Holistic Veterinary Science and Medicine Over the last decade, several new pain medications were introduced for use in dogs. While some individuals heralded the new medications as altering their pets’ lives for the better, not all dogs had the same experience. In some cases the rapid onset of serious side effects killed the dogs given the medication. Some studies also began suggesting that the commonly prescribed NSAIDS might actually be making conditions like arthritis worse at the same time that they hid the pain. As word spread of the side effects that some dogs were experiencing, some dog owners began looking for more natural methods of relieving or managing pain in their pets. The hope was that these natural methods would have fewer side effects. Although there was little research on many of the natural pain relief methods, thousands of owners began trying to offer their pets pain relief through changing their diets, adding supplements, using herbs that were said to help reduce pain, and using therapies like acupuncture and hydrotherapy. Today, the use of glucosamine/chondroiton supplements has become almost second nature for pet owners to strengthen joints and reduce problems like arthritis. Other therapies and supplements are also continuing to be used in place of the traditional medications for pain relief. In this unit, we will take a look at some of the natural treatments that are being used in veterinary science and medicine. Holistic veterinary science focuses on complementary and alternative approaches to veterinary medicine as well as integrating all aspects of animal wellness. In other words, holistic veterinary science focuses on practices like acupuncture, herbal medicines, and other more natural approaches to treating animals, although traditional treatments may also be used. This area of veterinary science also examines the animal as a whole, rather than focusing on a particular problem in isolation. For example, this area of study may be more likely to assess how environmental and social factors influence a particular physical disease. Holistic veterinary medicine is sometimes called “complementary,” “integrative,” or “alternative.” Allopathic veterinary medicine (or conventional medicine) is what we typically think of when we think of veterinary medicine, using high-tech diagnostic techniques, synthetic medications (including vaccines, hormones, and antimicrobials), and surgeries. Some veterinarians and others argue that allopathic medicine can have adverse side effects for animals and that it does not address the root cause of the illness. For example, allopathic medicine might prescribe a flea preventative medication while holistic or complementary medicine might search for the underlying cause of the flea infestation, such as a nutritional deficit or stress that the animal might be under. Holistic medicine may try to alleviate or avoid the adverse side effects of traditional treatment by replacing it with more natural treatments when possible. However, holistic medicine will use allopathic measures when those are the best treatment for the animal and the disease. That holistic medicine is becoming increasingly popular for animals is perhaps not surprising, given that it is also becoming more popular for humans. Like holistic doctors for humans, holistic veterinarians may focus on nutrition, environmental factors, and the psychological state of an animal when diagnosing and treating an animal. Similarly, holistic veterinary science uses a variety of approaches in treating an animal. For example, newer technologies like ultrasounds and surgical procedures may be combined with changes to diet, chiropractic treatment, and herbal medicines. Holistic or complimentary veterinary medicine is held to the same standards as other forms of veterinary medicine. Veterinary scientists who study herbal supplements or other forms of treatment are still examining the treatment to make sure that it is safe and effective, just as they would with other medications or treatments. In some cases, fewer studies may have been done on alternative treatments so veterinarians need to examine the treatments and the individual animal carefully to assess whether the treatment is useful and safe for the animal. Documenting the use of these treatments, however, can be useful in creating information about particular alternative treatments for other veterinarians. For example, if you were using a chiropractic treatment on a dog for a hip problem, documenting what you do, how often, and what results you see, can help other veterinary scientists determine whether the treatment might be useful in treating another animal with the same problem. Over time, the accumulated information helps tell scientists whether the treatment is safe and effective, and if so, how the treatment can be used to help an animal with a particular problem. Acupuncture One of the complimentary treatments that has been receiving more attention over the last decade, although the treatment is not new, is acupuncture. Acupuncture is the practice of inserting and manipulating needles into the body. Veterinary acupuncture is the use of acupuncture on animals. The needles are placed at particular points on the body and are thought to relieve pain and treat various ailments in both humans and animals. Although there has been increasing research on the use of acupuncture, the practice remains somewhat controversial in allopathic medicine for both humans and animals. Yet, it is estimated that about 150,000 veterinarians worldwide have been trained in and use acupuncture in their practices. Acupuncture has been used to help treat illnesses in a number of different areas, including the musculoskeletal system, hormonal imbalances, skin conditions, and neurological disorders. How and where acupuncture began remains a mystery. Some documents suggest that acupuncture may have been used as long ago as the Stone Age. Ancient medical texts show that acupuncture was practiced in the Shang Dynasty (1600-1100 BC) in China. Acupuncture was commonly used on horses in China, as well as other domestic animals and livestock. In India, acupuncture was used in ancient times to treat elephants. As the years passed, the practice spread to other parts of Asia and in modern times, to other parts of the world. Since 1970, acupuncture has been used more widely in North America for both humans and animals. The philosophy behind acupuncture states that specific points on the body relate to particular organs or functions of the body. Xue is the Chinese word for the actual acupuncture point. The acupuncture points lie along meridians, or channels through which qi (the life energy) flows. Practitioners argue that when the qi is blocked or stagnated, problems can occur and acupuncture can restore the proper flow. Some practitioners believe that acupuncture creates physiological changes in the body that can stimulate the nervous system. This may cause the body to release hormones, increase the blood circulation in the body, and help reduce muscle spasms. To practice acupuncture, veterinarians undergo further training in the principles and practice of acupuncture. The basics of acupuncture can be learned in several months of part-time coursework that will prepare veterinarians to incorporate acupuncture practices. When practiced by a trained veterinary acupuncturist, the method is quite safe, with very few side effects. In general, the insertion of the needles does not cause the animal any pain, although some larger animals may experience discomfort as the needle passes through the skin. Some animals may experience some tingling or numbness (humans sometimes experience this and it is thought that animals may as well in some circumstances). Some animals may be sleepy after a treatment and in some cases the condition may worsen for a day or two after treatment. Veterinary scientists believe that this may be because of the physiological changes taking place in the body. The acupuncture treatment depends on the condition or illness that the animal has. Some treatments can only take a few minutes while others may continue for 30 minutes. Some problems may only need one treatment while others may need continuing treatment over time. When multiple treatments are needed, it is often the case that the veterinary acupuncturist will use more intensive treatments in the beginning. For example, an animal might have several treatments a week for a chronic respiratory disorder in the beginning, with the treatments tapering off over time as improvements are seen. In some cases, even animals with chronic conditions may be able to taper off to just one or two treatments per year after the initial treatments. Most states, provinces, and countries restrict the practice of veterinary acupuncture to licensed veterinarians. Chiropractic Treatments Another treatment that is commonly used in humans that is also increasingly being used for animals is chiropractic treatment. Veterinary chiropractic or animal chiropractic includes spinal manipulations and other manual therapies. This type of treatment is used primarily for musculoskeletal disorders and problems. There is some controversy over the use of the term “chiropractic” in veterinary medicine. The American Chiropractic Association, which is the largest association of human chiropractors, argues that the term should not be used to describe the manipulation of animals. Typically, when the term is used in the veterinary field, it is used to describe treatments are beyond simple manipulation. Although chiropractic treatment has been used in animals since the turn of the twentieth century, the use has often been sporadic. Some of the early chiropractic doctors manipulated animals out of curiosity and when individuals asked them to take a look at their pets. One early practitioner recounted treating sick cows, horses, and dogs in the 1940s. The differences in anatomy between humans and animals presented some challenges, however. In recent years, chiropractic treatment has increasingly been used by trained practitioners to treat a range of issues in animals. Both doctors of chiropractic and veterinarians can take courses and training that allow them to be certified in veterinary chiropractic. Today, about 210 hours of training are required for this certification. In some places, a veterinary chiropractor needs to practice under the supervision of a veterinarian, if the individual is not already one. Equine chiropractors specialize in treating horses. Chiropractic treatment for animals may be used in situations where an animal has back, neck, tail, or leg pain, injuries because of a fall, jaw problems, or for rehabilitative purposes after surgery. The skeletal system of humans and animals, including the bones and joints, is maintained through a specific alignment. When misalignments happen in the joints, spine, or bones, pain or other disorders can occur. A subluxation is a partial dislocation or misalignment. Subluxations can not only affect the joints that they occur in, but these misalignments can also have an impact on the nerves connecting to the joints and bones, the muscles around the area, and internal organs and bodily functions. For example, a misalignment in the spine can affect blood flow, press down on nerves, and may cause pain when the animal walks, stands, or lies down. In some cases, a subluxation may be small and the owner may not notice the problem until it becomes worse or causes more serious side effects for the animal. When a subluxation is found, the veterinary chiropractor will manually adjust the joints and bones so that the proper alignment is found. Most animals do not show signs of pain with the adjustment and many may show signs of immediate improvement in their symptoms. In some cases, an adjustment or two will help the issue while other animals may need more regular follow-up care, depending on the subluxation and the symptoms that it may cause. This can help create more normal functioning in the particular joint and related bones. Chiropractic care for horses can help reduce pain in the neck or back, improve gait problems, and help support the healing from an injury or fall, among other problems. When a horse experiences a subluxation in its spine, the horse can lose some of its flexibility, experience pain, and be more restricted in its movement. As horses are large animals, it may seem hard to imagine that a veterinary chiropractor could adjust the spine of the horse. However, equine chiropractors are usually focusing on particular joints in the spine rather than on the whole horse. Hydrotherapy and Aquatic Therapy Water is a necessary element for all mammals in order to survive. For both humans and animals, a large portion of our bodies are water. Yet, water’s benefits do not end there. Some veterinarians use water in their treatment of animals. Hydrotherapy is the treatment of disease through the use of water. At the simplest level, bathing can be a form of hydrotherapy when medicated or herbal shampoos are used on the animal to help treat a disease or illness. You may have also heard about dogs or horses swimming in pools of water after injuries or surgery to help them rehabilitate. Some veterinary scientists use the term aquatic therapy to indicate the use of exercise in water for rehabilitative purposes. Veterinary science has shown that hydrotherapy can be useful for a range of conditions and diseases. The rehabilitative benefits of hydrotherapy after an injury or surgery may be the most well known condition. However, other conditions can also benefit from hydrotherapy or aquatic therapy. For example, dogs may benefit from this type of therapy if they suffer from hip or elbow dysplasia, arthritis, chronic pain or swelling, obesity, and other conditions that might prevent the animal from exercising normally or that might restrict movement. Horses may benefit when they suffer from similar conditions. In addition, some horses are trained in water because it places less stress on the joints and other body parts. This training not only helps the horse maintain good cardiovascular health, but also is easier on the horse’s body. Swimming or using a treadmill in the water encourages a full range of motion in the joints, but this occurs without the full weight of the animal on the joint. This can promote healing in the joints without placing too much stress on any damaged joints, muscles, or tissues. After an injury or surgery, hydrotherapy can help retain muscle while the animal recovers. Muscles begin to break down after about three days of nonuse so it is important for the animal’s recovery to be able to exercise the muscles without the danger of re-injury or damaging the joints, muscles, or tissues. Hydrotherapy can be considered a natural antiinflammatory as it can help reduce swelling in an animal’s tissues. Hydrotherapy is generally performed by veterinary physical therapists or veterinarians who have had training in the area. The particular therapy or training that is used will depend on the particular animal and the condition that is being treated. These factors will also help determine how many sessions of therapy are needed and how often they should take place. Some animals receive hydrotherapy for a short time while others may continue for chronic conditions or for training purposes, such as with horses. The temperature of the water used for therapy also depends on the animal. Colder water may be used for training horses, as they can generate quite a bit of heat while training. This helps keep them from overheating. Warmer water may be used for dogs as this keeps the blood flowing to the skin and superficial muscles better than cold water does. It should be noted that hydrotherapy cannot be relied on long-term as hydrotherapy only works the muscles of the body. It does not help maintain the bone density and strength that traditional exercise does. Herbal and Botanical Remedies Herbal supplements have become big business for humans and it is not surprising that the same is also true for veterinary medicine. However, the practice of using herbs to treat animal diseases and conditions (or human diseases) is nothing new. Herbs have been used for centuries and many of our modern medicines are based off of herbal remedies. Before modern times, all medications came from plants and herbs. Modern science has just been able to isolate the various substances in these plants and herbs to create the medications that we now use. Some herbal and plant supplements and remedies are licensed by the government. Whether licensing is required is often a matter of the material itself, what companies are claiming the substance can do, and its uses. Not all plants or herbs are safe in all doses, as we learned in the unit on toxicology. Herbs and other plant materials may also be available in a variety of forms, such as fresh or dried herbs, teas, granular extracts, and tinctures, which can influence the effectiveness of the herb for a particular problem or species of animal. Veterinarians and veterinary scientists who promote the use of herbs and plant materials for diseases and illnesses in animals may argue that one of the advantages to using these substances is that it contains the whole plant or part of the plant, rather than one extracted element as traditional medications have. Plants contain a wide variety of materials and chemicals, including sugars, proteins, and minerals that may affect the active substance or chemical that the veterinarian is seeking. These additional parts of the plants may affect how easily the active chemical is absorbed and they may make the chemical less toxic or harsh, reducing the amount of side effects that might be seen. The herbs are generally more natural and less processed than traditional medications in veterinary science. At the same time, as with many other complementary veterinary treatments, there is not yet a lot of science to back up the claims of using many of the herbal treatments. Veterinary science is increasingly examining how herbs and other plant materials can be used to treat diseases, but there is not generally enough scientific information known right now to establish their effectiveness or safety. In most cases, standardized doses for particular diseases and species have not been determined. The particular herbs or botanicals used largely depend on the animal and the condition. For example, ginger root extract may be used to help dogs that suffer from motion sickness. Goldenseal may help an animal fight off an infection and fresh aloe might be applied to a cut or scratch to help ward off an infection. Slippery elm bark might be used in some animals to help calm digestive issues like diarrhea or vomiting. These are just a few of the herbs that veterinarians might suggest for different issues. In addition to these herbs, there are also several different types of herbal systems that some veterinarians use to treat illnesses. Traditional Chinese veterinary medicine includes herbal therapy along with acupuncture, food therapy, and other treatments to achieve balance in animals. Chinese herbal remedies are often mixtures of herbs that are prescribed according to the disease and symptoms. The Ayurveda system of herbs from India is over 3500 years old and strives to bring the energy types of the animal back into balance. This system maintains that an animal’s body can become unbalanced through stress, indigestion, or through bacteria, parasites, and other infections. When prescribing the herbs, not only is the particular illness taken into account, but the personality of the animal is as well. © eDynamic Learning | All Rights Reserved. Aromatherapy and Essential Oil In addition to the use of herbs and other plant materials internally, some plants can also be beneficial when used outside the body. When someone uses the term aromatherapy, you may think about the use of different smells. However, this is one piece of what aromatherapy is. Aromatherapy is a type of herbal medicine that uses plant essential oil to treat humans and animals. Essential oils are liquids that have been extracted from the leaves, bark, flowers, seeds, and roots of plants. Although aromatherapy has been used for thousands of years, there has been little research about the benefits or use of essential oil and other plant materials in veterinary science. However, their use has been becoming more popular over the last decade or so as people look for more natural treatments for the diseases and conditions that domestic animals may suffer from. It should be noted that although aromatherapy uses natural materials, the misuse of these materials could have serious side effects for animals. For example, some essential oils may cause miscarriages in pregnant animals if not used properly. Cats can also be highly sensitive to essential oils, creating a need for careful knowledge of what can be used and what dose can be used safely. Currently, much of the evidence for the effectiveness of using essential oils and aromatherapy is based on individual uses rather than scientific studies, but with greater attention to this area, more scientific research may be done. Various essential oils have been used with domestic animals such as dogs, horses, poultry, pigs, and rabbits. The conditions treated with the essential oils range from digestive issues to skin infections, inflammation, and wounds. Depending on the disease or condition and the particular animal, essential oil may be applied to the skin, inhaled, or ingested. The oil is often combined with a carrier oil, such as olive oil, or the oil may be combined with other ingredients in lotions, ointments, and shampoos. Some of the studies that have been done by veterinary scientists suggest that essential oil, such as tea tree oil, may be effective at controlling ticks for dogs. One study found that over 80 percent of ticks that inhaled a particular concentration of tea tree oil died. Tea tree oil also appears to help eliminate some forms of yeast and bacteria, which may help treat skin infections. One small experiment examining the effectiveness of a cream containing tea tree oil on skin issues in dogs found that the cream was more effective than a commercial cream without tea tree oil. Laboratory tests have also indicated that menthol may help control parasites in honeybee colonies. These examples illustrate that some essential oils have been shown to be successful in treating particular diseases, although in small case studies. Veterinary scientists will continue to study whether essential oils offer an alternative to traditional medications in treating diseases and illnesses. Continued research may show whether essential oils are effective and safe for different species and for different diseases. In this unit, we have discussed some of the complementary or holistic treatments that veterinary science is increasingly using to treat the diseases and other conditions of animals. Holistic or integrative veterinary medicine combines both traditional veterinary treatments and complementary ones. This may include the use of herbs, essential oils, and acupuncture with treatments like surgery, prescription medications, and other treatments that we typically think of when talking about veterinary medicine. Although many of these holistic treatments have been around for centuries, veterinary science is just beginning to explore their effectiveness and safety for various species and diseases. In the future, these treatments may gain a greater foothold in veterinary medicine, particularly if the science shows them to be effective and safe for treating particular diseases. Unit Eight: Text Questions Review Questions 1. What is holistic veterinary medicine and science? How does it compare to allopathic veterinary medicine? 2. For what types of conditions or problems might veterinary chiropractic treatment be used? Why is it useful? 3. Why is it important the essential oils be used carefully with animals? 4. Why do some veterinarians believe that herbal or botanical medications may be better than allopathic medications in some cases? 5. What are some of the conditions that hydrotherapy might be used for? Why would it be a good choice for helping to treat these conditions? Critical Thinking Questions 1. Why do you think the use of holistic treatments for animals is controversial? 2. Why do you think more research has not been done on the use of holistic veterinary treatments? 3. If you had to choose one of the treatment areas discussed in the unit to practice, which one would you choose to practice? Why? 4. What do you think are some of the pros and cons of using holistic treatments for diseases in animals? 5. Do you think you’d like to learn how to perform veterinary acupuncture? Why or why not? Unit Eight: Text Questions Review Questions 1. What is holistic veterinary medicine and science? How does it compare to allopathic veterinary medicine? 2. For what types of conditions or problems might veterinary chiropractic treatment be used? Why is it useful? 3. Why is it important the essential oils be used carefully with animals? 4. Why do some veterinarians believe that herbal or botanical medications may be better than allopathic medications in some cases? 5. What are some of the conditions that hydrotherapy might be used for? Why would it be a good choice for helping to treat these conditions? Critical Thinking Questions 1. Why do you think the use of holistic treatments for animals is controversial? 2. Why do you think more research has not been done on the use of holistic veterinary treatments? 3. If you had to choose one of the treatment areas discussed in the unit to practice, which one would you choose to practice? Why? 4. What do you think are some of the pros and cons of using holistic treatments for diseases in animals? 5. Do you think you’d like to learn how to perform veterinary acupuncture? Why or why not?
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