Doc SCHAEFER

I'm Dr. Gretchen Schaefer, a fully licensed veterinarian and certified in animal chiropractic.

I attended Colorado State University where I earned a BS in Equine Science.  I then moved back to my home state of Minnesota to attend veterinary school at the University of Minnesota.  I completed an internship at Stillwater Equine Clinic in Stillwater, MN, where I spent a fun, fast-paced year honing my veterinary skills.  After moving to Ames, Iowa with my husband, I completed my chiropractic training at Options for Animals in Wellsville, Kansas.  I am certified in animal chiropractic by the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association.

Being both a licensed veterinarian and certified in animal chiropractic, I'm in a unique position to help your animals.  Although I don't currently provide traditional veterinary care, I will work closely with your animal's primary care veterinarian and refer any problems, such as lameness issues your horse might be suffering from, that need further examination or treatment.

Animal Chiropractic

Chiropractic care is a therapy that focuses on the biomechanics of the spine and how, with any abnormalities in those biomechanics, the nervous system of the entire body can be affected.  By restoring the normal motion to the joints of the spine, as well as the limbs, we allow the nervous system to function optimally and help the horse to begin healing.

With a chiropractic examination the doctor is feeling for any areas where motion is decreased or restricted.  These areas are referred to as vertebral subluxation complexes, or VSCs.  The VSC is treated by applying a very fast and specific adjustment, allowing for very little force to be used to restore motion to the joint being treated.

Where I work