[Terri]

I'm interested in everyone's option on Holistic Vets. Have you ever used one? Why did you use one? Would you recommend a Holistic Vet over a "conventional" Vet? Under what circumstances is one better than the other?

Terri

 

[windycanyon]

I have and will again if the situation warrants. I had a youngster (now 9.5 + yrs young) who had a neck injury when she was ~16 mos old by my estimation. Suddenly she could not carry her 3rd or 4th duck from JH tests nor would she run down hill. Her neck was so screwed up! I tried my regular vet first (who is quite good w/ ortho, etc issues) and tried the rimadyl/crate rest etc. Did not improve w/ 3 mos. I asked her about alternatives since she suggested MRI was next. She gave me a reference, and he did a full exam and chiro on her, and suddenly I had my girl back! Ears down, eyes alert/happy, etc. Til she rolled over for a belly rub and everything came spilling out of alignment again. Her neck tendon was ALL messed up- subluxated by then because we had dinked around w/ crate rest and rimadyl. After a few attempts of chiropractic, the next step was prolotherapy and it WORKED WONDERS. She went on to finish her JH, CDX and do agility. I'd never have thought she could jump again but she's been fantastic ever since. It was maybe ~$1500 total at the time. Well worth it! I've since taken dogs in to him if I suspected they'd gotten out of alignment or whatever. Find a good one, and you've got a fantastic tool in your box. I used to have a site bookmarked, but I think if you google "find a holistic vet" they'll come up w/ a list of vets and all the modalities they are certified in. I have 2 other vets who I will use, depending on the situation. I think you have to in this day and age if you have more than a dog or 2 and possibly breed.

 

[Julie R.]

There's one near me that a lot of people love, they say she's worked miracles with their dogs. My sister has used her for her pitiful silver Lab pup (I know, I know..... I had no input into that purchase). The poor pup is only about a year old and so severely dysplastic he can barely get up and down stairs and he has a host of auto immune problems. She also has an arthritic older dog and says the acupuncture and supplements she's had from that vet have really helped both her dogs.

 

[hotel4dogs]

My preference is an integrative medicine vet rather than a holistic vet. At least in my limited experience, in this area, the holistic vets tend more toward Eastern medicine and principals whereas the integrative vets are firmly grounded in traditional veterinary medicine but with alternative therapies such as acupuncture, laser, chiropractic, supplements, etc. when it's warranted. They will often include some of the non-traditional pain relief like duralactin, trameel, etc. instead of or in addition to the classic NSAIDs.

 

[windycanyon]

My preference is an integrative medicine vet rather than a holistic vet. At least in my limited experience, in this area, the holistic vets tend more toward Eastern medicine and principals whereas the integrative vets are firmly grounded in traditional veterinary medicine but with alternative therapies such as acupuncture, laser, chiropractic, supplements, etc. when it's warranted. They will often include some of the non-traditional pain relief like duralactin, trameel, etc. instead of or in addition to the classic NSAIDs.

I think that describes the vet I've used as well. He's a regular vet but went thru the holistic program in MN or WI that is supposed to be so good (according to my regular vet).

 

[riskyriver]

I have used one a few times, for apparent pain with no obvious cause (previously checked out and xrayed by my regular vet). She has used accupuncture and chiro on my dog, and she is great! Guess she would be considered an integrative, as she practiced traditional vet medicine for 20 years before going to primarily holistic. She is very good w/ dogs and takes a lot of time trying to determine just what is bothering them - hands on, watching them move etc.

 

[Terri]

Thanks for the replies. I was only familiar with holistic medication when it came to injuries and pain, but my agility instructor used it for her dog that had cancer brought on from radiation treatment for a different type of cancer. She told me holistic Vets use natural medication to control bleeding. My 11 year old Italian Greyhound needs to have a biopsy, but he is a bleeder. He has been tested for several different bleeding disorders, but we still are not sure which disorder affects him. There is an increase risk of bleeding when a biopsy is done.
I have been reading about holistic Vets and I'm not sure if I should go that route or not. I see the benefits for injury and pain, but I'm not sure about the treatment for cancer or bleeding. I'm open to learning and being educated.

Terri

 

[hotel4dogs]

Terri, do some research on Yunnan Baiyao (also spelled Yunnan Paiyao). There has been some limited use, with outstanding success, in prolonging the life of dogs with hemangiosarcoma with the use of YB. My vet has suggested that I carry it in my hunting first aid kit, which I do. I was originally given it because my older Golden had a soft tissue cancer that would break open and bleed like crazy.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yunnan_Baiyao
and
http://www.modernherbshop.com/Yunnan_Baiyao_Yunnan_PaiYao_s/147.htm

 

[Terri]

Thanks Barb, I think that is what my agility instructor was using for her dog. I'm still going to do the chest x ray before doing a biopsy, but if his lungs are clear I will feel better about having a Vet trained in holistic medication do the biopsy.

Terri

 

[JusticeDog]

I have used holistic vets. I have one dog with arthritis in his ankles. He got acupuncture and herbs. Made him less grumpy, and he could clear his jump into the truck better. I had one who had two surgeries and anaplasmosis. After treating all the traditional items, I felt the dog still looked tired. We put him on an herbal support, and chiropractic adjustments. I have one that had urinary leakage after a spay 2 years ago. I didn't want to do the full blown hormones, so I am using herbs with good success. I have used herbs for liver support for my cancer boy I lost in March. I never hesitate to go there.

 

[Terri]

Susan,
Thanks for passing on the many uses of holistic medication and Vets.

Today I was talking to one of the Vets at my regular Vet's office and she didn't seem to think my Vet would be too supportive of me going this route with my dog. I will do what I think is best for my dog.

I do not want to have regrets.

Terri

 

[JusticeDog]

Susan,
Thanks for passing on the many uses of holistic medication and Vets.

Today I was talking to one of the Vets at my regular Vet's office and she didn't seem to think my Vet would be too supportive of me going this route with my dog. I will do what I think is best for my dog.

I do not want to have regrets.

Terri

That's too bad. what's nice is my regular vet (Dr. Jeff) has a great one in his office. If he is not there, I will see her for "regular" things. She is good about offering up the traditional approach as well as the more holistic approach. I have found Dr. Ann to be very kind, the dogs love her, and so do it. She does what is best for the dog ie: told me I could wait on vaccines I was considering until we knew the dog didn't have a UTI, etc. I have seen such positive effects with my dogs...

 

[Terri]

Got some good news today. My little IG does not have any masses in his lungs and my Vet does not have a problem with me taking him to a different Vet that also practices holistic medicine to see what she thinks about the masses in his kidney and his bleeding disorder..

Terri

 

[JusticeDog]

Got some good news today. My little IG does not have any masses in his lungs and my Vet does not have a problem with me taking him to a different Vet that also practices holistic medicine to see what she thinks about the masses in his kidney and his bleeding disorder..

Terri

That is good news!

 

[Terri]

Susan,

Thanks again for all the information and support. I'm feeling good forward.

Terri