Equine Services at Chi Animal Hospital
In addition to our comprehensive Equine Chiropractic and Manipulation Services, we proudly offer an extensive array of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine therapies designed to promote holistic health. Our rehabilitation therapies encompass advanced options such as Laser Therapy and PiezoWave-2 Shockwave Therapy, aimed at enhancing recovery and well-being.
Furthermore, our diagnostic services include thorough assessments utilizing cutting-edge radiology, ultrasound, and detailed lameness evaluations to ensure the utmost care for your equine companions. It is important to note that all services, with the exception of radiology, are conveniently available as mobile service (barn calls) within a 20-mile radius of Chi Animal Hospital. Please be aware that, at this time, we do not provide vaccinations, health certificates, or Coggins’ tests.
Joint malfunction affects your horse’s neurological balance, leading to muscle or skeletal pain, abnormal muscle tension and restricted joint motion. Known in the human medical field as chiropractic, Equine Medical Manipulation (EMM) uses high velocity, low amplitude adjustments applied to specific locations in the spine or limbs to improve your horse’s mobility, posture, and nerve function. EMM integrates into a holistic approach to restore joint function, reduce pain, and ease muscle tension, and works well to complement other veterinary treatments. From pasture pets to show horses and everything in between, we can help to optimize your horse’s comfort and performance.
Experience with Dr.Yorke at Chi Animal Hospital, where we blend holistic and modern medicine to provide the best possible care for your pets.
Equine Chiropractic and Manipulation
What conditions benefit from Equine Medical Manipulation?
Altered gait without obvious lameness
Maintaining comfort in older horses
Chronic musculoskeletal conditions
Enhancing fitness in riding horses
Poor performance
Back or neck pain
Joint stiffness
How do I know if my horse would benefit from EMM?
Horses may show many signs that indicate pain or discomfort. These can include reduced performance, incoordination or uneven gait rhythm, poor attitude, tense muscles, abnormal posture, pinning the ears when saddled or mounted, hollowing the back, swishing the tail, behavior changes, sensitivity to touch, stiffness when bending, muscle wasting, decreased stride length, difficulty engaging the hindquarters, pulling against one rein, lack of flexibility, difficulty flexing the poll, difficulty with collected gaits or lateral movements, or bucking. A great way to avoid getting to these stages is to provide prophylactic EMM care to help maintain performance before big issues arise.
Exam & Treatment
It all begins with the initial assessment that will provide you with a baseline of your horse’s neuromusculoskeletal condition. Next, a thorough exam is performed to identify soft tissue and bone related problems. Postural analyses are performed, as well as palpation of the joints through their range of motion. Restrictions in joint mobility are treated through specific manipulation techniques.
Dr. Elizabeth Yorke
Originally from New York, Dr. Elizabeth Yorke graduated from the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine in 2007. She completed an internship at Alamo Pintado Equine Medical Center in California and a residency in large animal surgery at Auburn University. Dr. Yorke is board certified by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. She spent five years as an associate professor of large animal surgery at Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine in Alabama prior to moving to Florida in 2020. During that time, she pursued her certification in equine medical manipulation through Chi University.
Finding medical manipulation to be a highly effective complement to her lameness practice, she went on to complete Chi University’s equine acupuncture course. A lifelong horse person, Dr. Yorke shows her horses in hunter-jumper competitions and obstacle challenges. She divides her professional time between Springhill Equine Veterinary Clinic in Newberry, Florida and Chi University.
