"We are entering an exciting era as we begin a new millennium, an era rich with opportunities for our patients, clients, and profession. Veterinary practitioners have opened their hearts, eyes, and minds to amazing new approaches to diagnose, treat, and heal the animals in our care. By recognizing and celebrating the wonderful bond between pets and people, veterinarians continually find new purpose for seeking out effective treatments regardless whether they are "high tech" or "high touch" In fact, more and more veterinarians are merging powerful new technological tools such as gene therapy, molecular modulators of immunity, cloning, laser surgery, and linear accelerator radiation therapy with healing modalities such as acupuncture and herbal and nutritional therapies that have been successfully used for generations."
- Gregory K, Ogilvie, DVM 1999
We are often so caught up in the excitement of high tech medicine, that we forget to look at the "whole picture". This is the basis of (W)Holistic Veterinary Medicine. One must view the whole picture of the patient - the environment, the disease pattern, the relationship of the pet with owner - and develop a treatment protocol using a wide range of therapies for healing the patient. This is especially true for the patient with chronic disease.
Remember, just because it is natural doesn't mean it is necessarily safe. Reports of toxicities to natural products are very common. One must use these substances and supplements wisely and properly.
Below are some excellent links to get you started:
AltVetMed.com - This is a great site for a basic understanding of what is available.
ConsumerLab.com - This site analyses the content (does the product contain what it claims to contain?) of various different products on the market.
Total Cancer Management in Small Animals