[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

I just want to say that I would never not use conventional medicine for my pups. I have had so many different conditions over the years with my own pups and also my fosters and I have never been let down by conventional medicine. The vets I use only suggest what is tested and proven to be successful...they do not use or suggest anything that is not proven to work for whatever condition we are dealing with. There is not a snowball's chance in that hot place down under that I would risk them to treatments that sound good but have no real proven track record.

I have seen so much on the internet about holistic cures for heartworms for instance that are not proven to work. People let their fears of the conventional treatment put their pups at risk with unproven treatments. Any medicine and/or treatment has risks and that goes for holistic ones. The problem with the later is that there isn't the proof of the success and not the same information that is given with the standard ones. People are given the list of side effects for one and not the other and that in my opinion is the problem. I am happy that the FDA is considering overseeing this. Cannot come soon enough.

I have two pups with lymphangectasia and one with protein losing nephropathy. Basically, diet is key in lymphangectasia, but often they need medications...prednisone being one. My Cookie was on prednisone for a very long time...about two years. She needed it! They gave it and tapered it as soon as they could and monitored her closely. No harm done. She is alive and well now and it is 3.5 years after diagnosis. Would herbs have worked? who knows? But the bottom line I would not try to find out since I know the other treatment works. Not ever going to take such chances with my babies. My Olivia is on two blood pressure meds, Ursodiol for her gall bladder and a restricted diet for her PLN and she is doing great! For some time she was on denamarin for her liver. As I said, I believe in mixed treatments, but not substitutes.

I won't take such chances with my own health either. Steve Jobs did that and we all know what happened to him. He later regretted making the choice to go holistic.

I am not saying that there are not some holistic methods that may have some use. I am just saying that I don't believe they should be used as a substitute for what is tested and proven.

Originally Posted by SirTeddykins

Well said in that yours is a balanced view of the pros/cons of approved medication as it pertains to the masses and the minorities. It is important to be well-informed re: any medicinal option with respect to efficacy, side effects and risk vs benefit analysis.


It is important to remember that marketed medication is tested under rigorous conditions before approval (hence some of the long approval times for meds like Alzheimer's etc) but cannot take into account every potential eventuality in every individual circumstance. Also, we have to admit that research is funded by pharmaceutical companies so there is a conflict of interest to a degree. (Arguably, a large degree in some instances).


However, the danger with some 'natural' or 'holistic' alternatives is that the research there can be even more limited.


Therefore, it is important to make evidence based decisions and one can only do this by researching on the basis of empirical research conclusions AND personal circumstance.


For example, NSAIDS (like ibuprofen) are said to be just as effective as morphine in pain relief. This is great! A 'proven' pain reliever, which is cheap and easily obtainable by the population. However, further research shows that NSAIDS should not be used by certain populations i.e. those on other medications or who have co-morbidities such as gastritis, for example. Therefore, although this particular 'proven' medicine is great for the MASSES it can have dire consequences for the minority.

Originally Posted by 107barney

Exactly. Not only is holistic or natural medicine more limited in research, there is often NO research. And no oversight.

I agree .. I said that in my post. Note highlighted text above.