Holistic Medicine Becoming More Popular For Pets
BOSTON (CBS) - For us humans, holistic medicine has been a growing field for a while. Now it's gaining popularity in the treatment of pets, too.
That's a why a dog like Sundance can be found getting resistance treatment in a pool, or acupuncture, for her hip problems.
"Every day, you could see her getting stronger," said owner Peter Wood.
Wood had tried conventional treatments for Sundance, but nothing had been successful.
"Within a matter of a week, I saw a difference," said Wood after trying this method.
Dr. Barbara Royal of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Foundation believes this is approach is "really looking at the whole animal and trying to find a treatment that will be effective and non-invasive."
There are now holistic treatments for a variety of issues: cold laser therapy to treat arthritis and soft tissue injuries; chiropractic techniques for pain relief; ultrasounds to alleviate inflammation; and the use of herbs, supplements, and vitamins in conjunction with traditional medicine.
"I believe holistic medicine can work just as well as some surgeries and medications," added Dr. Roy.
Holistic medicine doesn't eliminate the use of traditional diagnostic tools like x-rays and blood tests.
"In the right hands, with an educated practitioner, I think holistic medicine is an incredibly positive adjunct to veterinary medicine," said Dr. Roy.
Dr. Ruth Anne Chun, a professor of veterinary medicine, believes the study of holistic methods is increasing in the academic world.
Dr. Chun advises pet owners to study all approaches to care in order to make the best decision for their pet.
"They need to think about who they are going to see, what veterinarian they're going to see, that can help them understand what would be the best options for their pet, holistic or Western?"
After seeing the positive results in Sundance, Wood is sold on alternative therapies. "It works. That's the thing, it works. I've seen it work."
By one estimate, about 6% of veterinarians now practice some form of holistic medicine.
To find one, visit www.ahvma.org/
