As an integrative veterinarian, you’ll have the ability to offer more comprehensive and personalized treatment plans for patients by expanding your expertise to include alternative modalities. Here’s how to get started.
Integrative veterinary medicine combines conventional veterinary practices with alternative therapies to provide a fully-rounded approach to animal health. As a veterinarian, expanding your skill set to include integrative modalities can enhance your ability to treat and support your patients. Here, we will explore several modalities you can adopt to become an integrative veterinarian, along with practical advice on how to begin implementing these techniques.
Functional Medicine
Functional Medicine is a patient-centered approach to healthcare that aims to prevent and treat chronic diseases by addressing their root causes. Unlike conventional medicine, which primarily focuses on managing symptoms with prescription drugs, Functional Medicine promotes wellness through personalized evaluations of a patient’s genetics, lifestyle, and environment. This approach encourages active client involvement and collaboration with practitioners, aiming to optimize health by treating the individual rather than just the disease.
The following case study illustrates the effectiveness of this method, which integrates nutrition, lifestyle changes, and supplements into the treatment plan.
Case study
Finn Mangas, a ten-year-old Sheepadoodle, suffered from chronic atopic dermatitis and impacted anal glands. Despite long-term Apoquel use and a hydrolyzed protein diet, his condition showed minimal improvement. By February 2023, Finn appeared depressed and older than his age. His owner worried about the medication’s side effects and restrictive diet.
Our Holistic Pet Health Coach, Michael Daly, adopted a Functional Medicine approach to address these concerns. Finn transitioned to The Original Crockpet Diet with rotating proteins and specific supplements. He continued on Apoquel initially, and received bi-monthly massage therapy sesssions. His energy and alertness improved within two weeks.
Over six months, Finn showed steady improvement with occasional relapses. A Glacier Peaks Test in August 2023 revealed dietary sensitivities. His diet was adjusted accordingly, and glucosamine chondroitin was discontinued. By January 2024, Finn was successfully weaned off Apoquel.
Six months post-Apoquel, Finn displayed no allergy issues despite seasonal changes. His health and vitality significantly improved and Finn regained his youthful energy. This case highlights the effectiveness of an integreative approach in treating chronic conditions.
For veterinarians interested in pursuing Functional Medicine, excellent training opportunities are available. The Institute for Functional Medicine offers comprehensive courses and certification programs that can enhance your practice. Additionally, Functional Medicine University provides online training programs specifically tailored for healthcare professionals, including veterinarians. These programs are designed to accommodate busy schedules while delivering valuable and practical knowledge.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy focuses on stimulating the body’s natural healing processes. This gentle and natural modality complements conventional treatments, providing a comprehensive strategy for improving the health and well-being of pets.
Homeopathy is a medical system based on the principle of “like cures like.” It involves using highly diluted substances that, in larger amounts, would produce symptoms of the ailment being treated. These remedies are tailored to the individual pet, taking into consideration their unique symptoms, behaviors, and overall health.
The Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy offers courses and certification for vets interested in learning about homeopathy. Additionally, the British Association of Homeopathic Veterinary Surgeons provides valuable training and resources for veterinarians looking to expand their knowledge in homeopathy.
Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM)
Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) utilizes ancient Chinese medical practices, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, food therapy, and Tui-na (a form of therapeutic massage). TCVM focuses on restoring balance and harmony within the body by addressing the root causes of health issues, rather than just treating symptoms.
A key concept in TCVM is the flow of Chi (or Qi), the vital life force energy that circulates throughout the body. In TCVM, this flow of vital Qi energy is fundamental to health. Pain occurs when Qi flow is blocked. Acupuncture alleviates pain by restoring the flow of Qi and Blood, which reduces painful stagnation.
Case study
One of the most memorable cases I handled involved my own dog, Nepenthe, who was suffering from bacterial endocarditis, a severe and often fatal condition characterized by a large fibrinous lesion on the heart valve. Initially, I used conventional treatments to control the bacterial infection and support the heart. Despite these efforts, Nepenthe had significant symptoms of advanced heart disease, and her heart valve lesion remained a significant concern, prompting me to seek alternative solutions.
As I continued my studies at the Chi Institute in Florida, I turned to my instructors for additional help. They recommended specific acupuncture points, herbal formulas, and food therapy tailored to Nepenthe’s condition. While she was not receptive to acupuncture, she responded remarkably well to the prescribed food therapy and herbal treatments. Over three months, the lesion on her heart valve shrank from a large mass to just 3 mm, roughly the thickness of a piece of paper. This significant improvement allowed Nepenthe to live a quality life until the age of 13, despite an initially dire prognosis.
My success with Chinese medicine didn’t stop there. I also treated a dog with osteosarcoma and another with cutaneous hemangiosarcoma, both of which responded well to a combination of herbs and cooked food designed for their specific disharmony patterns. These cases further illustrate the potential of integrating TCVM into conventional practice, offering an effective approach to treating severe conditions in pets.
If you want to expand your expertise and enhance your veterinary practice, consider the exciting training opportunities in TCVM available through several esteemed institutions. The Chi Institute offers a range of courses and certifications in TCVM, including acupuncture and herbal medicine. Additionally, the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS) provides comprehensive training and certification in veterinary acupuncture. These programs will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to seamlessly integrate TCVM approaches into your veterinary practice, offering significant benefits for your patients.
Chiropractic
Chiropractic supports overall health by targeting the underlying causes of musculoskeletal issues, facilitating injury recovery, managing chronic conditions like arthritis, aiding in post-surgical rehabilitation, and promoting general wellness and vitality. This non-invasive, drug-free modality involves manual adjustments to the spine, joints, and muscles to correct subluxations that can interfere with the nervous system and hinder normal bodily functions.
Veterinary chiropractic offers numerous benefits to patients, including pain relief, improved mobility, and enhanced performance, particularly in working and athletic animals. A study that looked at the impact of veterinary chiropractic treatment on the development of spondylosis in young Boxers provided promising evidence that such treatment can reduce the early occurrence of this spinal disease. The treated group exhibited a significantly lower frequency of spondylosis compared to the control group, suggesting that regular chiropractic intervention from a young age may help reduce the risk of spondylosis.
By integrating chiropractic care into treatment plans, veterinarians can offer a more comprehensive and personalized approach, ensuring better outcomes for both acute and chronic conditions. This modality enhances quality of life for pets, making it an invaluable addition to the integrative veterinary practice.
To become a chiropractic veterinarian, enroll in a program accredited by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA) or the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association (IVCA), which combines theoretical training and hands-on clinical practice. Pass the certification exams from AVCA or IVCA and maintain your credentials with continuing education. Integrate chiropractic care into your practice to offer pain relief, improved mobility, and enhanced well-being for patients. And educate pet owners on the benefits of chiropractic care to effectively promote these services.
Herbology
Also known as herbal medicine, herbology involves the use of various plant parts, including leaves, roots, stems, flowers, and seeds, to create remedies that can help manage and treat health issues. These plant-based treatments are formulated to work synergistically with the body’s natural healing processes, promoting overall wellness and disease prevention. Herbology leverages the therapeutic properties of herbs to support and restore health, addressing both acute and chronic ailments.
Western and Eastern herbology have developed as distinct approaches due to their cultural, historical, and philosophical differences. They are distinct also because of the unique botanical resources available in their respective regions. Western herbology draws on European and North American traditions, using specific herbs known for their medicinal properties to address particular health conditions. Examples include echinacea for immune support and milk thistle for liver health. Scientific research supports this approach. The approach also complements conventional veterinary practices.
In contrast, Eastern herbology, especially TCVM, employs complex herbal formulas to balance the body’s energy systems, or Qi. Herbs like ginseng and astragalus enhance energy and immune function. These herbs focus on maintaining internal balance and long-term health.
Case study
Our Holistic Pet Health Coach, Deb Teubert, helped an eight-year-old domestic shorthair cat. The cat was suffering from severe diarrhea with blood, recurrent ear infections, vomiting, and litter box avoidance. Herbal supplements played a crucial role in her supporting plan for the cat.
Deb included quercetin, milk thistle, and digestive enzymes to support the cat’s overall health. Deb also used a novel protein whole food diet with added bone broth, supplemented with Omega-3 fatty acids for inflammation reduction. Initially, slippery elm and marshmallow root were included but were temporarily discontinued as they worsened the diarrhea. Choosing the right herbs is important, but administering them at the appropriate time is also crucial. It doesn’t always mean it’s bad for the pet, but it needs to be done correctly.
After four weeks, the cat showed significant improvement, with more solid stools, no vomiting, and reduced blood in the stool. Ear infections diminished and completely resolved by eight weeks. The results of food sensitivity testing were implemented, and slippery elm and marshmallow root were reintroduced successfully. Continued follow-up visits confirmed sustained digestive health improvements and the elimination of ear infections.
This case highlights the effectiveness of carefully selected and timed herbal supplements. These supplements alongside dietary adjustments and anti-inflammatory nutrients effectively manage chronic conditions.
If you’re interested in expanding your skills in herbology, there are some fantastic training opportunities available. The College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies (CIVT) offers courses that delve into Western herbology, providing you with the tools to incorporate these natural treatments into your practice. Meanwhile, the Chi Institute offers excellent programs in Chinese herbal medicine as part of their TCVM training. Additionally, the Veterinary Botanical Medicine Association (VBMA) offers valuable educational opportunities to further enhance your knowledge and expertise in this field.
Conclusion
Refining yourself in integrative veterinary care can be a game-changer for your practice. As a vet, expanding your expertise to include alternative approaches will enhance your capabilities. Functional Medicine, TCVM, herbology, acupuncture, and chiropractic care allows you to offer more comprehensive and personalized treatment plans. It enables you to address not just symptoms, but underlying causes of health issues, promoting overall wellness and preventative care. Many pet owners are increasingly seeking natural and less invasive treatments. Integrative skills can help meet this demand. It can also enhance client satisfaction. Ultimately, it broadens your toolkit, making you a more versatile and effective veterinarian. Integrative skills make you capable of providing the best possible care for every animal that walks through your door.
References
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Hanaway P. Form Follows Function: A Functional Medicine Overview. Perm J. 2016;20(4):16-109. doi:10.7812/TPP/16-109.
Halle KS, Granhus A. Veterinary Chiropractic Treatment as a Measure to Prevent the Occurrence of Spondylosis in Boxers. Vet Sci. 2021;8(9):199. Published 2021 Sep 17. doi:10.3390/vetsci8090199.
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