Veterinary Services

Keeping your horse feeling and moving their best is the goal of Stellar Equine Integrative Medicine.  Regardless of age, breed, or discipline, our alternative medical diagnostics and therapies have something to offer every horse throughout its life.  From sports medicine at shows and during training to the golden years of retirement, we can help to keep your athlete or companion at their healthiest and happiest!

We believe in a multimodal approach to veterinary medicine, which has consistently proven to provide better therapeutic results than an individual approach alone.  The more options that you have for treatment, especially when used in combination, will help you and your horse reach the best possible outcome for all types of pain and disease.   We offer an array of alternative treatment methods including Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine with Herbology, Acupuncture including Electroacupuncture, Veterinary Medical Manipulation aka “Chiropractic,” and Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy.  Call us to find out more about how we can help your horse today! (760)585-8203.

Equine Medical Manipulation

Often referred to as “Equine Chiropractic,” Medical Manipulation focuses on the horse’s musculoskeletal system. An examination is performed initially both in motion to assess symmetry of gaits and musculature, and at rest with careful manual palpation of muscles and to assess the range of motion of the joints. Treatment is then performed where deemed necessary, utilizing fast and precise “adjustments” with the result of restoring improved range of motion to joints, soft tissues, and entire regions of the body.  Results are often immediate, long lasting, and the whole process is generally very relaxing and greatly enjoyed by our patients.

Equine Acupuncture

Acupuncture appointments begin with a thorough examination of the body based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, next a “scan” or Diagnostic Acupuncture Point Exam is performed to identify reactive points, giving us information on where pain and imbalance may be present deeper in the body.  Using the information gathered, a diagnosis is assigned and then we continue with the application of various treatment modalities such as dry needles, electroacupuncture- where electrical stimulation is passed between the needles, and aqua acupuncture- where liquids may be injected into acupoints for additional stimulation.  The focus and main goal of treatment is to restore balance to the body as a whole, maintain a smooth flow of energy throughout the body and its meridians, and to treat pain along with many other ailments.

Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy

Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy, or “PEMF,” utilizes a device that creates a gently pulsing electromagnetic field which improves circulation and functionality through stimulating cellular metabolism.  This is an excellent tool to aid in the healing of soft tissue soreness for your equine athlete especially during horse shows as it is drug-free, FEI/USEF compliant, and has a mentally calming yet physically energizing effect! Other amazing benefits of PEMF are improved healing of soft tissue injuries (muscles, tendons, ligaments), pain relief from arthritis in the joints and spine, decreasing inflammation, speeding and enhancing muscle recovery, and much more!

WHAT ARE ACUPUNCTURE AND CHIROPRACTIC THERAPIES?

Acupuncture involves the insertion of a fine, sterile needle through the skin at predetermined sites, called acupuncture points, for the treatment or prevention of disease, including pain.  When the needle reaches the acupuncture point, it stimulates various neurohormonal pathways which transmit the effect to the central nervous system- the spinal cord and brain- causing the release of neurotransmitters and hormones which then cause changes in the body such as pain relief and relaxation.  From a Chinese Medicine perspective, acupuncture is utilized to maintain a smooth flow of the body’s vital energy, or “Qi,” circulating throughout the body’s meridians and organs.  It is learned that where Qi flows smoothly, there can be no pain or disease.  Acupuncture is only one of the therapies that come under the heading of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM). The other TCVM therapy most often used in veterinary medicine and utilized by Stellar Equine, is herbal therapy- using herbal compounds given daily to increase the effect and longevity of treatments.

Head, TMJ and Poll

This region of your horse’s body is of paramount importance to their comfort in their mouth, in the bridle, and with their entire body’s balance and coordination. Restrictions in these areas are very common, and when corrected they are rapidly rewarding and satisfying to the patient. More advanced pathologies in these regions which cause pain can be treated with acupuncture to improve comfort and function. Electroacupuncture has been proven as an effective treatment for “Head Shaker’s” Syndrome or Trigeminal Neuropathy as well!

Neck and Cervical Spine

Almost all movements begin with the neck and cervical spine in the horse. It has an extensive network of postural muscles and nerves that are necessary for balance. This is especially important in turns and when collected gaits are performed. Aside from performance, a good range of motion in the neck is necessary to allow for basic life functions such as eating and grooming. Unfortunately, the neck is an area known for painful conditions such as arthritis and can often be weak while lacking good muscle development. We can offer Medical Manipulation to restore joint function and mobility, Acupuncture to treat nerve pain and to improve circulation, and PEMF for soft tissue soreness and inflammation. These are all excellent treatment options for conditions of the neck and cervical joints.

Withers and Thoracic Spine

Discomfort, soft tissue soreness, and pain found in the withers and thoracic spine or mid-back of horses is often associated with work under saddle. Traumatic injuries and falls can also cause pain in these regions, however in such an instance the patient should have diagnostic imaging performed to rule out fractures and major injury ahead of alternative medical therapies. Medical Manipulation, Acupuncture, and PEMF can all provide relief and greatly benefit our patients experiencing discomfort in these regions. These treatment modalities can also be utilized in an integrative fashion, alongside western medical treatment, to hasten and improve healing when recovering from injuries.

Lumbar spine and Sacroiliac Joint

The Lumbar region of the spine and the Sacroiliac or “SI” joints are put under a lot of tension and stress in performance horses while working under saddle, and can be a common culprit for horses not performing at their best. Signs of pain in these areas of the horse are often apparent when working at the canter or lope. Issues such as difficulty maintaining the proper lead, struggling with lead changes, reluctance to collect the hind end under the body, or moving in a “crooked” frame at the canter are commonly seen. Stellar Equine can employ PEMF therapy to ease and soften the muscles and soft tissues in these regions, Medical Manipulation to ensure that the joint structures are moving freely without restrictions, and acupuncture to treat pain and to improve circulation which will aid in repair of damaged tissue.

Gastrointestinal tract

The Gastrointestinal tract of a horse is all too commonly the culprit for poor performance, pain, and even emergent conditions such as colic. Equine GI conditions that can be improved with acupuncture and herbal formula therapy are abundant, such as “EGUS” or Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome, poor motility leading to constipation or impactions, Diarrhea, and chronic or repeat colic. **If your horse is ever showing symptoms of abdominal pain or colic, be sure to call your veterinarian providing emergency services first!**

Veterinary Medical Manipulation, most commonly known as “Chiropractic,” involves an initial exam in motion to assess the mobility and soundness of your horse, and to identify deficits in symmetry and regional range of motion.  This is followed by a “motion palpation” exam, where each joint is gently manually moved through its range of motion, to find where restrictions to mobility may be present.  Finally, treatment includes “adjustments” which utilize a quick and precise force applied to the restricted joint.  This stimulates neuroreceptors that cause the surrounding connective tissues to relax, which allows the joint components to move back into their proper orientations.