Frequently asked questions

Questions about Chiropractic Care

What is Veterinary Chiropractic?

Veterinary chiropractic is centered on the evaluation and treatment of a musculoskeletal issue in a non-human animal. Though Chiropractic focuses on bone and muscle manipulation proper alignment is paramount to optimal function of your animal for more than just bones. When properly aligned, the musculoskeletal system supports optimal functioning of the nerves, muscle fascia, digestive system and bones. Veterinary chiropractic is a medical treatment and can only properly be performed by a licensed veterinarian or a chiropractor (Like Dr. Melchiors!). Chiropractic care alone cannot address all of an animal’s health issues and needs, so it should be performed alongside veterinary care for best results. Here at Copper Cactus, we provide this care to all of your animals with a holistic approach and offer feedback on body mechanics as well!

What sort of things can chiropractic help my horse with?

  • Like Physical Therapy and Chiropractic for humans, horses who are rehabilitating from injuries or periods of rest benefit greatly from chiropractic care to restore normal function.

  • Chiropractic care can help adjusting gait, lack of collection, discomfort, resistance, and balance issues.

  • Some behavioral issues are due to discomfort or pain, re-alignment can sometimes mend behavioral issues directly associated with pain in your animal.

When is chiropractic most recommended?

When an animal experiences frequent lameness, poor gait, inability to perform different movements, sudden inability to perform work or sport, or sustain an injury from being tied or pulled, chiropractic care is highly recommended.

How does one go about adjusting the spine of such a large animal?

Animal chiropractic involves adjusting very specific joint articulations with high velocity, controlled movements. In the case of a horse, there are 170 articulations in the spine alone! This is why having only a trained medical professional adjust your animal’s spine is paramount to the success of chiropractic practices.

How many adjustments will my animal need?

The range of appointments needed to correct misalignments varies greatly. This depends on; type of animal, age, acute and chronic conditions, prior treatments, duration of condition, individual wear and tear on joints, job and movement required of the animal, and sometimes temperament.

Questions about Acupuncture Care

What can Acupuncture do for my animal?

Acupuncture relieves symptoms and discomfort from several ailments effecting livestock as well as household pets. Our acupuncture treatments have helped animals with:

  • Azoturia/Myositis

  • Arthritis

  • Back Pain

  • Bursitis

  • Fatigue

  • Heaves

  • Laminitis (Cushings)

  • Inflammation

  • Navicular Disease

  • Neurological Issues

  • Rheumatism

  • Ring Bone

  • Pelvic Problems

  • Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction

Questions about General Veterinary Care

What types of payment do you accept?

We take all major Credit Cards and Debit Cards, cash, personal check ($30 fee for any returned checks), Apply Pay, Samsung Pay, and Care Credit.

Do you provide care in my area?

We provide care regularly through Mohave and Yavapai county in Northern Arizona. Once per month we offer an arrangement of herd services and chiropractic services through Southern Arizona at various locations in Phoenix and Tucson. Appointments are accepted at other locations on a case-by-case basis according to availability and need.

Do you provide Emergency Care?

We provide some emergency care for some animal types on a case-by-case basis. As we are not open 24/7, we advise contacting an Emergency Hospital in your area if the need arises and you are not able to reach us. Because we are a mobile vet service, there is no physical building for your animal to be brought to within our care which is equipped with what may be needed for your situation. Every emergency is different and you must be the one to judge what is best for you animal, we do not offer emergency medical advice over the phone.

Erika F.

“I have been taking my animals to Dr. Melchiors for years. She provides great education and answers all of my questions, I am always confident my animals are well cared for in her capable hands.”

Joseph W.

“Best Veterinarian in the area. My dog is one of the most important parts of my life and I never doubt that Copper Cactus truly cares about his health as much as I do.”

“Dr. Melchiors has been our vet for many years. She has helped our senior horses through a diverse number of problems. Dr. Melchiors is very dedicated, knowledgeable, and has a great love for animals. We are very fortunate to have someone like her care for our animals.”

Susan M.