Equine Chiropractic
Stephenie Hoke, DVM, MS provides equine chiropractic evaluations and spinal manipulation services which are integral to her comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating horses. Chiropractic techniques and spinal adjustments are just one part of her medical and adjunctive repertoire. Dr. Hoke comes from a strong traditional veterinary foundation of medicine and surgery, but enjoys enlisting complementary chiropractic treatments to alleviate pain, enabling equine patients to return to work or winning in the show pen faster. Dr. Hoke welcomes new clients who have had success with equine chiropractic in the past, as well as clients who are new to this increasingly-popular complementary therapy. She feels strongly that equine chiropractic is best practiced in the hands of qualified and trained veterinarians, who can see, diagnose, and treat the entire horse, and not just the spine.


What is equine chiropractic?
Chiropractic belongs in the greater health care spectrum alongside surgery, medicine, and other manual therapy modalities. It is a discipline that uses the inherent power of the body to heal itself without the use of surgery or drugs. The veterinarian utilizing chiropractic adjustment techniques applies an anatomically-specific thrust at a particular joint using low amplitude, high velocity manipulations to treat subluxations throughout the body. A subluxation is a multifaceted complex or condition that may involve joint pathology or changes in and near the joint that decreases neurological function and causes pain in the surrounding tissues. If you’ve ever wondered how an animal as large as a horse can be manipulated and have their spine treated, consider that the horse is evaluated and adjusted just one joint at a time. Each joint is palpated for appropriate range of motion, flexibility, and assessed for signs of tension and pain. Equine chiropractic is a gentle and highly specific way to treat animals that leaves the patient relaxed and more willing to perform.


Why should I consider equine chiropractic?
Equine chiropractic allows the veterinary practitioner greater skills in observation and treatment that are not available in contemporary veterinary medicine. It expands the diagnostic capabilities and treatment options that can be made
available to clients and their equine athlete partners when identifying causes of lameness or poor performance. Neurological disease and serious medical or surgical diseases must first be ruled-out or treated using conventional veterinary medicine prior to or in conjunction with chiropractic treatment, because chiropractic alone may not “fix” the underlying problem. However, chiropractic care may speed recovery following surgery or treatment of severe medical conditions by helping to restore normal skeletal and muscle function. In most cases presented to a veterinarian, there is a primary problem or pain that the horse has been coping with which results in discomfort in the back or neck. This
compensatory shift that takes place in the body results in alterations in gait, weightbearing, and muscle tension. Evaluation of the horse’s entire body, including assessment of soundness in combination with restoring inter-vertebral movement to the spine propagates optimal health and minimal pain. Chiropractic evaluation and care starts at the level of the pre-purchase exam, throughout the working career of the equine athlete to maintain optimal structure/function, and can be especially powerful when poor performance or soundness issues become apparent.


How do I know if my horse needs a chiropractic adjustment?
Lameness, stiffness, lack of power or impulsion, difficulties in collection, bad attitude, changes in gait (shortened stride, altered swing of the leg while in flight, heavy landings), or observable muscle atrophy are all indications for a chiropractic evaluation by a veterinarian. Other symptoms may include: resistance to the bit, reduced flexibility in one direction, noticeable difference in gait from one direction to the other, “cinchiness”, appearing “sore backed” or “cold backed” and bucking under saddle or during gait transitions. Even if your horse does not demonstrate any of the observable symptoms, a thorough chiropractic exam and adjustment may improve the comfort and performance of all equine athletes or horses in training.


What to expect from a chiropractic appointment?
The chiropractic evaluation begins with a thorough case history and progresses through several steps including: posture analysis, gait analysis, palpation that may be static or dynamic, and orthopedic or neurological evaluations if indicated. Dr. Hoke then performs a thorough evaluation of the horse’s spine from head to tail and performs any stretches or spinal manipulations as needed. She may also demonstrate stretches or exercises that may benefit your particular horse based on the findings.


How many treatments will my horse need?
The answer depends on the severity of your horse's problems and his or her level of performance as well as an owner's commitment to home therapy. Long-standing problems usually require more treatments than acute problems. Young horses tend to recover flexibility faster than older horses. A specific treatment schedule cannot be outlined without evaluating the individual horse. Specific exercises and physical therapy are often prescribed for the owner to perform at home. Often, these exercises significantly decrease the need for repeated re-adjustments. Please do not hesitate to call if you have any questions about Dr. Hoke’s chiropractic services or how they can benefit your horses. We also offer discounted group rates and weekend appointments, so call if you would like to schedule a chiropractic treatment "clinic" or talk at your barn.