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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.

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.

Veterinary chiropractic care is an important part of integrative veterinary medicine, helping restore proper joint and spinal motion to support comfort, mobility, and overall function. It can benefit a variety of animal species and is often used alongside other treatments, including acupuncture, rehabilitation, laser therapy, and Western veterinary medicine.

    • Improves Mobility: Helps restore healthy movement and flexibility for animals of all activity levels.
    • Supports Pain Management: Addresses joint and spinal dysfunction that may contribute to discomfort.
    • Promotes Recovery: Complements rehabilitation and other therapies following injury or illness.
    • Encourages Overall Wellness: Supports proper musculoskeletal function to help animals move and feel their best.

    When combined with chiropractic care, IVAS-certified veterinary acupuncture, rehabilitation, and laser therapy provide a comprehensive, integrative approach tailored to each patient’s individual needs.

    It’s a common misconception that a chiropractic adjustment is only effective if you hear a “pop.” In reality, the popping sound, known as cavitation, is simply the release of gas within a joint and is not an indication 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, making joint cavitation less common.
    • Gentle, Precise Techniques: Veterinary chiropractic care uses species-specific techniques that focus on restoring normal joint motion safely and comfortably rather than producing an audible sound.
    • Every Patient Is Unique: Some animals may experience cavitation during an adjustment, while many do not. Both outcomes are completely normal and do not affect the effectiveness of treatment.

    The goal of a veterinary chiropractic adjustment is not to create a “pop,” but to improve mobility, reduce discomfort, and restore healthy musculoskeletal function. When appropriate, chiropractic care may also 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 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.