PetAgree
I started thinking about all the options offered in veterinary medicine today when a client asked me the difference between Eastern Medicine and Homeopathic Medicine. Because I work in the field, I thought I knew the basic differences between many of the popular options but upon my research I realized I didn't know as much as I thought.
So, for my first article I have decided to write about four of the more common options available in veterinary medicine. Hopefully, after reading this you too might want to try out a different modality or ask your veterinarian what they think about other options in veterinary care.
Most definitions focus on Conventional Medicine being science oriented and concerned with diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases in animals. Pharmacology plays a large role in conventional medicine and many diagnostic tools are utilized as well (ultrasound, radiographs, blood work etc).
The primary goal of physical rehabilitation in pets is to promote healing and return the affected part of the animal to full function. A variety of techniques are used during rehabilitation they include but are not limited to massage therapy, acupuncture, hydrotherapy, exercises such as passive range of motion and stretching. It is a non-drug alternative that works well with other veterinary modalities. Many places recommend rehab with orthopedic and neurologic issues but it can also be used to help with obesity management, arthritis, sports injuries and cognitive dysfunction. It does require extra training so make sure the DVM or licensed veterinarian technician are certified.
According to the Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy (AVH), Homeopathy works on the principle of "like cures like." The AVH also states that “a substance that is capable, in toxic doses, of producing a set of symptoms is also capable, in much lower doses, of curing the same set of symptoms regardless of their perceived cause.” Practicing Homeopathic Medicine also requires specific certification due to the minute dilutions required for safe and effective use. If interested in this type of medicine please go to The Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy or American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association websites.
Eastern Medicine: (including herbal medicine and acupuncture)
Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic method of treatment which uses nutrition, herbs and acupuncture to strengthen and promote health. The goal of this method is to restore balance to the body. Many veterinarians who practice Eastern Medicine use it in conjunction with Western Medicine and this term is called Integrative Medicine. Be sure to ask about additional training the veterinarian has had in Eastern Medicine in order to provide a pet with the best possible treatment options.
Herbal Medicine
The use of specific herbs and plants for medicinal purposes has been practiced for millennia all over the world. Herbs are capable of balancing the emotional, mental and physical dimensions of animals. Herbal medicine has always recognized the whole body approach and that the mind and body interact in health and disease.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been used in China for 3500 years. Acupuncture is a technique for relieving pain and for improving the function of organ systems by stimulating acupuncture points on the surface of the body.
I hope this summary of some of the options that are available today in veterinary medicine has been useful. If there are other specific types of veterinary medicine you are interested in please post a message and I’d happily look into them for you!
Emily J. Harkness, BS, LVT
