FOUR SEASONS HOLISTIC VETERINARY CARE HAS OPENINGS FOR NEW PATIENTS
In case of an urgent veterinary enquiry please contact your primary care vet.
Email health@holisticvetsussex.co.uk for availability and a referral form.
Introducing In-Home Complementary Veterinary Care for your Pets
Vicky Payne BVetMed GDWVHM DipCABT MRCVS
Pet owners and guardians like you are increasingly looking for alternatives and augmentations to mainstream veterinary medicine.
This can all too often lead to a ‘wild west’ of unregulated, unproven, and even unsafe treatments.
But instead, you could be referred to a local veterinary surgeon with over 20 years experience and qualifications in Western Veterinary Herbal Medicine, Companion Animal Behaviour and Training, and Acupuncture.
The service I offer is truly complementary to conventional veterinary care, and I value a close relationship with referring vets.
Working with you and your trusted primary care vet, we can provide the best outcomes for your pets.
For more information on referring a pet please email health@holisticvetsussex.co.uk
Acupuncture
I practice a combination of Western trigger point acupuncture and Eastern meridian based acupuncture, mainly for pain relief in acute or chronic musculoskeletal conditions. I have also used acupuncture to aid wound healing, improve continence issues, and as a general tonic for elderly pets. Acupuncture uses fine, single-use needles to stimulate the nervous system, increase blood flow, release endorphins, and alter pain perception.
Behaviour
I am one of a very small number of behaviourists holding the Centre of Applied Pet Ethology (COAPE) Level 6 Diploma. My approach is based less on naming conditions and more on identifying a pet’s emotional state during unwanted behaviours and in their everyday lives. Many cases can be improved through simple changes to the environment, feeding, and management alongside training and counter-conditioning. As a vet, I am able to recommend medications for those pets who need additional support, referring back to your primary care clinic for those medications to be prescribed.
Pain Management
Working in general practice as well as in the complementary field means I am up to date with conventional pain relief options for pets. A holistic consultation allows extra time to discuss the risks and benefits of a range of therapies. I do not prescribe conventional medications, so you will be referred back to your primary care vet if any changes are recommended. I frequently recommend basic ‘home physio’ and environmental modifications to improve mobility and pain management. For some pets, herbal formulations may be beneficial for improved pain control. I have a passion for the oldies, as well as working dogs and performance pets.
Nutrition
Dietary manipulations, and even changing feeding methods can have a significant impact on health and behaviour. I can support clients wanting to use a raw or home cooked diet, as well as those looking at ‘prescription’ diets, or looking to optimise a budget diet. I work with colleagues when a bespoke recipe for a clinical condition is needed.
Herbal Medicine
Herbal medicines can be useful in a wide range of health conditions. Over the counter products can be limited in their effectiveness due to poor quality ingredients, cautious dosing, and lack of tailoring to an individual pet. The majority of herbal tinctures and tablets I use are from a practitioner-only supplier manufacturing under the code of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP). This ensures safety and efficacy of products. Tincture formulations are bespoke for each pet and can encompass a range of medical needs. Natural does not always mean safe, and by working with a veterinary herbalist you can be reassured that contraindications and drug interactions are considered and flagged.
Preventative Care
If you are looking for an alternative to following your vet’s standard vaccination and parasite prevention schedule I am well placed to discuss science-based options. I support annual leptospirosis vaccination for dogs, but can advise on titre testing if appropriate. I do not offer herbal products for worm or flea control, but will work with you to establish a testing and treatment regime to meet your needs.
We also offer home visits for heath checks and microchips for litters of puppies and kittens.
We are not an urgent or emergency service, and we are usually booked up several weeks ahead. We can sometimes see more urgent cases when fully booked for home visits at Companion Care Vets on a Friday morning.
All holistic, behaviour, and acupuncture cases can only be seen on referral from your primary care vet who remains responsible for any out of hours care.
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Details
More details on Holistic care here
More details on the Four Seasons Practice here.
All patients must be registered with a primary care veterinary practice for conventional treatments and emergency care. Patients can only be treated on referral from the primary care vet.