Home Holistic: Conditions Treated

At VHRC we treat many different types of medical problems involving all body systems. Listed below are some of the more common conditions that we treat, in addition to more complex and unusual cases.

Cancer may be caused by a variety of things, but more commonly the underlying cause is not known. According to Chinese Medicine, cancer is caused by a stagnation of Qi (the body's energy or life force). If your pet has been diagnosed with cancer, there are three ways of approaching the disease 1)traditional treatment (chemo/radiation) alone 2)holistic therapies alone or 3)traditional treatment used in conjunction with holistic therapies. This decision is a personal one, and can be made with the guidance of your primary veterinarian, in conjunction with a holistic veterinarian. The pros and cons of each should be thoroughly evaluated to ensure your pet has a good quality of life. For animals receiving chemo or radiation, it is best to incorporate holistic therapies to support your pet's immune system, and maintain body weight and appetite, and most importantly, to maintain quality of life. Our treatment plan may include dietary changes (high protein and fat, low carbohydrates), omega 3 fatty acids which have anti-cancer effects, Poly-MVA, herbs and acupuncture to remove the stagnation of Qi, probiotics to prevent secondary infections, and vitamins and antioxidants to support the immune system.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a condition that affects both dogs can cats, and is characterized by inflammation lining the walls of the stomach, small intestine, and/or large intestine. IBD is due to an abnormal immune response to an inciting factor. Possible inciting factors include meat proteins, food additives, artificial coloring, preservatives, and milk proteins that are found in commercial pet foods. The most common signs include intermittent, chronic vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. Our treatment plan will incorporate ways to support the immune system and reduce inflammation in the GI tract, and may include switching to a natural diet, supplements (including Glutamine), fish oil, probiotics, acupuncture, and herbs.

Allergies are caused by an abnormal immune response to an inciting factor, such as food, grass, mold, etc. The type of treatment prescribed will depend upon the type of allergic condition present. Our treatment plan will incorporate ways to help regulate the immune system including supplements, herbs, acupuncture, and natural foods (Wysong Allercin and others). There are a variety of natural topical medications that can help to alleviate skin inflammation and swelling, and include tea tree oil and aloe spray, fresh aloe, herbal topicals, etc. For animals with very severe skin allergies, we may send them home with a lycra body suit to prevent their skin from coming in contact with things in their environment. The lycra body suits relieve the itchiness and allows time for the holistic therapies to take effect.

Feline Asthma is due to inflammation affecting the airways, or brochioles, in the lungs. The exact causes are unknown, but environmental contaminants such as cigarette smoke, scented cat litter, etc. can play a role. Common clinical signs include coughing, wheezing, and respiratory distress. Our treatment plan may include Accolate (a leukotriene inhibitor), herbs to support the lungs, and a variety of therapies to support the immune system including supplements, probiotics, and fish oil.

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is caused by a retrovirus that causes immune suppression and increases the chances of contracting cancer (lymphoma). FeLV is contagious to other cats through direct contact, ie sharing of food dishes, grooming, etc. By supporting their immune system and preventing secondary infection, FeLV cats can live a long and healthy life. Our treatment plan may include Poly-MVA, probiotics to prevent secondary infection, fish oil, and herbs to support the immune system.

Constipation results in difficult defecation and the passage of hard or dry feces. It can be caused by a variety of conditions, and include decreased gastrointestinal motility or mechanical obstruction. We find the most common cause is diet-related (feeding of commercial pet foods). With dietary adjustments (one that more closely resembles what a dog or cat would eat in the wild), along with herbs and acupuncture to enhance motility, and some traditional therapies (lactulose and metoclopramide), we are able to improve motility and return their stools to a normal consistency. In most patients, we are able to taper them off of their medications, while leaving them on natural foods.