What does an initial appointment look like?

When you become a new client, you can expect undivided attention. Dr. Roth gathers a lot of information from the new patient history form, from speaking to your referring veterinarian (if applicable), and most importantly, from listening to you and your horse! The first appointment normally lasts between 60-90 minutes and begins with with discussing your primary concerns/goals. Dr. Roth then performs a detailed physical exam, a movement exam, and an acupuncture or chiropractic exam. Then, your horse receives treatment! You will also receive detailed medical records by the next morning which include recommendations and physiotherapy exercises to perform at home.

Why should you choose a veterinarian to perform “chiropractic” work on animals?

Dr. Roth was trained in and practiced conventional veterinary medicine before pursuing an extra training in veterinary medical manipulation and acupuncture. She performs thorough examinations, can identify and diagnose underlying health issues, and can help guide you toward the best treatment for your animal, whether that is something she offers herself or not. Dr. Roth is passionate about continuing education and completes well beyond the number of hours required by law for licensure.

The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) provides the following statement: “Veterinary chiropractic should be considered a medical act and should be performed by a licensed veterinarian or a chiropractor under the direct referral of a veterinarian in accordance with that state’s practice act. It is recommended that extensive educational programs be undertaken before a veterinarian or chiropractor is considered competent to practice chiropractic on animals”. (https://aaep.org/issue/equine-chiropractic-general-principles-and-applications)

PLEASE NOTE: Only licensed veterinarians may perform acupuncture! Acupuncture is considered a veterinary medical/surgical procedure.

Dr. Roth obtained her certification in Veterinary Medical Manipulation through Integrative Veterinary Medical Institute. She completed over 128 hours of AAVSB RACE certified training with an emphasis on performance horses. Dr. Roth obtained her certification in veterinary acupuncture from the Chi University. She completed over 175 hours of AAVSB RACE certified training with an emphasis on the fundamental aspects of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM).

What is integrative veterinary medicine?

Integrative medicine utilizes therapies such as acupuncture, medical manipulation, physiotherapy, mesotherapy, shockwave, and others, to complement conventional medicine. These therapies are not meant to replace traditional medical care, but rather offer additional tools to help patients maintain soundness and improve well-being. One of the principals of veterinary medicine is to promote health, not just treat injury or disease. Integrative medicine can be thought of as preventative medicine- it addresses the whole horse and encourages the body to heal itself. Dr. Roth encourages her clients to have an established relationship with a primary veterinarian and to follow their recommendations regarding vaccinations, deworming, dentistry, emergency care, etc. If Dr. Roth notices something during her exam outside the reach of acupuncture or manipulative therapy, she may recommend that you follow up with your primary veterinarian for further diagnostics and treatment. At BIVS, we believe that utilizing both conventional medicine and complementary therapies addresses the whole patient and is advantageous in achieving optimal results.

Why Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an excellent therapy to help alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. It may be used alone, in conjunction with another complementary therapy such as VMM, or as part of a conventional multi-modal pain management plan for more serious conditions. Acupuncture causes local effects by improving circulation, relaxing tissues, and relieving muscle spasms. It acts at the level of the spinal cord by modulating neural impulses that signal pain, and it acts on the central nervous system by triggering the release of endogenous opioids and neurotransmitters.

Common issues that benefit from acupuncture include:

• Musculoskeletal problems such as arthritis and back pain

• Laminitis

• Gastrointestinal conditions such as mild colic, diarrhea, and ulcers

• Neurological conditions

• Respiratory conditions such as heaves

• Other conditions such as anhidrosis, behavioral issues, allergies, reproductive problems, and more!

Are there contraindications to Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a safe modality and can be used in combination with other drugs/therapies. Acupuncture should be used with caution in some conditions such as: pregnancy, open wounds, and certain tumors. 

How many treatments are required?

Generally, a minimum of 3-6 treatments, 1-2 weeks apart are needed for chronic conditions. Sessions typically last 45-60 minutes. 

Why Veterinary Medical Manipulation?

Restrictions in range of motion can cause muscle tension, pain, weakness, malnourished cartilage, and abnormal nervous system functioning. Manipulations, or adjustments, involve a high velocity, low amplitude (HVLA) thrust directly along the plane of the joint. This safely restores range of motion, and relaxes connective tissue, by stimulating receptors within muscle fibers, joint capsules, and muscle-tendon junctions. Because of its relationship with the nervous system, VMM, like acupuncture, addresses the whole horse by causing local and systemic effects.

Signs that your horse may need VMM include:

• Reduced performance

• Neck or back pain

• Stiffness or reluctance to bend

• Abnormal gait or undefined lameness

• Abnormal posture/stance

• Discomfort or hypersensitivity to touch

• Difficulty with lead changes or lateral work 

• Geriatric horses with reduced mobility

Are there contraindications to VMM/Chiropractic?

VMM is a safe modality when performed by a trained and certified veterinarian. Dr. Roth may recommend other diagnostics/treatments if your horse has had recent trauma, spinal instability, or neurologic signs.

How many treatments are required?

Frequency of treatments depends on the individual. For general health maintenance, quarterly exams are recommended. For performance horses, more frequent appointments (at 4-6 week intervals) are beneficial.