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Choosing A Vet

Conventional vs. Holistic

In conventional medicine, the diagnostic techniques are blood tests, radiographs (X-rays), ultrasound, MRI, Cat scan, EKG. Based on the results of these tests and the physical exam, either pharmaceutical drugs or surgery are the mainstream treatment options. Less frequently, veterinarians will recommend changes in the animal's environment, lifestyle or nutrition. When nutritional changes are recommended, they often involve switching from one commercial food to another.

Jim and Yogi, the Jack Russel

Most holistic veterinarians also benefit from the findings of the conventional tests listed above, especially to provide 'base-line' information. Often these tests are used to screen for large pathologies in the body, such as cancer. It is also important to note the extent of disease. For example, there is a wide range in severity of 'kidney failure' in cats, and knowledge of blood test findings can be very important. Holistic interpretation of these tests may be different from that of conventional veterinarians. Conventional medicine tends to view many chronic diseases as 'degenerative' and thus has a rather pessimistic view of the future.

Many times, the key to successfully treating an animal is the careful combination of both conventional and holistic procedures and remedies. This is best accomplished when veterinarians work together. There is no longer any place for closed-mindedness in our profession, but the people who have the most power are pet owners. They can demand that if their regular veterinarian will not put the time and money into further training, that at the very least, he or she can work with a well-trained holistic veterinarian. By the same token, holistic medicine does not offer all the answers either. Sometimes, surgery or conventional medicine is necessary to achieve success.

Credentials of Holistic Veterinarians

Acupuncture

There are several peer-regulated organizations which offer training. The International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS) offers basic training in veterinary acupuncture. There are several required hours of class work and three exams the veterinarian must pass in order to qualify for certifications through IVAS.

Chiropractic

The American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA, animalchiropractic.org) offers a similar course in animal chiropractic. The American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (AHVMA, ahvma@compuserve.com) holds annual conferences and offers membership but this does not mean the veterinarian has received any formal training. They do have an excellent web site referral system and list each member's training by state.

Herbs/Homeopathy

There are many courses in herbal medicine but not one standard exists. Most veterinarians interested in homeopathy attend the Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy.

Referrals

Unfortunately, there is no AVMA-recognized training in holistic medicine to date, so legally, a veterinarian with no formal training in alternative therapies can still call himself 'holistic.' It is up to the public to discern the credibility of holistic veterinarians.

This can be done in many ways. Ask your veterinarian if he or she knows a reputable holistic veterinarian. Ask neighbors, pet stores and at dog parks to find out who has had success. Find out the amount of time that a veterinarian has been working with alternative modalities. Contact your state veterinary board to see if this person has a license and does not have lawsuits filed against him. In addition, find out the veterinarian's credentials or formal training.