Alternative Medicine

There has been an explosion of knowledge in veterinary medicine in the last few years. As a result, more diagnostic tests have become available to aid in the detection of animal diseases. Sometimes however, an animals symptoms may not fit into a neat category, and a proper diagnosis may not be made. The result is many veterinarians are exploring complementary medicine which views the animal as a whole being. Some examples are traditional Chinese medicine (acupuncture, herbal) and chiropractic. Observation and complete physical exams are vital to all forms of holistic medicine. Rarely is the presenting complaint the animals' only problem. The constant question should be "what else may be causing this problem".

For example, an odd limping on a front leg probably is an injury. However, if the pet also has degenerative disease in the hips, the body weight may be shifted forward, creating stress on the front end as a secondary injury. Once the diagnosis is complete, the next phase is to help the animal heal. No form of medicine cures disease. We use drugs, acupuncture needles, sprays, and hands to help balance the animal so it can heal. Healing is accomplished by the animals energy. All disciplines have reference to this invisible force in traditional Chinese medicine. It is termed Qi - the force that maintains life. The energy constantly circulates in the body.

When the flow is disrupted diseases occur. Acupuncture uses needles to access the points on these channels, in order to correct the disorder. The needles are often compared to a light switch. When energy is required, a needle is used to turn on the point. The terminology used for a Chinese diagnosis sounds strange. There is a relationship to the extended environment in Chinese medicine.

For example, wind, cold, heat, dampness, dryness can invade the body and affect its well being. As a result we can explain why an arthritic dog is worse in cold weather. Therefore, warming techniques are utilized for the correction. As with acupuncture, chiropractic can not be fully explained in a few sentences. It is also a modality that relies on the body's inane ability to heal itself. Malfunction of joints leads to pain and disease. These malfunctions usually are malalignments of practitioner, Edward Bach, in the 1930Õs. The flower essences address the mind/body relationship as it affects dis-ease. Without proper emotional balance we cannot come to a real state of wellness.

Dr. Bach found that the energy of the flowers helped to restore emotional health, and thereby allowed the body to restore itself to physical health. The mind/body/soul relationship with dis-ease is not new to medicine, but we often forget our companion animals may also be affected in the same manner.

In medicine we often see problems in a pet of a family going through a stressful change or move. Cats may become jealous and start spraying or marking their territory. Seizures are more frequent during times of anxiety. Pets may grieve when they have lost a member of their family, human or animal, and become dull or listless.

There are 38 flower essences that can be used alone or in combination. Rescue remedy is the most widely known of the Bach flowers - it has five flower essences together that help in any traumatic or stressful event. We often use rescue remedy for the pet that is fearful going under or waking up from anaesthesia, to ease that transition.

Fear of thunderstorms is a common problem in South Florida. A mixture of aspen, mimulus and rock rose given by mouth every 5 to 10 minutes during a storm may ease the trembling, terrified, panting dog into one that is only a little nervous. This remedy can also be put in the water on a daily basis all summer long to help our friends while we are away. When two cats are fighting, we might make up separate remedies. One for the boss cat that is intolerant of the other, using vine and beech, and a second of mimulus and larch for the victim that has no confidence and runs away. When a pet has lost their person or one that was close to them, often they will be depressed, dull, or lethargic. This may be mistaken for illness and should be checked out. If emotions are the root of the problem, Bach flowers may help. Honeysuckle is often used for loss of a loved one, where as gorse would be selected when that loss led to a feeling of hopelessness or giving up.

Star of Bethlehem would be used for grief or emotional trauma and may be used in combination with others. Every individual has a specific remedy that fits the personality and the situation. A little personification of your pet may be needed to select the correct combination.

Flower essences are safe, cannot be overdosed and do not have any ill side effects. Flower essences do not take the place of sound medical diagnosis and care, but are an adjunct to therapy.

Please see your veterinarian if your pet has a change in behavior or actions to make sure it is not from illness. If you feel Bach flowers may help your companions, there are many resources to guide you in your selection of specific remedies.

Compliments of Beth Brown, D.V.M. at Braden River Animal Hospital, (941) 745-1513