Holistic Veterinary Care
Natural options to maintaining the health of our animal companions is largely unknown even though it is becoming ever more mainstream. To help provide our communities with information about a holistic veterinary approach, PAHS has consulted with holistic practitioner Cynthia Easton, DVM, to uncover some of the most common ailments afflicting our animal companions. Below we’ve listed three common ailments for cats and dogs with accompanying information about holistic treatment options as well as some natural preventative measures.
Common medical conditions for cats:
- Kidney failure
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Cancer
“Many disease conditions can be prevented or ameliorated by considering a holistic approach. This would include a natural diet (including options such as homemade, raw, canned and species-appropriate food). For example, cats are carnivores and are designed biologically to eat (fresh) meat. This is a far cry from dry dehydrated kibble which has a large carbohydrate concentration. There is some concern that a high carbohydrate diet might promote cancer formation, especially if the animal did not evolve to process this type of nutrient. Minimizing the use of vaccines by only giving the ones that are appropriate, based on the cat's risk factors for exposure, is recommended. Vaccine titers (a blood test) can often be used in lieu of vaccines because the test may show antibody levels are still adequate. Some vaccines have been shown to cause cancer formation at the injection site. Healthy lifestyle including fresh air and exercise is important to decrease stress. Specific herbs (western and Chinese), and supplements, can be used for specific medical conditions as determined by the veterinarian.”
Common medical conditions for dogs:
- Arthritis
- Allergies
- Cancer
“The same holistic approach is important. A healthy diet (which can include more carbohyrdates since dogs are omnivores), a healthy lifestyle, and minimizing use of vaccines when possible, are all recommended approaches. In addition there are nutritional supplements that are helpful such as glucosamine / chondroitin (for joint support), fish oil (for joints and skin), and food-source multi-vitamins (for overall body support). There are natural anti-histamines, such as Nettles, which can help with itchy skin and come in a capsule form at natural food stores. Medicinal mushrooms and anti-oxidant vitamins can be used to stimulate the immune system (especially important in the treatment of cancer). Many western and Chinese herbs are used for specific medical conditions (as for cats). These herbs almost always can be used along with conventional medications without causing an interaction.”
About Dr. Cynthia Easton
Dr. Easton is a 1989 graduate of UC Davis. After an internship in surgery and medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, she practiced at Pets Unlimited in San Francisco for 15 years. During that time she pursued training in homeopathy, acupuncture, and Chinese veterinary medicine and herbology. Dr. Easton lives in San Bruno with her husband, a veterinary ophthalmologist, and their two children. The family pets include 2 dogs, 2 rats, a gecko, koi fish and some turtles.
To make an appointment or for more information about holistic veterinary care for your animal companion, Dr. Easton practices at Mid-peninsula Animal Hospital in Menlo Park and would be happy to help you.