How does it work? Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body in order to cause a therapeutic effect. Stimulation of these points causes both local effects (near the site of the needle) and systemic effects (body-wide activation of the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems). Nerve transmission, connective tissue planes, metabolic components carried in blood such as oxygen, hormones, neurotransmitters and nutrients as well as the functional energy of an organ system all benefit from acupuncture.

North Fork
Integrative Veterinary Care
A mobile, integrative veterinary practice providing services including lameness evaluations, X-ray and ultrasound, joint injections, dental services, acupuncture, chiropractic care, laser therapy, and equine locum services to horses and companion animals in central and southern Idaho. We also offer targeted PEMF therapy. Our goal is to work with primary care veterinarians and owners to provide the best care possible for your pets and equine partners. Our clients range from lap dogs to upper-level equine athletes. We look forward to meeting you and your herd!
X-Ray & Ultrasound
Joint Injections
Dental Services
Acupuncture
Chiropractic Care
Laser Therapy
Equine Locum Services
Integrative Veterinary Practices
Acupuncture: Conditions Treated
Arthritis, disc disease, incontinence, neck pain, back pain, athletic injury, general wear and tear in the athlete or active pet, sacroiliac disease, muscle strains/tears, post-surgical/non-surgical stifle disease, seizure disorders, hip dysplasia, MMM (masticatory muscle myositis) and many more.
Chiropractic: What is animal chiropractic?
When a joint becomes restricted in its range of motion (hypomobile or ‘locked-up’), through trauma, repetitive injury, degenerative changes, or structural stresses, the surrounding tissues are affected. This further affects the joints’ ability to move freely and sensitive structures are activated causing the area to be sensitive or painful. Nerves are the communication links between all tissues in the body to the brain and spinal cord; when joint dysfunction is present, messages to other areas are also affected, which can lead to pain, weakness, reduced function, and compensatory changes. Animal chiropractic focuses on the restoration of movement and the promotion of health by restoring normal joint mechanics and soft-tissue function, thus, normalizing neurological patterns that facilitate healing. The main tool an animal chiropractor uses to restore joint motion is called an “adjustment”, or veterinary spinal manipulation. This gentle, specialized, manual skill, involves the application of a quick, low-force maneuver that is directed to a specific area of a joint at a specific angle. In the state of Idaho, only a licensed veterinarian who has completed additional training in chiropractic care is legally allowed to perform adjustments on animals. In addition to her veterinary degree, Dr. Crawford has completed over 300 hours of veterinary chiropractic training and is a member of the IVCA (International Veterinary Chiropractic Association).
Chiropractic: Conditions Treated
Chiropractic is an excellent modality for animals of all stages to maintain their mobility and strength. Animals adjusted regularly are more balanced and less likely to become injured. Other conditions treated with chiropractic include: spinal issues, arthritis, disc disease, stiff neck or back, poor topline, lack of collection/impulsion, gait abnormalities, seizure disorders, hip dysplasia, incontinence and many more.
Equine Lameness: What is it?
Equine lameness refers to a condition in horses characterized by an abnormal gait or posture, indicating pain or discomfort in one or more legs. It can stem from a variety of causes, including injuries, infections, or degenerative diseases. Lameness can affect any part of the horse’s leg, including the hoof, joints, tendons, and ligaments.
There are several types of lameness, including:
- Acute Lameness: This sudden onset of lameness is often due to an injury or trauma, such as a sprain, fracture, or abscess.
- Chronic Lameness: This develops over time and is usually associated with ongoing conditions like arthritis, tendinitis, or navicular disease.
- Intermittent Lameness: This type occurs sporadically and may be difficult to diagnose. It can be caused by issues that worsen with activity and improve with rest.
Diagnosis typically involves a thorough physical examination, lameness evaluation, and sometimes diagnostic imaging like X-rays or ultrasounds. We offer mobile xray and ultrasound that help us reach a diagnosis in the field. Treatment options vary based on the underlying cause and may include rest, anti-inflammatory medications, joint injections, physical therapy, or surgical interventions.
Preventive measures include proper hoof care, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy diet to support overall equine health. If you suspect lameness in a horse, it’s essential to consult a veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
Lameness Evaluation — Digital X-Ray + Ultrasound

Lameness evaluations with digital x-ray and ultrasound.
Lameness is one of the most common maladies in the horse. Causes can range from something as basic as an abscess to something as complex as back pain. With our state-of-the-art mobile digital x-ray and ultrasound, we can help! In addition, we provide on-site pre-purchase exams in the Magic and Wood River Valley.
Dental Services
Equine dentistry is a specialized area of veterinary care that focuses on the health and maintenance of horses’ teeth. Just like with humans, horses need regular dental care to prevent pain, discomfort, and performance issues. Unlike human dentistry, however, equine dental work often requires a veterinarian use specialized tools and techniques due to the horse’s anatomy and the potential complexity of dental problems.
Here’s an overview of what equine dentistry typically involves:
1. Initial Exam
The veterinarian will start by conducting a full oral exam, which can be done with or without sedation depending on the horse’s temperament and the complexity of the exam. The vet will look for signs of:
- Sharp points: These are small, raised areas that can develop along the edges of the horse’s molars and premolars, which may cause ulcers or irritation in the horse’s mouth.
- Tooth wear and tear: Over time, horses can develop uneven wear patterns due to the way they chew. This can lead to difficulties in chewing or even colic if food isn’t properly processed.
- Loose teeth: Teeth can become loose or infected due to injury, age, or infection.
- Abscesses or infections: Dental issues such as abscesses or infected gums can be very painful and may lead to further complications if not treated.
- Jaw alignment: Misalignment can affect chewing, leading to problems with digestion and comfort.
2. Sedation
Horses require sedation for dental procedures, especially if the work involves removing sharp points or performing more invasive work. This is to ensure the horse’s safety and comfort, and also to allow the veterinarian to do a thorough job. Only licensed, insured veterinarians have the training and insurance to safely sedate your horse.
3. Floating the Teeth
One of the most common dental procedures for horses is called “floating.” This involves filing down sharp points or uneven teeth to prevent them from cutting the inside of the horse’s cheeks or tongue. Over time, horses’ teeth can develop sharp, uneven edges due to their constant grinding motion when chewing. These points can cause oral discomfort or difficulties with eating.
The veterinarian uses a specialized equipment, called a float, to smooth out these points. Dr. Crawford uses a state of the art electric float in most situations that is fully battery operated
4. Addressing Tooth Issues
If a horse has more severe dental issues, such as broken teeth, abscesses, or loose teeth, the veterinarian may need to take more advanced action which can require additional diagnostics (i.e. x -rays) and skills:
- Tooth extraction: In cases of severe decay, broken teeth, or infection, a veterinarian may need to extract the problematic teeth.
- Treatment of infections or abscesses: If there’s an infection in the tooth or gum, the vet may clean the area, flush out any infected material, and sometimes use antibiotics.
5. Floating During Routine Exams
Typically, equine dental exams and floating are done once a year or every 6 months, depending on the horse’s age, breed, diet, and specific dental needs. Young horses (2-5 years old) often need more frequent checkups, as their teeth are still growing and changing. Older horses (15+ years) might also require more frequent care to deal with wear or tooth loss.
6. Other Considerations
- Diet: Diet can affect a horse’s dental health. Hard foods like hay help wear down teeth naturally, but some processed feeds can lead to softer teeth or other problems.
- Signs of dental problems: Owners should look out for signs that their horse might need dental attention. These include dropping food while eating, a reluctance to chew or eat, excessive salivation, weight loss, or signs of discomfort when bridling or riding.
7. Advanced Procedures (Rare)
In rare cases, horses may require more complex dental procedures, such as:
- Surgical procedures: In cases of serious dental diseases or jaw issues, surgical intervention may be necessary.
- Orthodontics: Rarely, a horse might need orthodontic treatment for misaligned teeth or jaws, although this is not common.
Importance of Regular Dental Care
Regular dental care is essential for a horse’s overall health. Problems with the teeth can lead to:
- Difficulty chewing and eating, leading to malnutrition and weight loss.
- Behavioral issues, as pain or discomfort can cause a horse to be reluctant to work or be bridled.
- Serious infections or abscesses that can affect overall health.
In summary, equine dentistry involves routine check-ups, floating, and addressing any dental problems that arise. The goal is to ensure the horse is comfortable, can eat properly, and remains healthy throughout its life. Regular dental care is as important for a horse’s well-being as any other form of veterinary care
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and Orthobiologics
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is a medical treatment that utilizes components derived from a patient’s own blood to promote healing and tissue regeneration. The process involves drawing a small amount of blood from the patient, which is then processed using a centrifuge to separate the blood components. This separation results in a concentration of platelets and growth factors that are key to healing.
PRP contains a higher concentration of platelets than usual, along with growth factors that can stimulate tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and enhance healing processes. It is commonly used in various medical fields, including orthopedics, sports medicine, dermatology, and dentistry.
Applications of PRP include:
- Orthopedic Injuries: To treat tendon injuries, ligament sprains, and joint pain.
- Surgical Recovery: To enhance healing after surgical procedures.
- Chronic Wounds: To improve healing in non-healing wounds.
The treatment is generally considered safe since it uses the patient’s own blood, minimizing the risk of allergic reactions or transmission of diseases.
Dr Crawford offers onsite PRP processing and injection for patients using the Dechra ProVet System. We also offer Renovo therapy as an option for cases that require it.


Erin M. Crawford, DVM
Dr. Erin Crawford graduated from the University of Wyoming in 2000 with a degree in Biology and received her DVM from Colorado State University in 2006. During her college and vet school years, she worked for a dude ranch-outfitter in Wyoming looking after their horses and mules and spending time on the trail. She also spent several winters driving draft teams at the National Elk Refuge in Jackson. Following graduation from CSU, she spent a year as an intern at Oakridge Equine Hospital in Edmond, Oklahoma. After her internship, Dr. Crawford joined Sawtooth Equine Service, in Sun Valley Idaho. She practiced at Sawtooth Equine from 2007-2021. Dr. Crawford completed the Acupuncture for Veterinarians course at CSU while in vet school and then pursued additional training for Chiropractic work . Dr. Crawford completed the training in Animal Chiropractic in 2017. She also completed and maintains her International Veterinary Chiropractic Association certification.
After leaving traditional equine practice in 2022, North Fork Integrative Veterinary Care came into being. Dr. Crawford strives to treat the whole animal, incorporating acupuncture and chiropractic to provide the best care possible care. When not at work, she is at home exploring the mountains of Sun Valley, Idaho with her husband on their horses with their mostly well behaved dogs.





