Animal Chiropractic

Is your pet suffering from lameness, arthritis, spinal pain, incontinence, digestive, performance or behavioral problems? Consider veterinary chiropractic!

Since 1998 Dr. Woodhall has been working with many of the veterinarians in Nevada County by offering expert Veterinary Orthopedic Manipulation (V.O.M.) to realign, ease pain and heal with gentle Activator technique on dogs, cats and more.

Your pet is seen at your vet’s. Large animal appointments are also available.

Dr. Woodhall collaborates with your veterinary team

“My chiropractic work with animals began when I had a patient bring their dog who’s his neck was out, right before they were going on vacation. They asked me to work on him. I did a modified neck adjustment on him and he was instantly improved. It was then I decided I needed to study more on this, and discovered Veterinary Orthopedic Manipulation (V.O.M.) in 1998. I attended numerous V.O.M. seminars to learn animal anatomy, organ systems, and how to adjust the spine with the Activator. Soon, most every veterinarian in town began using my services in their offices. They were seeing such dramatic results without surgery or medications. I have been adjusting animals ever since.”

Veterinary Orthopedic Manipulation (V.O.M.)

V.O.M. can be a helpful and effective treatment for musculoskeletal disorders in animals. It is a non-invasive, gentle, and safe procedure that can improve mobility, reduce pain, and enhance overall well-being.

Important Considerations
It is essential to use a chiropractor with specialized training and certification in animal chiropractic care.

Professional Setting
Reputable animal chiropractors work in collaboration with traditional veterinary care, providing a safe and effective holistic approach to animal health. Dr. Woodhall assesses each situation to determine the best location to work on the animal. 

More about VOM – Click here.

FAQs

While traditional veterinary medicine offers a more conservative approach to treating an animal’s presenting symptoms and looking at the body as different parts and systems; chiropractic care focuses on the body as an integrated system and looks to treat the underlying cause of the symptoms.

Animal chiropractic is a practice that involves manually adjusting and manipulating the spine and joints of animals to improve their mobility, reduce pain, and promote overall well-being.

The credibility of animal chiropractic depends on several factors:

  • Evidence: Currently, there is limited rigorous scientific research and peer-reviewed studies validating the effectiveness of chiropractic care for animals. Some practitioners and pet owners report positive outcomes, especially in cases of musculoskeletal issues. Comprehensive research is ongoing.
  • Veterinary Recognition: Many veterinary organizations acknowledge chiropractic techniques as a complementary approach rather than a primary treatment.
  • Regulation and Certification: The legitimacy of animal chiropractic can also depend on the practitioner’s training and certification. Certified animal chiropractors typically undergo specialized education and are recognized by professional organizations such as V.O.M.


Animal chiropractic can be beneficial for certain conditions and is generally considered safe when performed by trained professionals. Pet owners should consult with licensed veterinary professionals to determine the most appropriate treatment options for their animals.

A chiropractic visit will typically involve hands-on treatment of your pet’s muscles and joints in the area of concern. Most cats and dogs love this care and find the treatment process calming and relaxing.

VOM is a non-invasive, manual therapy used to treat musculoskeletal disorders in animals. It involves gentle adjustments to the spine, joints, and soft tissues to improve mobility, reduce pain, and restore function.

Benefits:
Improves range of motion and flexibility, Reduces pain and inflammation, Restores joint function, Strengthens muscles and ligaments, and Improves balance and coordination.

Conditions Treated:
VOM can be beneficial for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including:
Hip dysplasia, Intervertebral disc disease, Knee injuries, Shoulder problems, Neck pain, and Wobblers disease.

Procedure:
A veterinarian trained in VOM will perform a thorough examination to identify the underlying cause of the problem. They will then use gentle, specific adjustments to correct any misalignments or restrictions.

Frequency and Duration:
The frequency and duration of VOM treatments will vary depending on the individual animal and the severity of their condition. Typically, treatments are given weekly or bi-weekly for several weeks or months.

Safety and Side Effects:
VOM is generally considered a safe and well-tolerated procedure. However, some animals may experience mild discomfort or bruising after treatment.             –

While many animals don’t find chiropractic adjustments painful and may even seem to enjoy them over time, their reaction depends on the animal, their pain level, and the chiropractor’s approach. Most animals are cooperative, as adjustments aim to reduce pain and improve mobility, but some may show initial hesitation or resistance, especially during their first treatment. The goal of these treatments is to enhance an animal’s comfort and overall well-being, and animal chiropractors are trained to work with each animal to minimize anxiety and discomfort, leading to improved quality of life.

Pain and Anxiety:
Animals that are in significant pain or are anxious about being handled may resist the adjustment.

Familiarity:
Animals that become familiar with chiropractic care and feel better afterward often show more willingness to participate in subsequent treatments.

Chiropractor’s Technique:
A skilled and gentle approach by an animal chiropractor can make the process less stressful for the animal.

  • Improved Mobility and Pain Relief:
    Adjustments are designed to relieve pain and restore proper spinal alignment, which can improve movement and overall function.
  • Enhanced Well-being:
    By improving spinal function and nerve health, chiropractic care helps maintain an animal’s mobility and vitality, promoting a better quality of life.
  • Prevention:
    Regular adjustments can help maintain proper spinal alignment, which is crucial for preventing potential injuries and health issues.

Dr. Woodhall sees animals scheduled through your participating vet.  If you need a vet referral, Dr. Woodhall can assist you.  Typically, he will give you his available appointment times, and you then make an appointment with your vet for that time.

Contact Dr. Woodhall to schedule your pet's chiropractic appointment: 530-273-7988