Western vs. Holistic Vet: Who Is Better For Your Pet?

When it comes to caring for your beloved animal, find out whether alternative medicine trumps a traditional approach. As more people turn to holistic healing methods like acupuncture, therapeutic massage, and Chinese herbs to cure their ailments, it only makes sense to ask if this approach is the way to go for pets, too. According to Dr. Gary Richter, the medical director of Montclair Veterinary Hospital and a certified veterinary acupuncturist, there is no short answer. "It really depends on the circumstances," he explains. "For example, in an acute care situation such as a severe infection, trauma, or shock, Western Medicine is definitely the way to go. But for longstanding, chronic issues where Western Medicine has not been effective, Holistic Medicine can sometimes seem like a miracle."

THE DIFFERENCE:

Western Medicine approaches patient care through the treatment of symptoms and through the elimination of the direct cause of an illness (think: treating pain with pain killers or treating a bacterial infection with antibiotics). Holistic Medicine, on the other hand, doesn't just look at the direct cause, but instead examines the patient as a whole. For example, if your pet has an infection, the vet won't simply send Fido home with a prescription, he or she will also examine why the bacteria was able to take hold in the first place. Could it be a nutritional problem? Or is there some other organ or systemic dysfunction that allowed the infection to take place? Holistic treatment addresses ailments from multiple angles and the diagnosis and treatment is sometimes very different from traditional methods. Below are examples of how three common illnesses are generally treated so you can better understand each approach.

Three Common Ailments and Their Treatments

1. Pet Ailment: Skin Allergy

Western Approach: Symptoms are typically treated with steroids or antihistamines, and allergy testing or food trials are often conducted to determine what the allergen is. If the allergen is environmental, allergy injections may also be prescribed. If the allergy is food-related, putting the patient on a limited ingredient diet is commonly recommended.

Holistic Approach: An examination is conducted to determine what the allergen is. But in addition to allergy testing and investigating a patient's diet, holistic medicine will also look at the immune system and the digestive system to see if any dysfunction there may be leading to the manifestation of the allergy. Then, efforts will be made to improve digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune function to mitigate allergic symptoms.

2. Pet Ailment: Chronic Upset Stomach

Western Approach: Gastrointestinal upsets are usually treated with medication to alleviate nausea and vomiting. Sometimes an antibiotic or steroid is prescribed for longstanding diarrhea or inflammatory bowel issues. If the case is really chronic, an ultrasound or endoscopy may be recommended in order to get a more specific diagnosis.

Holistic Approach: A thorough examination of diet, digestion, and immune function will be conducted. Natural supplements are often prescribed to help minimize gastrointestinal inflammation and bacterial imbalances that can lead to the presence of bacterial toxins.

3. Pet Ailment: Lymphatic Tumor

Western Approach: Chemotherapy is the most common course of action. In some cases, it is very effective and can lead to a greatly lengthened quality and quantity of life. But there are some uncomfortable side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Holistic Approach: Treatment involves an assessment of the immune system along with the use of supplements and herbs to support the immune system and allow the patient to battle the disease. However, many pet parents choose to combine this approach with Western methods since holistic care not only helps to treat lymphoma but also helps to deal with the side effects of the chemotherapy.

THE VERDICT:

Since pet parents are a pet's best advocates, ultimately it is up to you to ask what all of the options are before you decide which route to take. You may even learn that a combination of both methods is the best bet. "There are things that only Western Medicine can accomplish and the same is true for Holistic care," says Richter. "As I often explain to my clients, the real magic is in the integration of the two. The exclusion of either Western or Holistic in the discussion of a treatment plan is, in my opinion, a mistake."

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