The Integrated Equine, LLC

For horse owners in Reading, Vermont, and the surrounding regions, The Integrated Equine, LLC offers a distinctive and progressive approach to equine veterinary care. Located at 7149 VT-106, Reading, VT 05062, USA, this practice is not your typical veterinary clinic; it specializes in integrative medicine, blending conventional veterinary practices with complementary therapies to optimize the overall health and performance of horses. You can contact them by phone at (802) 375-4335 or +1 802-375-4335.

The philosophy behind The Integrated Equine, LLC, is rooted in a holistic understanding of equine health. Recognizing that a horse's well-being encompasses physical, mental, and energetic aspects, the practice, led by Dr. Jen Bevilacqua, offers a unique blend of traditional and complementary veterinary medical therapies. Dr. Bevilacqua is a licensed veterinarian and a practitioner of Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine (CAVM) in both Vermont and South Carolina. This dual expertise allows her to provide a comprehensive and individualized medical approach that respects the specific needs of each patient and client.

The practice firmly believes that the future of veterinary medicine is integrative, combining the strengths of conventional medicine with scientifically and clinically supported CAVM. This approach aims to offer an "extra edge" in diagnosis, performance enhancement, rehabilitation, and overall health, especially in cases where conventional medicine alone may not achieve desired results.

The Integrated Equine, LLC focuses on a range of specialized services, with a strong emphasis on non-invasive and minimally invasive techniques. While they do offer conventional exam techniques and services like joint injections and pre-purchase exams, their hallmark is the integration of complementary therapies. Some of their key services include:

• Integrative Medical Consultations: A comprehensive assessment that considers the horse's entire health picture, incorporating both traditional and complementary perspectives.
• Veterinary Spinal Manipulative Therapy (VSMT): Commonly referred to as "animal chiropractic," this therapy focuses on detecting and correcting vertebral subluxations and other joint dysfunctions to improve mobility, reduce pain, and enhance performance. Examinations typically involve scanning using acupuncture points before and after adjustments of the pelvis, spine, neck, and limbs.
• Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medical (TCVM) Therapies: This ancient practice is a cornerstone of their integrated approach. It includes:
  • Acupuncture: Involves scanning diagnostic points established by Chinese medicine and applying dry needling, electro-stimulation, and aqua-acupuncture (with B12 injections). Horses often tolerate this well, with many even falling asleep during treatment. Acupuncture is effective for pain management and can also address medical issues such as cough/heaves, eye problems, laminitis, and nerve damage.
  • Prescription Herbal Medicines: Custom-formulated herbal remedies to support various bodily systems and address specific conditions.
  • Tui-na: A form of Chinese therapeutic massage that can improve circulation, reduce muscle tension, and promote healing.
  • Food Therapy: Dietary recommendations based on TCVM principles to support health and address imbalances.
• Joint Injections: For horses with more advanced joint disease, these can be performed under standing sedation, with careful consultation with the owner regarding the injected materials.
• Pre-Purchase Exams: Thorough examinations of prospective horses, including heart, lungs, eyes, and a full lameness exam. It's noted that they do not currently have X-ray or ultrasound capabilities for these exams, and recommend scheduling with another professional if such imaging is definitively required.
• Blood Testing and Coggins Test: While not explicitly detailed, these services are typically part of comprehensive equine care and are listed as being offered.

The Integrated Equine, LLC offers flexibility in how clients can access their services. They provide both mobile appointments (ambulatory service), allowing them to treat horses in their familiar stable environments, and haul-in appointments at their facility located at 7149 VT-106 in Reading/Weathersfield, VT. This dual approach caters to the diverse needs of horse owners, from those with large herds to individual pleasure horse owners, and accommodates horses that may be stressed by travel.

The practice environment, whether at the haul-in facility or on a farm call, is geared towards providing focused, individualized care. The emphasis is on building a strong relationship with the horse and owner, ensuring comfort and clear communication throughout the treatment process.

Dr. Jen Bevilacqua graduated from the University of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary Medicine in 1999. Her career began in an exclusively equine practice, focusing on racehorses, performance horses, and pleasure horses, covering preventative medicine, sports medicine, reproduction, and neonatology. Her exposure to alternative therapies led her to integrate these adjunctive treatments into her practice, recognizing their profound impact on diagnosis, performance, and rehabilitation. In 2008, she established The Integrated Equine, LLC, with a singular focus on offering CAVM therapies and an integrative philosophy.

Dr. Bevilacqua continually pursues advanced education in both conventional and CAVM, including traveling to China for international conferences on Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine. She maintains active memberships in prestigious organizations like the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Association of Equine Practitioners. Her background also includes involvement in the AERC community as a veterinary control judge and an adjunct professor in the Equine Studies program at Vermont Technical College, further solidifying her deep expertise and commitment to the equine world.

Currently, The Integrated Equine is selectively accepting new VSMT patients, though patients requiring TCVM therapies are still being welcomed, indicating a high demand for their specialized services.

While specific promotional offers are not detailed, the very nature of The Integrated Equine, LLC is a unique selling proposition. They fill a niche for horse owners seeking alternatives or complements to traditional veterinary care, particularly those interested in holistic wellness and performance optimization. The personalized approach and Dr. Bevilacqua's extensive expertise in integrative medicine are the primary draws.

The practice encourages client engagement, inviting horse owners to send pictures and testimonials of their equine patients to be showcased on their website, fostering a sense of community and shared success in equine health. This reflects a client-centered approach, where the success of the treatment is a collaborative effort between the veterinarian, the horse, and the owner.

For horse owners in Vermont who are looking for a veterinarian that champions an integrated approach, offering a blend of modern veterinary science with time-tested complementary therapies to enhance their horse's health and performance, The Integrated Equine, LLC with Dr. Jen Bevilacqua is an exceptional and dedicated choice.