Here at Springfield Veterinary Hospital & Dental Clinic, we believe that holistic treatments are a great way to compliment our traditional and advanced medical treatments to give our patients the possible quality of life.
Holistic medicine has produced amazing benefits for our patients. Check out some of our most popular holistic veterinary services below and feel free to contact our veterinary staff with any questions!
Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been used for millennia in humans and has shown great success in the veterinary field. Using fine needles, acupuncture points are stimulated to produce specific responses. Virtually painless, acupuncture is one of the safest forms of medical treatments when performed by a certified veterinary accupuncturist (CVA).
Acupuncture is indicated for problems such as those that involve paralysis, noninfections inflammation ( such as allergies), and pain. Some general conditions which may be treated with acupuncture are:
Vaccine Titers
We firmly believe in the use of vaccinations as preventative measures to protect the health and well-being of your pet. Every animal should receive core vaccines due to the the wide-spread prevalence and severity of the diseases they prevent. After receiving initial vaccinations, titers can determine to asses the need for continued boosters. In cases of older patients entering geriatric years, while vaccinations are certainly an option, it may also be beneficial to take a blood sample to see if a vaccination is needed. Titers measure the amount of antibiodies present in the blood sample taken and give us an idea of how strong your pet’s immunity is against a specific virus. From there, we can determine what is needed to continue protecting your animal.
Herbology
Modern pharmaceuticals have been derived from plants, isolating particular compounds and ingredients. Veterinary herbal medicines use whole plants to provide a broad spectrum of beneficial effects. Western herbs can be used to avoid or decrease the side-effects of pharmaceutical drugs, enhance and improve therapeutical effects and overall improve quality of life.
Stem Cell Therapy
While in humans, stem cell therapy is still considered experimental, in the veterinary medicine it has been proven to successfully help treat a wide variety of diseases. Stem cells derived from fatty tissue or bone marrow are injected directly into affected joints or areas that have been damaged or are losing function.
IV Vitamin C Infusions
Improving your pets immune system and overall quality of life can provide your pet with many years of love and fulfillment even after a cancer diagnosis. Vitamin C injected directly into the bloodstream in high concentrations can help generate the production of hydrogen peroxide which has the potential to kill cancer cells. This treatment has been likened to some conventional chemotherapies but without the harsh side effects. For the best prognosis combining IV vitamin C infusions with other holistic treatments and conventional medicine should be discussed with your veterinarian.
CBD Products
CBD products are used for a variety of therapeutic purposes in both dogs and cats. This organic compound derived from the hemp plant is removed of THC and can be a safe and effective form of treatment for anxiety, stress, and pain management. CBD products made for pets have specific dosages and come in oils (tinctures), chew treats and pills. If you are interested in learning more about the potential benefits of using CBD products with your pets, speak to a veterinarian today.
Cancer Resources
Like people, pets can develop cancer affecting almost any organ or tissue in their body and each type requires individual care. Some types of neoplasia can be cured, but others can often be managed to decrease spread and prolong your pet’s comfort and life as much as possible. Treatment for cancer in dogs and cats can include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy, but it is important that the animal’s quality of life is also treated – alleviating pain and suffering.
Treating a pet with cancer also means treating the whole patient. Pain management through conventional medicine can often have harsh side effects so it is helpful to discuss the wide variety of holistic options with your veterinarian. Holistic treatments in conjunction with advanced medicine can give you pet the best opportunity at a life beyond just preservation. For more resources on life for you pet after a cancer diagnosis click here