Is There a Divide Between Traditional and Holistic
Vets?
When a dog gets cancer, we always suggest
that caretakers start setting up a TEAM of medical professionals --
and we suggest that the team include a traditional oncologist AND a
holistic
veterinarian. But many dog
owners often seem to decide on going one way or the other --
orthodox or holistic. Often we see folks who go "ballistic
holistic," and totally mistrust conventional veterinary
medicine.
"Regular vets are in the pocket of the drug companies" say
some, "Their medicines are all chemicals, and do more harm than
good."
Other owners
opine that "Holistic doctors are quacks," or "too way out
there."
The truth is, we think, both disciplines are useful, both
must be considered. If you choose chemotherapy, radiation or
surgery, a holistic vet
might have some very good
suggestions on reducing the side effects and speeding recovery. A
holistic vet might plan a special cancer diet for your pet that your
oncologist would probably appreciate.
Some cancers can be, and have been, cured holistically.
For a dog with mast cell tumors, for example, I would certainly look
into Neoplasene, which we discussed last
month in our piece on bloodroot.
Some cases of cancer can be cured fairly simply with surgery.
In such a case, holism, while not primary, can offer worthwhile
complementary benefit.
Some cancers, such as lymphoma, defy complete cures by any
method. We say, if neither traditional nor holistic treatment can
reliably offer the possibility of a successful outcome, then why
rely on either singly?
So, we urge
caretakers of cancer dogs to at least investigate, at least
consider complementing one discipline with the other. For
finding veterinary help near you, these links might
help:
Dog is Women's Best
Friend
Margie, a Boston
terrier-French bulldog mix, has her own ID badge for her trips to
Los Angeles' Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. She also wears a
pink-ribbon breast cancer awareness pin, because she survived breast
cancer and a double mastectomy. . . full
story. . .
Letting Go
Gracefully
Buddy, a
Rottweiler, has the look of nobility that takes 13 years to earn.
His enormous head rests happily on Alan Werner's lap, the big dog's
face relaxed and content. But this moment is bittersweet for Alan
and his wife, Danna, who live in Troutdale. Their grand old dog has
cancer. . . full story. . .
Woman
Convinced Dog Diagnosed Her Breast Cancer
A woman in Westminster is
thanking her dog for helping her find the breast cancer she will be
treated for next week. There has been literature
about dogs' ability to detect cancer since back in 1989. . . full
story. . .
|