Dr. Christina A. Truesdale, DVM, MS, EVMM, CTPEP

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine?

Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) is over 3000 years old and is comprised of four branches: acupuncture, herbology, food therapy, and Tui-na. It is based on the principle that identifying and treating underlying disease patterns will return the body to homeostasis and therefore optimal health. Today, TCVM is used with Western Veterinary Medicine (WVM) to provide the best treatment options possible. TCVM is minimally invasive and is an excellent choice for many medical conditions, either as a sole therapy or in combination with other conventional methods.

Acupuncture is the use of long thin needles at specific points along channels (meridians) in the body to move Chi (bioelectric energy). Techniques include dry needles, aqua-acupuncture, hemo-acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, pneumo-acupuncture, and moxibustion.

Herbology is the use of medicinal grade plants and organic material in various combinations in and on the body. Herbal formulations are considered pharmaceuticals and are dispensed by prescription only.

Food Therapy is the use of diet to address medical conditions.

Tui-na is Chinese medical massage and is highly effective in all species. It is particularly useful in patients who do not tolerate needles.

What is Spinal Manipulation? Is It The Same as Chiropractic Medicine?

Spinal manipulation is the animal medicine version of chiropractic medicine. US medical law dictates that human Doctors of Chiropractic Medicine (DCs) use the title “chiropractor” and those veterinarians who have completed extra specialty training use the title “spinal manipulators.” The principles are essentially the same. Dr. Truesdale is certified in Equine Veterinary Medical Manipulation, also known as equine spinal manipulation.

Will You Travel to My Location?

Currently, we serve the greater Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington metro areas. In Oregon, this includes Hillsboro, Beaverton, Sherwood, Newberg, Tualatin, Molalla, Newberg, Canby, Happy Valley, Gresham, and any areas in between. In Washington, this includes Ridgefield, Battle Ground, Camas, and Washougal, and any areas in between. We offer trip fee discounts for multiple animals or clients in one barn. We attend multiple horse shows throughout the year and can see your equine athlete right there on site, no matter what state you are from. Contact us today to schedule a trip to your area!

Dr. Truesdale also does lectures, live demonstrations, and other educational experiences.

Can I Travel to You?

We are strictly a mobile service, so we do not have a brick and mortar clinic. We will happily travel to your home or farm!

Do you provide conventional veterinary medical services?

We are a specialty referral practice. In order to provide your animals with the best care, we perform only TCVM and spinal manipulation on our patients. Please utilize your regular veterinarian for vaccines, dental work, bloodwork, Coggins tests, etc. As part of our philosophy, we love a team approach and will happily work with your regular veterinarian to design the best treatment plan possible.

Do you provide on-call/emergency services?

We provide services on an appointment-only basis and do not have any emergency or on call-services. If your animal has an emergent condition, please call your local emergency veterinarian ASAP.

Do I Need a Referral?

Referrals from other veterinarians are welcome, but not required. With your permission, we would like to contact your regular veterinarian to discuss your case and review any pertinent records. We combine our knowledge of Western Veterinary Medicine to provide you with the best possible treatment plan.

What People Are Saying

Gretchen A. “Dr Christina has changed the way my personal horse moves and continues to improve and help all of the horses in our therapeutic riding program. Her practice and her work are awesome!”

Claire K. “Dr. Truesdale's treatments have made a huge difference for both my horses. My older gelding with SI issues is moving better than he has for years!”

True Meridian Integrative Veterinary Medicine, LLC

Dr. Christina A. Truesdale, DVM, MS

Hillsboro, OR

Phone: (503) 847-8421

Email: truemeridianvet@gmail.com

OWNED AND OPERATED BY A DISABLED WOMAN VETERAN

Brown Horse Horse Riding Activity