Holistic Veterinary Care
The word "holistic" is derived from "whole". The holistic approach to health differs from the conventional medical approach in that it takes into account the whole patient rather than just focusing on the symptom or the part that has the problem.
Most holistic therapists believe that the body has a vital force or life energy. It is this force that protects the body from disease and allows it to heal. We often refer to it as the "immune system". When the balance of the immune system is disturbed we the see the various symptoms of dis-ease. Holistic therapies aim to help the patient restore the balance, thus allowing the body to heal itself naturally.
Viewed this way, symptoms become valuable messengers. They let us know when we have lost our balance and that we will need to make some adjustments if we are to regain our health. If we ignore or just suppress the message then we can expect bigger problems later on.
Nutrition, emotions, genetics, previous illnesses and treatment are some of the factors that can influence our health. Our home environment, the weather, relationships with others and the chemicals in food and water, are also important causes of dis-ease.
As more and more people realise the benefits of complementary therapies for themselves, some are starting to consider these therapies for their animal friends as well.
There are a number of holistic therapies that are well suited to the treatment of animals. Therapies I use extensively in the clinic are acupuncture, homeopathy, herbal medicine, flower remedies, aromatherapy and laser therapy. Holistic therapies are generally gentle, minimally invasive, causing very little stress to animals.
Good nutrition is fundamental to good health and I encourage a natural, wholesome diet, free of artificial preservatives, colourings and flavourings. Exercise is also essential for mental and physical health. I will often teach owners some simple acupressure, massage and physiotherapy techniques so that treatment can continue at home.
Holistic veterinary care shifts the focus off the disease and onto health. It puts much more emphasis on early detection and prevention of disease. Many owners comment on the general improvement in their animal companion’s health and vitality as a result of holistic treatment. With holistic veterinary care you and your animal friends will gradually be guided to a new level of health.
As well as my conventional veterinary training as a veterinary surgeon, I have also studied Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture for animals.
As a vet, I use both alternative and conventional approaches to medicine. I select the therapy that I think will be most effective, least invasive and least harmful to bring about a complete and lasting cure. While conventional medicine and surgery can be life-savers in certain conditions, more natural treatments are frequently more appropriate. They can strengthen the immune system and this leads to healthier animals in the long term.
As a holistic veterinarian my goal is to identify and then treat with the root causes of the imbalance or dis-ease. Only when the root causes have been identified and addressed is there any hope for a full recovery and lasting health.
The Holistic Animal Care Clinic is attached
to the Oxford Animal Hospital. This means that all patients have easy and
immediate access to the hospitalisation, X-ray, surgical and onsite blood
test facilities. Your animals will also benefit from the hospital’s 24-hour
emergency service.
What problems can be helped?
Holistic therapies can positively affect most of
the body systems. Listed below are some of the more common conditions affecting
our animal friends that can be helped by a more holistic approach to health.
| Joints,
Bone,
Muscle |
arthritis or degenerative joint disease (i.e. hip dysplasia, polyarthritis, ringbone, OCD, spondylosis, etc.); tendon injuries; fractures; non-specific lameness |
| Stomach,
Intestines |
vomiting; diarrhoea; colitis; inflammatory bowel disease; regurgitation; colic, constipation |
| Spinal cord,
Brain |
epilepsy; paralysis; CDRM; Wobblers; slipped disk |
| Lungs, Nose | asthma; sinusitis; coughing; COPD |
| Skin, Ears | dermatitis; allergies; ear infections; sweet itch, atopy |
| Bladder, Kidneys | incontinence; cystitis; kidney failure, bladder stones |
| Psychology | anxiety; fear; aggression; behavioural problems |
Consultations are by appointment only, so please give me a call and we will arrange a time that suits you. I am happy to discuss your animal friend’s problem and to help you to evaluate which therapy is most suited.
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons does not permit veterinarians to advertise fees, please call me to discuss the cost of the various therapies. Most pet insurance schemes now cover the cost of alternative therapies for animals.
Jimmy Symmonds
BSc, BVSc, MRCVS
