Complimentary Therapies

Chiropractic Treatments

We offer Chiropractic Services by Dr. Patricia E Blakeslee, who earned certification by the AVCA (American Veterinary Chiropractic Association) in 1996.  Chiropractic adjustments are specific, controlled manipulations of the joints to correct subluxations.  Subluxations are mechanical and physiologic abnormalities of the bones and soft tissues of a joint which lead to altered neural transmission, which manifests as pain, stiffness, and/or abnormal sweating patterns.

Ultimately the goal of chiropractic adjustment is to help animals interact with gravity to the best of their ability.  The equine body is a complex network of nerves, muscles, bone and connective tissues that are constantly communicating with each other. As soon as the hoof contacts the ground, signals are sent via the nerves up the leg, through the spinal cord, to the brain which processes the information and sends it back along a different nerve route to the muscles of movement.  An unhindered flow of information leads to smooth, balanced, fluid motion.  Altered information through a subluxation leads to weak muscles, joint instability, less than perfect motion, and possible injury.
Chiropractic adjustments are great for horses that are stiff or resistant to bending or holding a frame.  Less subtle indications are avoidance when mounting, swishing the tail and/or twisting over jumps, difficulty with canter transitions, muscle asymmetry, unusual sweating patterns and some lameness.

A Chiropractic exam begins with Dr. Blakeslee obtaining a thorough medical and work history of the horse.   She will also review the current and intended use of the horse.  Posture, stance, conformation and muscle symmetry are evaluated, as is hoof balance and shoeing.  A saddle evaluation is performed if indicated with subsequent referral to a Master Saddler.  The chiropractic adjustment itself takes 45 minutes to an hour and includes work on the legs and neurological balancing exercises.  Craniosacral work is also performed if indicated.  Follow-up stretching exercises are reviewed with the owner and/or trainer and are invaluable for keeping the horse supple between sessions.  It typically requires 2-3 sessions to stabilize a horse, and then depending on the performance level and individual needs, a maintenance program may be established, or follow-ups may be performed on an as-needed basis.

Acupuncture Treatments

Dr. Patricia E Blakeslee offers Acupuncture services and is trained in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM).  TCVM is based on the principal of balancing Yin and Yang, essences which, in varying degrees, make up all substances on earth.  TCVM also supports and regulates Qi, or the energy “life force,” which all living things have.  According to TCVM, there is no life without Qi.  Yin, Yang and Qi are accessed through the examination and careful treatment of specific points along meridians, which are pathways upon which Qi travels.  Meridians start and end at special points on the coronary bands.  Many acupuncture points are associated with nerve endings, and decreased electrical resistance has been measured at active points.
Once a TCVM diagnosis has been made, there are several “needling” options. Dry needles are sterile, very fine needles made of surgical steel which are appropriate for all acupuncture points.  Agua Acupuncture involves the injection of a liquid, such as saline or vitamin B12, at the appropriate acupuncture points. This is often a very effective treatment for the large muscles of the back.  With Pneumo Acupuncture, air is injected under the skin rather than liquid; this is useful for muscle atrophy.  Electro Acupuncture utilizes mild electric current applied to the needles.  This procedure tends to be well tolerated and have a long lasting effect.  Another technique, known as Moxibustion, involves applying herbs to the acupuncture needles or burning an herb over the patient.  This technique is reported to be especially good for cold, chronic conditions

There are a number of ailments for which acupuncture may be beneficial.  Musculoskeletal conditions include muscle pain, muscle atrophy, neuritis, and micro-injuries which may be limiting performance without causing overt lameness.  Acupuncture can also be a useful addition to medical treatment of conditions such as myositis, laminitis, anhidrosis, diarrhea, chronic colic and COPD (heaves).  

Dr. Blakeslee may also employ Chinese herbs to treat conditions which have failed to respond to other methods.