Why I practice Integrative Care?

The quality of veterinary medicine continues to improve and extend the lives of our furry friends. However, where do you turn to when conventional medicine is not enough, not an option or no longer working?

The frustrations of not being able to offer my patients more beyond conventional medicine had motivated me to seek out more options and that led me to practice integrative care.

What is Integrative Care?

Integrative care takes into account the entire patient and the family; and offers an individualized treatment plan based on that. A typical treatment plan often consists of a combination of therapies, scientifically validated treatments and complementary treatments such as dietary supplements, rehabilitation and acupuncture.

While conventional medicine tends to focus on medical and surgical approaches to addressing specific issues; integrative care goes a step further and takes into account other factors that impact overall well-being like the comfort of the patient through the process and leverages the body’s natural healing processes.

Mylo vs Kidney Disease

This little guy warmed his way into my heart from the first time I saw him a few months ago and how could he not. Look at that face!

Mylo is an example of a success story where conventional care meets complementary care. When he came to me, he had mobility issues and kidney disease.

As his kidney disease worsened, he started to lose his appetite. To make matters worse, the lack of nutrition was weakening his body and further impacting his conditions.

Mylo’s treatment consisted of oral medications, supplements, acupuncture and electrical stimulation. He also received laser therapy and Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy. When his appetite declined, Mylo was fitted with a feeding tube so his mum could get enough nutrition into him. In the following few weeks, he started to get stronger and more energetic.

Look mum, I finished my food!

After a month, Mylo started to eat on his own again and his feeding tube was removed.

His recent blood work showed a dramatic improvement in his kidney values.

He also started rehabilitation, using the underwater treadmill to help build up his muscle strength.

It is music to my ears when he announces my visits to his family by running (albeit clumsily!) and barking at the door! It goes without saying that the commitment from his mum is second to none. Mylo is truly a miracle and evidence that integrative care works!