Holistic Vet?
 

Does anyone go to a Holistic Vet? What exactly are they and can you tell me about your experience with one?

Without going into too much detail, I am looking for a new vet. Lily needs more care than my current vet is able to provide. The major problems she has is hydrocephalus and MVD. Do you think a holistic vet could help me with her? I'm looking for someone with knowledge on these illnesses and who won't try to push Hill's SD at me all the time. But I also need someone who is familar with neurological problems, would a Holistic Vet know anything about that?

I found A Dr. Mark Ingram not too far from me so I might try him but I just wanted to know what everyone else's experience with a Holistic vet has been like.

i am so sorry. i hope someone can help you. i have no idea

i have not been able to find a good holistic vet in my area so cant comment directly, but i do only see naturopathic and holistic dr's myself. if the vets are anything like them, i would highly recomend you at least make an appointment to see what the one close to you is like. unlike regular MD's, naturopaths and wholistic practitioners see the person (and im supposing pup) in whole instead of focusing on the problem. So instead of pushing pills and medication the mask the problem, they will likely look into the whole pup to see what could be causeing the problem in the first place and help to heal the cause instead of just ease the symptoms with drugs.

just like anything though, do your research and find someone you are comfortable with obviously. just like vets, its hard to find a good, knowledgable holistic practitioner. but if you do, i have a feeling it will be well worth while!

(if anyone can recommend one in toronto, ontario i would be greatful also!)

Good luck and let us know what your experience is if you decide to see one :)

I would recommend giving it a try. It would be nice to have a vet who is trained in both traditional med and holistic med...I'm pretty sure that I'm going to start taking Miko to a holistic vet as well. He's my yorkie with liver problems... I want to find a vet who has a good balance on trad. med and holistic med...Someone who not only knows about the diseases, but also about the importance of nutrition...

I take my yorkies to a holistic & acupuncture vet. He was actually trained as traditional vet - so he really can pull in the best of everything. Here's his website if you want to poke around a bit http://www.apvet.com/ -- also, he is a great guy, has traveled the world educating others and may be able to give you a first hand referral.

and I found this there: Find a Holistic Veterinarian at www.ahvma.org

Also, I copied this from his website - he wrote it:

Why Holistic?

Holistic Medicine-Wholeistic medicine helps explain the general approach that we take when evaluating cases in our practice. Conventional medicine tends to look at the symptoms and then address the problem by trying to alleviate those symptoms. Holistic medicine tends to look at the symptoms and try to figure out why those symptoms are present. We then try to address the root cause of those symptoms and if the treatment is successful, the symptoms subside.

Some examples may help explain the approach. Let's imagine your pet is presented with mild kidney failure. Blood work has ruled out infections or tumors as being a cause and it is decided that it is just "old age". Conventional medicine will treat by giving fluids and possibly a lower protein diet; nothing can be done directly treat the failing kidneys. Holistic medicine will use acupuncture to increase energy and blood flow through the kidneys. We will administer fluids when needed. We will alter the diet but not necessarily to low protein, but with an emphasis on the quality of the protein and the quality of the diet in general. Then the patient is matched to herbal formulas, usually based on using an herb called Rehmannia, and supplements that can help with regeneration of kidney function. The result is usually return to normal or near normal kidney function and often years of good quality life.

Let's imagine your pet to have arthritis of the hips, an extremely common problem causing pain and loss of mobility. Conventional medicine will evaluate the pain and use medicines that try to reduce or block the pain. Unfortunately, many of the drugs can cause severe side effects that are commonly used. Holistic medicine will use acupuncture to help decrease the pain and start the healing process. Diet, suppliments, and various herbs are used to reduce the inflammation, increase blood flow and help the body try to reverse the arthritic changes in the joints. The end result of the holistic approach is usually a long tern increase in the quality of life. I usually don't promote individual products but one of that I have found to be particularly helpful in almost all of the arthritis cases I see is called DGP or Dog Gone Pain. It is a unique combination of herbs and supplements that is very helpful in eliminating pain and inflamation and is safe for the pet. Just click on the link I have to their site if you want more information or wish to try that product.

I consider conventional medicine to be the best medicine available for acute and emergency conditions. However, for treating chronic conditions (anything present for more than two weeks) I think the holistic approach is best. Another point that should be made is that sometimes holistic medicine does include conventional modalities. The holistic approach means doing what is best for the total health and welfare of the pet and if that includes conventional methods that should be done also.

It matters not if medicine is old or new

so long as it can cure.

It matters not if theories come from East or West

so long as they are true.

Jen-Hsou Lin, Taipei

Thanks for the advice everybody :thumbup:

I have made an appointment with Dr. Ingram for the Thur after Thanksgiving. He hates Hill's SD which is very refreshing. He wants to spend AN ENTIRE HOUR doing a consultation with me and Lily. His Asst said that he treats dogs with MVD all the time and he will develop a special diet just for her and send me home with various supplements. He is also familiar with Hydrocephalus and can help her there.

I am so excited to find someone who might actually be able to help her!

I know this is very late, but I was wondering if Dr. Ingram was able to help your girl. I just had an appointment with him for my Gracie who has allergies. Even in just four days, she's already stopped scratching so I'm very hopeful and happy with it so far and I was wondering how your girl was doing long term.

Sorry to bring such an old message up!

Yes, he did help her! I took her to him as a last resort. No one else knew what to do for her and she was having some serious neurological problems due to liver disease and hydrocephalus. He put her on a ton of different supplements and herbs and I saw a huge improvement in about a week. She is still doing very well and has well outlived the life expectancy I was given for her at UT. I will always highly recommend Dr. Ingram!!!