Welcome to Backstretch Veterinary

Horse breeders in Groveland Sherborn, MA, rave about Backstretch Veterinary offering the most innovative alternative therapies for pain for their horses. The veterinary team also provides equine chiropractic and massage and equine trigger point therapy. Backstretch Veterinary is the ultimate mobile equine veterinary service.

Horse Breeding

The equine industry could not exist without horse breeding. It is a form of animal husbandry that requires close attention to a horse’s health, genetics, and disposition. It all has to come together perfectly to produce the healthiest offspring possible.

These are some essential elements of horse breeding:

Equine Pregnancy

Because a mare must carry her foal for about 11 months, it is critical to keep her under observation and treat her as needed to ensure that she carries it to full term.

Pregnancy Monitoring

Pregnancy monitoring is vital to detect and remedy any problems immediately to protect the mare and the foal.

Breeding Soundness Check

A breeding soundness check is performed using ultrasound to detect the condition and wellness of the mare’s reproductive organs.

Artificial Insemination

Artificial insemination requires careful observation, study, and examination of the stallion sperm donor and the mare ready to inseminate.

Pre-Purchase Wellness Examinations

Pre-purchase wellness examinations are a crucial part of buying and owning a horse. These exams provide a bigger picture of the horse’s background and overall health.

The following steps should be involved in a pre-purchase wellness exam:

  • Examining the overall condition of the horse
  • Assessing the horse for injuries or procedures
  • Evaluating the mouth for abnormalities and dental work
  • Checking the horse’s eyes for abnormalities
  • Examining the horse’s heartbeat for issues indicating heart problems
  • Assessing the horse’s lungs for any respiratory issues

Alternative Therapies for Pain Management

Alternative therapies for pain management for horses are sometimes referred to as “complementary” because they work well alongside Western medicine techniques and treatments.

Reasons to consider alternative therapies for your horse’s pain management include:

  • Orthopedic concerns
  • Respiratory or gastrointestinal problems
  • Stress challenges
  • Preference for natural whole-body care
  • Standard Western medicine is not as effective as needed

Alternative therapies may involve the following:

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care is an excellent non-invasive way to realign the spinal column and release pressure that causes pain.

Osteopathy

Osteopathy alleviates pain and corrects chronic lameness by applying movement to the muscles and joints that affect the spine, central nervous system, and major organs.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture involves applying tiny needles to target points, balancing energy, relieving pain, and increasing blood flow throughout the body.

Therapeutic Stretching

Stretching alleviates tension and stress in muscles and soft tissues. It also improves movement in the spine and improves blood circulation.

Massage Therapy

Not only does massage feel good and increases emotional bonding, but it also helps heal connective tissues, relieve stress, and restore good blood flow.

Contact Us to Schedule Your Appointment Today

Backstretch Veterinary, Inc. in Groveland Sherborn, MA, is the equine chiropractic provider and mobile equine veterinary service horse breeders love. Our state-of-the-art alternative therapies for pain, including massage and equine trigger point therapy, are why equine owners trust us. We can help you too.

Contact our warm and friendly staff to schedule your appointment by phone or through our online appointment request form.

Backstretch Veterinary, Inc.

PO Box 204

Groveland Sherborn, MA 01834

(978) 800-0351

Mission Statement

Mission Statement

The veterinarians and staff at Backstretch Veterinary are all lifelong horsewomen who are focused on providing the most exemplary care and service for all of our clients and their horses - from the upper level athlete to the backyard pasture horse.  Our commitment to a collaborative approach both within our practice and with experts in various fields of equine veterinary medicine coupled with our passion for continuing education sets us apart.

Request your appointment today!

Meet Our Skilled Team

Learn Who We Are

  • Dr. Suzanne M. Loheac, DVM
    Dr. Suzanne M. Loheac, DVM
    VETERINARIAN

    Dr. Loheac is a 1993 graduate of Skidmore College and a 1998 graduate of Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine. After graduation Dr. Loheac went to work at Suffolk Downs and Rockingham Park as a commission veterinarian. This is where she met Dr. Erica Fuller and shortly thereafter became an associate veterinarian for her equine practice, Backstretch Veterinary. A few years later Dr. Fuller changed careers and Dr. Loheac took over the reins at Backstretch. Dr. Loheac main interests are Equine Sports Medicine including alternative therapies such as acupuncture and chiropractic as well as injury rehabilitation for horses. She is certified in Equine Acupuncture, Spinal Manipulation (Chiropractic), Tui Na (A Chinese form of massage and acupressure) and Equine Performance Medicine and Rehabilitation.  From the age of five Dr. Loheac was an avid hunter/jumper rider competing up and down the East Coast until having a family. Most recently she has gotten back in the saddle experimenting with Polo. In her spare time, she likes to travel with her family enjoys taking care of the variety of animals on her farm.

  • Jean Ruhan
    Jean Ruhan
    OFFICE MANAGER

    Jean Ruhan has been with Backstretch Veterinary for over 27 years as the office manager who holds everything together for the practice. She has a long history with horses showing mainly Hackney ponies and Saddlebreds, but has also dabbled in breeding and showing Norwegian Fjords in combined driving and driving/showing miniature horses. Now she spends time with her granddaughter who is riding and showing.

Testimonials

  • Quality of care and knowledge is outstanding!

    - Wister C.
  • I can't say enough about the Backstretch team! With their knowledge and experience, I trust them wholeheartedly. The kindness they show, not only to my horse, but to me, is top notch in my book. Thank you BSV team for all you do!

    - Jackie W.
  • We love this doctor and staff is amazing as well. We would encourage anyone looking for a vet to consider Backstretch Veterinary and rest assured that the quality of medicine is top notch.

    - Melissa S.
  • The folks at Backstretch vet are awesome people.

    - Cindy N.

Office Hours

Monday

7:00 am - 1:00 pm

Tuesday

7:00 am - 1:00 pm

Wednesday

7:00 am - 1:00 pm

Thursday

7:00 am - 1:00 pm

Friday

7:00 am - 1:00 pm

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

Monday
7:00 am - 1:00 pm
Tuesday
7:00 am - 1:00 pm
Wednesday
7:00 am - 1:00 pm
Thursday
7:00 am - 1:00 pm
Friday
7:00 am - 1:00 pm
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed

Office Location

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We accept PayPal and Venmo

Venmo: @Suzanne-Loheac

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