“Complementary Medicine”, that is. Let me clarify… Have you ever been to a chiropractor to have that creak in your back fixed? How about a little acupuncture to cure what ails you? If you have, then you understand how alternative forms of medicine can benefit you. But did you ever think Spot or Fluffy might benefit from these methods, too?
What is complementary medicine?
Complementary medicine, a term often used interchangeably with holistic medicine, provides "nonconventional" treatments for a variety of ailments, and is not just for humans anymore. Pets can now enjoy better health, too, as many veterinarians and pet owners increasingly embrace new techniques and treatments. According to the American Animal Hospital Association, the number of pet owners that have used some form of complimentary medicine or alternative therapies has grown exponentially in the past decade.
The fact is that holistic or complementary medicine combines conventional veterinary medicine with one or more complementary therapies. Holistic practitioners say that they consider your pet's entire well-being, not just individual symptoms or conditions, and mix and match treatments to best serve Spot's or Fluffy's needs. A holistic approach to your pet's problem can be beneficial in nearly all cases. Research into a variety of veterinary medical therapies is ongoing, and the quality of care our pets receive is continually improving.
Dr. Randy McCallum of Pet Sense Animal Clinic happens to be a practitioner of both traditional and complementary/holistic veterinary medicine. He considers these alternative methods of healing an adjunct to traditional Western medicine not something to be used in place of it. In fact, he tells us that using alternative treatment methods can provide the balance necessary for Western treatments to work when previously doctors may have seen no progress. These treatments are also very helpful prior to surgery and for post operative recovery.
But first...
How to do you know to whom you should entrust your pet's care? Dr. McCallum suggests that when choosing someone to perform any of these treatments on your pet, be sure he or she has been educated in that particular medical discipline. Find out if they have any certifications and how long they’ve been practicing. If your own veterinarian doesn't happen to offer the therapy you're interested in, feel free to ask him or her to refer you to someone who does and whose reputation is known to be good.
While your pet is being treated by another medical professional, be sure to keep your regular veterinarian updated on your pet's progress and any problems that may arise. Continued communication with everyone involved in your pet's care is the best way to ensure that your pet gets the help it needs. McCallum clearly points out that whatever your regular veterinarian is doing to treat your pet is right and appropriate. Sometimes, however, added therapies such as chiropractic and acupuncture will enhance, quicken or ensure good progress or recovery.
Due diligence…
Be aware that just because a veterinarian says or advertises that he or she offers holistic services, don’t forget to ask questions to make sure they’ve had the proper education in the field of treatment you are considering them for. McCallum warns that it is not unheard of for a disreputable vet to download something from the Internet and consider it to be adequate training. Not good enough! Make sure they’ve had plenty of hands on training with an experienced practitioner (literally).
What is it?
There are many types of complementary medicine. For this article, we thought we’d discuss just two of the more common complementary medical therapies available:
Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been practiced by the Chinese for more than 3000 years. Needles are inserted into specific points on the body that are thought to be located along pathways that correspond to different bodily organs. Acupuncture can relieve muscle spasms, increase blood circulation, stimulate nerves, and help release natural pain control hormones and other helpful chemicals produced naturally by the body. Sometimes, electricity, heat, massage, or lasers are also used to stimulate acupuncture points. Research shows that this complementary medical procedure can work well in many instances.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractors believe that some illnesses result from misaligned vertebrae that diminish the flow of impulses from the spinal cord to the body's muscles, organs and tissues. By manipulating and adjusting specific joints and cranial sutures in animals, veterinary chiropractors try to restore the flow of impulses. Chiropractic treatments may help a great deal if your pet has a spinal disability, such as a slipped disc or pinched nerve.
Dr. McCallum most often uses both acupuncture and chiropractic in tandem. For example, he points out that musculoskeletal problems involve pain. Acupuncture can be instrumental in alleviating that pain prior to the chiropractic adjustment required. McCallum was also quick to add that when warranted, he may also include a prescription for anti-inflammatory medication as well. This type of treatment is not a quick-fix and is, in fact, interactive. The pet owner really has to participate in the treatment on many levels. The first level is commitment. Dr. McCallum requires that the pet owner commit to at least 4-6 treatments as this is what is necessary to begin to see results. Less than that is probably a waste of time and money. Once the first “wave” of treatments has been completed there will be a determination as to whether or not more treatment is necessary or will be effective. The second level of commitment is the pet owner being aware of and reporting all changes in the animal’s physical and mental state to the doctor at the time of the next treatment. The limp may still be present, for example, but the animal may appear more alert, wag its tail more, etc. Those things are indications that the treatment is having a positive effect. Dr. McCallum has even started filming an animal’s progress from treatment to treatment so both he and the pet owner can see the progression right in front of them – the video can even be sent to the client’s home computer. The change can be really impressive.
There are simply some things that can’t be completely cured by one type of medicine. Holistic treatments, according to McCallum, should be used as an adjunct to traditional Western medicine. Sometimes all the acupuncture and chiropractic in the world won’t help and surgery or medication is the only way to heal whatever ails your pet. It can’t fix a broken leg or cure diarrhea, but it can, perhaps, help put the body back into balance and aid in the recovery of those things. Oh, and don’t rule out these things for behavior problems. If you have an unruly or aggressive pet or even one whose behavior actually seems to have become worse over time, consider that there may be an underlying reason. Does your dog growl when you touch him even lightly on certain parts of his body or as soon as he senses your hand nearby? Does your cat hiss when you try to pick her up? They could be having a bad day, but if this behavior is consistent and seems to get worse over time, consider that your pet might be in pain or at the very least, feeling some discomfort. Being pain-free can be a real mood elevator. Think about how grumpy you get when your back hurts or you have a headache. Pets are no different.
The bottom line is that these treatments are more available and accepted than ever before. If you think your pet, whether old or young, might benefit from these things, check into it. It could turn out to be a great gift you can give your pet.
