Holistic veterinarians: interview with homeopathic and holistic veterinarians
As the second installment of our review on holistic vets, we offer two interesting interviews with holistic veterinarians.
How Homeopathy Works: An Interview With Homeopathic Veterinarian Dr. Jill Elliot
From http://www.pawfun.com
Dr. Jill Elliot DVM, MSW is a homeopathic veterinarian who practices in New York City. She’s the co-author of Whole Health for Happy Dogs, and she’s also Benny Bix Ochman Labradoodle’s vet. Pawfun.com Blog asked Dr Elliot to explain how homeopathy works.
About homeopathy in general
What is homeopathy? What type of medications are used in homeopathy?
Homeopathy is a holistic science-based medical treatment. It was developed in the late 1700’s by a German Physician named Dr. Samuel Hahnemann. Homeopathic treatment takes the whole being physical, environment, diet, emotional state, etc., into account – not just the specific ailment the animal is presenting.
Homeopathic remedies are made from animal, mineral and plant based products. These substances are diluted down to their smallest possible amount. Actually at the point they are used for treatment they are in an energetic form.
What type of conditions can homeopathy treat?
Homeopathy is affective for a wide range of illnesses, including acute (sudden onset ) problems like trauma, animal bites, burns, bees stings, allergic reactions, sudden collapse, etc.); long-term chronic conditions (diabetes, seizures, diarrhea, urinary tract infections, ear disease, liver disease, kidney disease and cancer to name a few. It also can be very effective in treatment of behavioral problems (fears of thunderstorms, other dogs, people, separation anxiety, timidity, etc.)
About homeopathic remedies for animals
Can homeopathy treat cancer in animals?
One third of my practice is devoted to treating animals with cancer who have been given a very poor prognosis by traditional vets. Many of these animals have gone on to live happy lives well past the prediction of their conventional vets. Moral: Do not give up on your animals if they have cancer.
Can people treat their pets homeopathically on their own?
They can and they do. However most of these people are treating acute problems. For chronic illness people who are knowledgeable can treat their own animals. The trick is to know how to assess improvement and when to repeat a remedy, what potency to use when you repeat, how often to repeat and when to stop. Often people give remedies too frequently. When it’s working well, homeopathy does not have to be repeated.
Did you study homeopathy in vet school?
No I started to study homeopathy three years post vet school training. I got my traditional veterinary degree in 1995. And then I studied homeopathy for two years, beginning in 1998, with Dr. Richard Pitcairn, who is considered the guru of homeopathic veterinarians in the USA. I’ve continued advanced studies of homeopathy in England, and in New York, and view my education as ongoing.
What got you interested in studying homeopathy?
After I was practicing three years as a conventional vet I got frustrated with all the recurring disease I encountered. I wanted to find a way to cure these cases not just palliate them (and see them return every few months). I investigated different modalities and started spending one day a week with a seasoned veterinary homeopath. After a short time I saw what I considered miracles. Diabetic animals that could get off insulin or greatly reduce the need for it. Allergic dogs were able to get off steroids, seizure dogs could reduce or get off phenobarb or never have to start it.
The clincher was when my own 13 year old Keehond dog, Licktey Split,, who had been terrified of thunder storms his whole life was cured of this fear…..I knew I had to study homeopathy.
Why do you think homeopathy is not more mainstream in the US?
Multifaceted reasons. First homeopathic vets are not as organized as other alternative medicine modalities like acupuncture. Many cannot agree on the basic standards of practice. There is an Academy of Veterinary Homeopaths that I belong to. We have annual meetings and all subscribe to a standard of practice. But many other vet homeopaths may not be members nor care to associate with this organization.
Secondly we don’t advertise and many of us are not great at marketing.
Third, homeopathy is not widely accepted by conventional vets. Rather than an atmosphere of cooperation and collaboration. there may be a feeling of competition between conventional and homeopathic vets for the same clients.
Homeopathy is mainstream in many places outside of the USA: Europe, India, Asia, South America, etc. Homeopathy is actually the second most used medical treatment throughout the world (except in the USA).
Natural Treatment for Dogs with Allergies
Written by Dr Lea Stogdale (DVM, Diplomate ACVIM). From the website of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association.
Ears
Clean with water plus vinegar, with a 50:50 combination, or rubbing alcohol plus vinegar (50:50)
For Topical Use (Hot Spots)
• To soothe skin irritations and help stop the scratch–itch cycle, apply a wet, warm black teabag on the affected spot. The tannic acid in the teabag has a soothing effect relieving the itch. Hold the bag to the skin for 4 – 5 minutes. Do this twice a day for at least 3 days.
• Following the teabag treatment, apply Aloe Vera either from an opened leaf or from purchased gel. Aloe speeds the healing process.
At Home
• Use as many non-toxic products as possible.
• Do not use scented powder on the carpet (baking soda is fine if odor is a concern).
• For dog blankets use unscented laundry detergent. Use only ¼ the amount recommended.
Wash in hot water
• Do not used liquid fabric softener when washing the dog blankets.
• Do not use fabric softener sheets when the dog blankets are drying.
• Dog food and water dishes should be glass, ceramic or stainless steel (not plastic).
• Dilute dog shampoo. One cap full or a small squirt of shampoo in a cup of water.
Mix well before applying to your pet. Rinse well after shampooing.
• Dilute conditioner. One cap full or a small squirt of conditioner in a cup of water.
Basic Diet
Many commercial pet foods are loaded with highly processed, inferior-quality ingredients, and chemicals that may contribute to overall ill health or trigger allergic sensitivities. A switch to a higher quality, more natural food with fewer potential allergic offenders may reduce allergic reactions.
• Eliminate processed treats (eg. S’nausage).
• Eliminate treats containing gluten (ie. Bread or biscuits made from wheat, barley or rye).
• Appropriate commercial diet or home prepared meals – as discussed with Dr Stogale.
• It’s okay to feed from the table – but only healthy natural food such as vegetables (no onions) or fruit (no grapes).
• Sauces, gravy made from mixes, processed foods (ie. deli meat, processed cheese) should not be given to your dog. Fat or gristle from meat is not appropriate as a dog treat.
Digestive Enzymes
Digestive enzymes improve nutritional absorption, and reduce the allergenic load on the intestines and the dog. These should contain: Protease – to break down protein
Lipase – to break down fats
Amylase – to break down carbohydrates
Cellulase – to break down plant fiber
A good example is “Prozyme,” available from Aesops – always on the shelf, just ask the receptionist at Tuxedo Animal Hospital. Or as a special order from your veterinarian.
Pro-Biotics
Lactobacillus acidophilus and others are the normal ‘good’ bacteria that should populate the small intestines. They are killed by antibiotics and reduced by stress. Decreased levels of these ‘good’ bacteria results in reduced intestinal health and an imbalanced immune system.
Probiotics are included in “Prozyme.” Or add a Lactobacillus acidophilus capsule (or the powder from a capsule) to your dog’s food daily. The amount of these bacteria in ‘live culture plain yogurt’ is inadequate.
Anti-oxidants
Vitamin A, C, D, and E are anti-oxidants and free radical scavengers that help maintain an optimal environment for the functioning of the immune system.
Various herbs and plant extracts contain effective anti-oxidants and free radical scavengers that complement the vitamins. They also have a large variety of other effects on the body including antimicrobial actions, cell membrane stabilization, improvement of vascular integrity, and inhibition of collagen destruction.
Dr Stogdale will discuss the selection, doses, forms and easiest ways to get your pet to take these supplements, as appropriate for your particular pet. In some dogs, especially small ones, and all cats, using a combination products makes administration much easier. One of these is
Cell Advance 880 (Vetri Science) -- a complete antioxidant formula designed to prevent free radical damage in dogs. Cell Advance also promotes cellular energy and immune system function.
Salmon Oil (Omega 3): has been shown to help reduce the allergic inflammation affecting both the skin and the intestines by promoting the production of natural anti-inflammatory substances in the body. Dr Stogdale will discuss the sources, dose and administration of omega 3 oils. There is a separate sheet of information about Omega 3 benefits, sources and administration.
Labels: holistic vet, holistic veterinarian, holistic veterinarians, holistic vets
posted by Holistic Health Magazine at
5:48 PM
