Business Details
Holistic Veterinary Care for Horses and Pets in Ocala, FL
Medicine Wheel Veterinary Services was founded on the principle of integrating traditional veterinary medicine with holistic and alternative therapies to enhance animal well-being. Since 1989, our team has combined rigorous scientific training with innovative approaches like acupuncture, chiropractic care, and functional neurology to address complex health challenges in both small animals and equine patients. Our founder, Dr. Shauna Cantwell, brings decades of experience in veterinary anesthesiology, pain management, and sports medicine, alongside board certification and academic contributions to the field. We specialize in treating chronic conditions, post-injury rehabilitation, and performance optimization for athletic animals, emphasizing a collaborative approach that involves pet owners, trainers, and conventional veterinarians. Our practice is rooted in evidence-based methodologies, continuous research, and owner education to ensure comprehensive care.We prioritize individualized treatment plans that address both immediate health concerns and long-term wellness goals. With a focus on advanced diagnostics and integrative therapies, we aim to reduce reliance on conventional pharmaceuticals while improving quality of life. Our commitment to innovation is matched by a dedication to ethical standards, transparency, and compassionate client communication. We serve Ocala, FL, and surrounding areas, offering consultations, on-site treatments, and educational resources to support animal health across species and lifestyles. Through relentless pursuit of new knowledge and techniques, we strive to redefine veterinary care as a partnership between science and holistic healing.
Services
Holistic Services
Physical Therapy
Spinal Manipulation
Laser Therapy
Nutritional Counseling
Equine Performance Therapy
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of veterinary expertise in anesthesiology and integrative medicine.
- Our treatments combine evidence-based conventional care with holistic modalities like acupuncture.
- We specialize in complex pain management and rehabilitation for athletic and aging animals.
- Our founder actively contributes to veterinary research and professional education.
- We prioritize owner education and collaborative care with conventional veterinarians.
What people say
Caring staff
Holistic approach
Crippling back issue recovery
Acupuncture/chiropractic expertise
Calming office environment
Services
Holistic Services
Our holistic services integrate acupuncture, herbal medicine, and chiropractic adjustments to treat underlying health issues. This approach reduces reliance on pharmaceuticals while promoting natural healing for chronic conditions, injuries, and wellness maintenance. Patients benefit from customized plans combining Eastern and Western methodologies.
Physical Therapy
Post-surgical and injury recovery programs use targeted exercises to restore mobility and strength. We develop individualized plans for cruciate ligament repairs, spinal injuries, and arthritis management. Techniques include hydrotherapy, range-of-motion exercises, and progressive muscle-building activities tailored to each patient's condition.
Spinal Manipulation
Veterinary chiropractic adjustments improve joint mobility and nervous system function. This treatment alleviates pain from musculoskeletal imbalances, enhances athletic performance, and supports recovery from injuries. We use manual techniques adapted for animal anatomy to restore proper spinal alignment and biomechanics.
Laser Therapy
Class IV cold laser treatments accelerate tissue healing and reduce inflammation. This non-invasive therapy improves circulation for post-surgical recovery, chronic wounds, and degenerative conditions like arthritis. Sessions provide pain relief while stimulating cellular regeneration for faster healing outcomes.
Nutritional Counseling
Customized nutrition plans address weight management, disease prevention, and condition-specific dietary needs. We evaluate life-stage requirements, food sensitivities, and metabolic disorders to optimize health through balanced nutrition and supplement protocols tailored to each animal's lifestyle.
People
Shauna Cantwell
Veterinarian
Dr. Shauna Cantwell is a board-certified veterinary anesthesiologist with 30+ years of experience. She specializes in integrative pain management, acupuncture, and equine sports medicine. Her research contributions and teaching roles at the University of Florida and Chi Institute advance holistic veterinary practices globally.
Questions
What types of animals do you treat?
We treat both small animals (dogs, cats) and equine patients, focusing on holistic and integrative care for all species.
Do you accept emergency cases?
We do not provide emergency services but collaborate with local clinics for urgent care needs.
What sets your practice apart from conventional veterinary clinics?
Our unique integration of acupuncture, chiropractic, and functional neurology with traditional medicine addresses root causes rather than symptoms.
How do you involve pet owners in treatment plans?
We emphasize education and home care strategies, including exercise programs and nutritional guidance tailored to each animal's needs.
Can you help with chronic pain management?
Yes, our specialized protocols combine pain-relief technologies, physical therapy, and alternative modalities for long-term improvement.
