CAN HOLISTIC VETERINARY CARE HELP MY PET?

This is the most common subject of emails and telephone enquiries we receive. Unfortunately without examining a pet, and reviewing it’s history it is very difficult to give an easy answer. Below are some common problems and our thoughts on treatments.

DO YOU RECOMMEND NATURAL PRODUCTS FOR FLEA AND WORM CONTROL?

We are yet to be convinced of the safety and efficacy (usefulness) of most ‘natural’ flea and worm products. There are some preventative treatments we do recommend, but we usually steer clients towards a treatment plan with conventional products tailored to the pet’s lifestyle or monitoring with treatment when required.

MY PET HAS CANCER, CAN HOLISTIC TREATMENT HELP?

‘Cancer’ covers a huge range of diagnoses from benign growths up to invasive or metastatic (spreading) tumours. Herbal medicine can be used in several ways in cancer treatment; some herbs have been shown to slow cancer growth, others can help pets cope with the side effects of either the tumour, or any conventional medication being used. Herbs work best if used early in the course of disease, or after tumour removal to aid healing and reduce the risk of recurrence. Holistic care isn’t a magic wand that can save animals who are in the end stages of any disease, though it can be used to give palliation in the last days.

MY PET HAS ARTHRITIS, CAN HOLISTIC TREATMENT HELP?

This is an easier question to say ‘yes’ to! Musculoskeletal conditions including arthritis respond really well to a range of holistic therapies including herbal medicines, nutritional supplements, acupuncture, and home physio. We may also recommend other therapists such as massage, Bowen, or hydrotherapy. Holistic therapies work well alongside conventional medications too.

MY DOG HAS CDRM, WILL ACUPUNCTURE HELP?

Degenerative neuropathies shouldn’t respond well to acupuncture but our experience has been that many dogs diagnosed with CDRM also have concurrent arthritis and acupuncture does help them. Acupuncture has been very effective for some dogs which develop bladder and bowel control problems.

MY PET HAS EPILEPSY, CAN HOLISTIC TREATMENT HELP?

We have had good success with epilepsy cases, either using herbs as a treatment on their own for mild cases or as a complementary therapy with conventional drugs. Herbs can also be used where conventional medication is effective, but causing unwanted side-effects.

THE VET HAS DIAGNOSED LIVER/ KIDNEY/ HEART DISEASE!

There are herbs proven to provide support to all of the major organs. We may also suggest dietary changes in these cases, but early treatment has the best results.

So…can we help? Usually! An initial consultation starts from £40 (at Companion Care Eastbourne)