.
Alternative medicine we can provide for our equine patients includes:
- Veterinary Spinal Manipulative Therapy (VSMT)
- Laser Therapy
- Acupuncture
What can be treated
In addition to performance injuries, alternative medicine can be used for:
- Arthritis
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Allergies
- Musculoskeletal inflammation
- Navicular syndrome
- Reproductive disorders
Veterinary Spinal Manipulative Therapy
VSMT is a drug-free, noninvasive approach to treating joint problems, particularly those associated with the spinal cord. One of our veterinarians, Dr. Busalacchi, is certified in VSMT and has in-depth experience working with horses and treating sports injuries.
VSMT involves checking the spinal column for poorly-functioning joints and administering rapid thrusts to those areas to improve movement. Joints in the spinal column that are partially dislocated or “stuck” cause stiffness which may also lead to pain, muscle loss, and lameness. With VSMT, we can correct any existing misalignments, thus preventing pain and lameness.
Equine Laser Therapy
Our Class IV therapy laser helps our equine patients heal from within. During treatment, the body's injured cells absorb the non-thermal photons produced by the laser, increasing their rate of metabolism. Results of this treatment include pain relief, accelerated healing, increased circulation, and reduced inflammation.
Equine Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that helps the body heal itself via nerve stimulation. The acupuncturist places very thin needles at different trigger points to stimulate nerve endings, which increases blood flow and lessens pain and inflammation. Essentially, the body responds to treatment through a complex series of processes that include endorphin release and muscle relaxation.
Due to our acupuncturist’s limited availability, please call (262) 723-2644 to learn more.
