Why an Integrated Vet?

Animals suffer from the same diseases that affect us: cancer, obesity, diabetes, thyroid disease, and allergies to name a few.

Why is this so?  Why do some of our pets take more medicine than our grandparents do? Conventional medicine focuses on eliminating symptoms.  It tends to be very problem specific.

Holistic medicine places greater emphasis on preventative care.  Natural methods stimulate the body to heal itself and avoid more invasive therapies.   An integrated approach looks at the body as a whole to determine the underlying issues that are causing the problems.

In my tool kit I have conventional veterinary medicine.  I also have other modalities like acupuncture, herbal medicine and homeopathy.  The more tools in the kit, the more successful the outcome. This can be very beneficial for animals that may not be able to tolerate the side effects of certain medications.

The Story of Josie and her pussycats

Many patients just need a lifestyle makeover.  Often a proper diet, supplements and appropriate exercise is all they need to be put on the path to more vibrant health.

Josie, my own dog is an excellent example.  She found me when she was 4 months old. Someone had dumped her in the parking lot on a cold wet February night.  When she was spayed, she was diagnosed with severe hip dysplasia.  Knowing that I couldn’t in good conscience find a home for a dog that would have severe and potentially expensive health issues down the road, I adopted her and that’s how Josie came to live with her pussycats.

Here we are 10 years later and today Josie is a very active dog.  She runs in the park, still catches a skunk every spring (she could give that one up anytime now), and chases rabbits, squirrels, and groundhogs.

She eats a non-processed diet and takes supplements, gets occasional acupuncture and laser treatment, but is not on any conventional medications.  Hopefully with her lifestyle more invasive surgery will never be required.

I would love to be given the opportunity to do the same thing for your pets that I was able to do for mine.