Equine Health

Complimentary Medicine

Chiropractic and Dentists

 Our office is often approached by clients with questions about “horse dentists” and “horse chiropractors.”  Basically stated, California law prohibits anyone who does not have a license in veterinary medicine to provide any veterinary service unless under the direct supervision of a veterinarian on the premises (this includes dentistry, rectal palpation, etc.). Obviously there are many beneficial services that fall outside the scope of veterinary medicine such as farriery, massage therapy, behavior science, etc., which are provided by trained individuals. 

Practicing chiropractics on horses without a veterinary license is illegal in some states, although not in California. It is very important to thoroughly research anyone who may work on your horse in any capacity. Any individual can present themselves as an expert in a field even if they have no formal training.   That’s right… your UPS man could tomorrow decide to become a horse chiropractor and market himself as such, and even though he would have no formal training, it would be legal. 

Most importantly, never let any individual other than a veterinarian inject your horse with sedatives. They are not trained in the use of these drugs, have attained them illegally, and if your horse is injured or dies you have no legal recourse (and any insurance you carry is void). If your horse requires special care and you are interested in alternative medicine, we would be happy to recommend someone with training in their field and a good reputation in the community.

In response to client inquiries as to where one can find a qualified horse chiropractor, the following contact information was supplied from the American Association of Equine Practitioners:

American Veterinary Chiropractic Association
PO Box 563, Port Byron, IL  61275
(309) 658-2958