Judy Morgan, DVM 

Dr. Morgan practices at Clayton Veterinary Associates, 714 North Delsea Drive, Clayton, NJ 08312

Did you know that spinal problems can lead to a wide variety of disease syndromes in your companion animal? Lameness, anterior cruciate ligament tears, hip dysplasia, disc disease, urinary and fecal incontinence, and wobbler’s disease can all be related to spinal subluxations.

A subluxation is a misalignment of the vertebrae, or back bones, which causes pinching of the spinal cord and nerves. When the nerves are pinched they become painful and swollen, causing decreased function of the body parts they serve. Once a subluxation occurs, it can be held in place for months or years, causing chronic pain and loss of function. Veterinary Orthopedic Manipulation, or VOM, is a new healing technology that locates all the subluxations in an animal’s spine and reduces them. This brings about healing, decreased pain, and better function. VOM is a form of chiropractic care using a hand-held device called a spinal accelerometer. The device applies motion or force into the subluxated joint to reduce the subluxation.

When an animal is presented with a complaint of pain or decreased function, a diagnostic pass is made with the accelerometer to determine where subluxations are present. A course of treatment is recommended for each animal, depending on the condition being treated. Most clients report animals can move better, are in less pain, feel better, and are more active, relaxed and playful after treatment. If you’ve ever had chiropractic care, you know how much better you can feel.

Veterinarians who treat animals with this technology are specially trained and certified. If you would like more information on this form of care, please don’t hesitate to call me at Clayton Veterinary LLC at 856-881-7470. My husband, Dr. Campbell, and I also offer VOM treatment for horses.