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Karen Rider

Could Your Dog Benefit from Veterinary Orthopedic Manipulation?

Is your pet in pain due to age, injury, or perhaps an unknown cause? Veterinary Orthopedic Manipulation may be a viable therapeutic option to alleviate discomfort in your cat or dog.


What is Veterinary Orthopedic Manipulation?

Veterinary Orthopedic Manipulation (VOM) is a specialized technique for correcting mis-alignment in the joints of the spine (also called a “subluxated joint”). VOM treatment is performed by either a veterinarian or a chiropractor who has been trained in this therapeutic modality for animals.


What can Veterinary Orthopedic Manipulation Do for My Pet?

VOM treatment aims to remove subluxations in order to

  • reduce pain

  • restore range of movement

  • prevent further deterioration of the joint and soft tissue around the joint

  • protect from future or additional injury

How is VOM Treatment Administered to a Pet?

A hand-held, spring-loaded device called a spinal accelerometer is used to administer VOM treatment for pets. The spinal accelerometer delivers precise intensity directed at specific areas of the spine. Because of the precision of this technology, VOM locates all nerve related subluxations through pathological reflexes that the animal exhibits during a medical examination. VOM treatment is safe and gentle for pets of all sizes and types.


What Conditions can VOM be used to Treat?

VOM therapy can treat a wide variety of orthopedic conditions as well as digestive issues seen in dogs and cats. Some examples are:

  • Knee and hip orthopedic injuries

  • Certain stages of disc disease

  • Progressive degeneration conditions of the spine or other joints

  • Nerve compression

  • Incontinence

  • Acute and chronic lameness (one or both sides)

  • Digestive motility disease

VOM would not be suitable for a pet that has extensive, permanent nerve damage or who has sustained a serious injury and lived with dysfunction for a long period of time. In these cases, the nervous system has typically surpassed the ability to respond to treatment, heal, and adapt to improve functioning or significantly reduce pain, as the case may be.


What Happens to My Pet During VOM Treatment?

Your pet will be in a relaxed position, in the caring hands of your vet and an assistant, and you may also be present, depending upon the medical concerns being addressed.


First, the vet will scan your pet’s spine using the accelerometer. This “diagnostic pass” indicates and records subluxations. If significant subluxation is found and these correspond to the medical condition presented, then the appropriate series of VOM treatments will be recommended. (In conjunction, x-rays and other diagnostic tests may be recommended).


Next, a second therapeutic pass is made using the accelerometer,. During this pass, your vet makes notes about changes in the readings. A third therapeutic pass is usually made. All of the data is evaluated and noted in the animal’s medical chart. These data points serve as baseline measures to compare against future treatments.


Finally, you and your pet may be sent home with instructions for observation, or the pet may need to stay overnight with the veterinary practice.


What Results Can I Expect with Veterinary Orthopedic Manipulation for My Pet?

VOM treatment plans vary based upon the age of the pet, health history, and the severity of the current medical condition. There is usually a treatment phase and a maintenance phase for VOM with pets. The VOM maintenance plan supports your pet’s body as it re-acclimates to normal nerve conduction and the health benefits that result, such as:

  • increased range of motion

  • ability to strengthen

  • reduced inflammation and pain

  • Improved behavior

In Delaware, All Paws Animal Wellness Clinic offers VOM. To learn more about VOM and to find other animal care facilities that offer this modality, please visit the VOM Resource Center.


Does Your Pet Have Special Needs that Require a Special Pet Sitter?

If you have a special needs pet, who will you call when you need to be away from home? For dogs or cats, you can rely on Weather or Not and Kitten Sittin’ of Delaware to provide professional, compassion, and committed care for your pet. Contact us today to learn more!



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