Cathleen Lombardi
DVM, CVA (IVAS), Certified in Animal Chiropractic (IVCA)
In the ever-evolving world of veterinary science, few practitioners seamlessly combine clinical precision with holistic therapies like Cathleen Lombardi, DVM, CVA. As a trusted large animal veterinarian with more than two decades of experience, Lombardi has become a respected name in equine health, integrative medicine, and veterinary education.
Her work at The Oaks Equine and Farm Services in Smithfield, Virginia, reflects a lifelong passion for animals, deep academic training, and a steadfast commitment to advancing both traditional and complementary veterinary care.
Academic Excellence and Clinical Training
Cathleen Lombardi’s veterinary journey is grounded in a strong academic pedigree. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from Cornell University, one of the world’s premier agricultural and veterinary science institutions.
She continued her education at Kansas State University, where she received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. Recognizing the value of hands-on, specialized training, she completed a postdoctoral internship in large animal surgery at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, developing a strong foundation in surgical procedures, diagnostic techniques, and comprehensive care for equine and farm animals.
Over Two Decades of Equine and Farm Animal Practice
Since 2004, Cathleen Lombardi has served as an associate veterinarian at The Oaks Equine and Farm Services, where she offers broad-spectrum care with an emphasis on equine patients. From routine farm calls to complex lameness evaluations, her work reflects both clinical depth and a nuanced understanding of each animal’s unique needs.
Her areas of interest include dentistry, internal medicine, and locomotor issues, but her standout skill lies in combining conventional veterinary treatments with complementary approaches for enhanced patient outcomes.
A Certified Leader in Integrative Animal Health
One of Cathleen Lombardi’s most defining professional strengths is her advanced expertise in integrative veterinary care. She holds certification in animal chiropractic from the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association (IVCA) and received training through Options for Animals, a globally recognized institution.
She also earned her Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA) designation through the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS) and has completed advanced equine acupuncture coursework through Chi University, further deepening her skills in this ancient healing art.
Her integrative treatments are not fringe add-ons, they are central to how she addresses chronic pain, improves biomechanics, and supports performance and recovery in both large and small animal patients.
Educator, Mentor, and Conference Speaker
Beyond clinical work, Cathleen Lombardi plays a vital role in veterinary education. She is an adjunct faculty member at Tidewater Community College in Virginia Beach, where she contributes to the growing veterinary technology degree program.
Her hands-on teaching includes everything from equine handling to clinical skills, such as intravenous injections, bandaging, and physical assessments.
Cathleen Lombardi is also a highly regarded instructor for The Alliance for Integrative Care, where she provides continuing education in animal chiropractic techniques. She serves as a teaching associate and equine mentor with IVAS, helping train fellow professionals in acupuncture techniques and case-based application.
Her speaking credits include presentations at the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association, Tennessee Veterinary Medical Association, and the Virginia Association of Licensed Veterinary Technicians, along with online content creation for The Equine Practice Company, where she shares her expertise in equine acupuncture with a broader audience. Veterinarians seeking practical insights can explore equine veterinary lecture summaries and CE to access high-quality professional development tailored to equine practice.
Grounded in Passion and Personal Connection
Originally from New York, Lombardi’s early life revolved around riding hunters and caring for animals, a passion that shaped her future. Today, she lives in Carrollton, Virginia, with her husband Jay Hollingsworth, two rescue dogs Sawyer and Rosie, and her retired Thoroughbred, Missy.
Her personal experience with horses informs her professional practice, giving her a unique empathy for both animals and their caretakers.
Why Cathleen Lombardi Is a Name to Know
What makes Cathleen Lombardi a standout figure in veterinary medicine is not only her technical proficiency but also her ability to integrate diverse healing modalities into a single, effective care strategy. She exemplifies the future of veterinary care, one that values evidence-based practice while embracing whole-animal wellness.
Whether she’s treating performance horses, mentoring future veterinary professionals, or speaking at industry conferences, Cathleen Lombardi brings knowledge, compassion, and vision to everything she does. Her career is a testament to what’s possible when clinical excellence and integrative thinking come together for the betterment of animals everywhere.
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