Veterinary Orthopedic Manipulation (VOM) is a healing technique for dogs, cats, and other animals that re-establishes healthy communication in the nervous system as part of treatment for a variety of diseases and injuries.
When a family pet suffers an injury or has a degenerative health condition, pain can change the animal’s quality of life and even their personality. Veterinary Orthopedic Manipulation, or VOM is a holistic therapy that targets regions of the nervous system that are not communicating effectively with each other. By re-establishing nerve communication, non-invasive VOM treatments can more quickly and thoroughly facilitate your pet’s recovery from a variety of ailments.
Dr. Moorehead is one of only three vets in Atlanta who has the ability to perform VOM, a gentle holistic, therapeutic treatment.
How does Veterinary Orthopedic Manipulation work?
Veterinary Orthopedic Manipulation works by reducing mis-alignment in the joints of the spine that result in neural subluxation (also called a “subluxated joint”). 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
VOM treatment uses a hand-held device called a spinal accelerometer, which delivers accurate and precise intensity through spring-loaded technology directed at specific areas of the spine. Because of the precision of this technology, VOM locates all nerve related subluxations through associated pathological reflexes that the animal exhibits during examination. VOM treatment is safe and gentle for pets of all sizes and types. VOM treatment is easy to perform and equally effective regardless of the animal’s state of relaxation.
Is VOM a form of chiropractic treatment for pets?
Veterinary Orthopedic Manipulation is only similar in theory to animal and human chiropractic adjusting. The use of the accelerometer makes VOM quite different from the techniques used in hands-on chiropractic treatment, such as torsion, twisting, and quick, snapping movement. Some animals become frightened and “stiff” with manual adjusting, which can make it less accurate and potentially lead to more problems. Hands on adjustments also can be difficult to perform on very small or very large animals or those that are in a great deal of pain. Sedation may even be required for some pets undergoing manual chiropractic treatment.
What animal health conditions can Veterinary Orthopedic Manipulation treat?
VOM therapy can treat a wide variety of orthopedic conditions as well as digestive issues seen in dogs and cats. Some examples are:
- Diseases and injuries of the knee and hip
- Certain stages of disc disease
- Hip Dysplasia-like syndromes
- Progressive degeneration of the spinal cord (myelopathy)
- Spinal cord compression resulting in Wobbler Syndrome
- Urinary and fecal incontinence
- Acute and chronic lameness (one or both sides)
- Digestive or gastric motility disease
- Behavioral problems associated with nerve compression
- Other types of movement dysfunction
Are there any medical conditions that are not suitable for VOM treatment?
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.
The only way to know for sure if VOM treatment can help your pet is to come in for a VOM assessment at MainStreet Veterinarians. Sometimes complete resolution is not possible, but reduction in pain and increased comfort for your pet may be possible—and enough to improve your dog or cat’s quality of life.
What will my animal experience during a VOM treatment?
Your pet is 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, your vet will scan your pet’s spine using the accelerometer. This “diagnostic pass” indicates and records pathological areas, or subluxation. 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 with this, blood work, 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.
Last, 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.
Depending on the nature of your pet’s medical issue, the animal may be sent home with you and with instructions for observation overnight, or they may need to stay overnight with the veterinary practice. If appropriate, your vet may dispense medications or supplements.
What is the length of time for VOM treatments and what are the expected results?
Veterinary Orthopedic Manipulation treatment plans will vary based upon the age of the pet, health history, and the severity of the presenting medical concern. It is common to have 3-6 treatments within a couple of weeks followed by a maintenance plan.
VOM treatment results can be fast!
We have seen cases where animals that limped or hobbled could walk about the office after the first treatment. A typical positive response time is within the first week. The presenting medical complaint can resolve within the first 3 adjustments. But don’t let that give you a false sense of security that your pet’s treatment is complete.
Just as you wouldn’t suddenly stop giving your pet a prescribed medicine until it is finished, the VOM maintenance plan is as crucial to your pet’s recovery as the initial treatment sessions. In fact, the number reason for treatment failure—regression to the injured state—is failure to maintain the treatment schedule. 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, and reduction in pain. leading to more interest in activity and animal socialization.
Dr. Moorehead is a Veterinary Holistic Health Specialist
Veterinary Orthopedic Manipulation is offered at MainStreet Veterinarians of Stone Mountain. Dr. Moorehead is one of only three vets in Atlanta who has the ability to perform this therapeutic treatment. Call today to schedule a VOM evaluation for your pet.
