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IVAS-Certified Veterinary Acupuncture & Laser Therapy

Why Consider Shalako K | Acupressure For Your Horse?

In addition to providing chiropractic care, Shalako K | also provides Acupressure Therapy performed by Layce Sheets CESMT. Acupressure therapy is different than chiropractic care but when used properly alone or in conjunction with chiropractic care, it is instrumental in healing injuries and restoring normal function and physiology

What is acupressure?

Acupressure is a form of acupuncture, but the main practice is applying digital pressure to the points rather than the traditional method of placing acupuncture needles. This is to stimulate the meridians to supply more oxygen and the body’s natural healing cells to the affected area. Acupressure also aligns muscles that get tensed and sometimes even damaged during an injury.!

What makes acupressure different from traditional veterinary medicine?

Veterinary acupressure therapy is the science, art, and philosophy concerned with good health through the restoration and maintenance of a properly functioning neuromusculoskeletal system, without the use of drugs or surgery. 

How do veterinary acupressure and chiropractic help my horse?

Veterinary Acupressure is a physical therapy focusing on stimulating the body’s natural meridians and alignment of muscles. Veterinary Chiropractic and Acupressure treatments do not replace traditional veterinary medicine; however, they can provide additional means of diagnosis and treatment options for spinal problems as well as biomechanical-related musculoskeletal disorders. Veterinary Chiropractic and Acupressure therapy can often eliminate the source of acute or chronic pain syndromes, resolve undiagnosed lameness, and restore full performance

Why do I need a Veterinarian for Acupressure?

Acupressure can be a  great treatment for helping horses that are in pain,  limping, or simply need to be at peak performance for training and competitions.  When undergoing an acupressure treatment, the horse may experience a release of body tension and healing from injuries. Acupressure performed by a non-veterinarian has to practice under a licensed veterinarian. This is why Dr. Kaci will always be present and have an established client-patient relationship when Layce Sheets performs acupressure on an animal.

(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 | 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.