Meet Dr. Wen: Avoiding Surgery with Herbs

The first time I took my Wheaten Terrier, Milo, now almost 15, to see Dr. Jiu Jia Wen my boy was nearing his fifth birthday and suddenly couldn't walk. When I cringed at the over-one-hour long car ride that it would take to get to Hampton Veterinary Hospital in Speonk, Long Island, I found out that Dr. Wen's caring reputation and knowledge of alternative veterinary medicine drew patients from all over the country.

Weeks before our visit to Dr. Wen, I learned that the dog I had brought home at 16 months to be a member of my family, who had looked in dread at the stairs that led to the house, already had double hip dysplasia and arthritis. The x-rays showed that his diseases had been with him since birth. A local veterinarian said double hip replacement surgery with a three-month recuperation was the only possible choice.

Before I could agree to such a major surgical procedure, I wanted to find out if there were any options that might be more comfortable for Milo. I found Dr. Wen through a friend's recommendation. Her beloved Persian kitty, Lacey, needed extra special care as she had been suffering from cancer.

As Milo and I sat in the waiting room anticipating the opportunity to meet what would become our miracle guru, a Collie was brought in on a stretcher. Milo watched the scenario quite closely. When the little hospital bed was brought out sans patient, Milo was visibly upset. But we were told the pup only came in for chiropractic care. Half an hour later, the four-legged patient walked out of Dr. Wen's office, to Milo's (and my) relief.

When it was Milo's turn, Dr. Wen did not just speak with me, but gave my buddy absolute attention and respect.

Milo, initially uneasy over the prospect of being poked around with, sensed better moments and became calm with the doctor's gentle touch. Medical supplements made from Chinese herbs specially formulated by Dr. Wen were prescribed. Milo got stronger as he happily consumed the capsules at home, hidden in his favorite cheese. Milo and I became devotees of Dr. Wen.

My fella never did have the operation that some dogs require. And I always try to find a moment to speak of Dr. Wen's exceptional care of all four legged animals and their companions to those in need of an alternative route for their pets' well-being.

Lavanya Sunkara, whose two-year-old dog, Indu, was recently diagnosed with hip dysplasia says, "The vet I first took her to scared me by suggesting surgery. But when I consulted Dr. Wen upon a friend's recommendation, he dismissed my fears by saying that Indu could live a comfortable, long life with the help of proper exercise and herbal medicine -- without needing surgery. I've been giving my pet the medicine he prescribed for a few months now and I am happy to see her running and playing with ease."

Dr. Wen received his undergraduate and graduate degrees in veterinary medicine from Beijing Agricultural University in the 1980's. He majored in acupuncture and traditional Chinese herbal medicine. In 1989, Dr. Wen began working in small animal hospitals in New York and Massachusetts. He specialized in emergency medicine and then came to Hampton Veterinary Hospital in 1996, where he is a partner today.

For more information in regards to Dr. Wen or Hampton Veterinary Hospital contact: Hampton Veterinary Hospital, 176 Montauk Highway, Speonk, NY (631) 325-1611.