Career Information for an Equine Chiropractor

Equine Chiropractors deal with "subluxations" also known as incomplete or partial dislocations of the vertebrae. These misalignments not only can cause pain in the back, but also can cause soft tissue damage around the spine. Since the spine is the channel to the central nervous system, misalignments may possibly alter neurological function of the spinal cord, the spinal nerve roots, and portions of the nervous system. Chiropractic treats the back and the neck of the horse to help and prevent any nerve damage. This type of care can also be used to help diagnosis and asset in a treatment for lameness (ezart).

Education

Usually, Equine Chiropractors fit into two types of categories. The first are Veterinarians who have taken classes in chiropractic care. This of course requires a DVM with training in chiropractics.

The second is human chiropractors who have also trained in animal chiropractic (pedlar). To become a human chiropractor, one must obtain a Doctor of Chiropractic degree. Chiropractic programs require a minimum of 4,200 hours of combined classroom, laboratory, and clinical experience (bls). This requires the completion of a undergraduate study and spend several years at a fully-accredited chiropractic college.

Student doctors are trained in the appropriate use of sophisticated analytical equipment including X-rays, examination procedures, and state of the art chiropractic investigative technologies (chiroweb). All chiropractors must pass a series of National Boards, as well as a licensing exam in that state before they can practice.

Working conditions

Most are self-employed or work for a private practice. This career field is not as demanding in time as veterinarians and dentist are, but continuing education is a must. Chiropractors work in offices and drive to a farm or ranch to treat the horse. Their average workweek is about 40 hours, although longer hours are not unusual. Solo practitioners set their own hours, but may work evenings or weekends (bls). Equine Chiropractors must have an extremely strong understanding of the horse anatomy, and must be fully comfortable around horses and understand their behavior (pedlar).

Salary

In the United States, an Equine Chiropractor was averaging around $88,000 per year (payscale). However, in 2005, the mean salary for human chiropractors was $104,363, according to a survey conducted by Chiropractic Economics magazine.

In summary, an occupation in Equine Chiropractics can be a rewarding choice. Although education requirements may be strenuous, the knowledge is imperative in order to successfully treat the animal. As with many careers, salary is dependent upon experience.

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EzineArticles 26 Dec. 2006. 26 Nov. 2007

Dugan, Dawn. "Finding Your Bliss: Careers for Horse People"
Horsemans Yankee Pedlar 2006. 27 Nov. 2007

www.chiroweb.com 1995. Chiroweb.net 25 Nov. 2007 < http://www.chiroweb.net/chiropractic/research/chiropractic_education.html>

PayScale.com 6 Nov. 2007
PayScale Research Center 27 Nov. 2007