Conditions We Treat

Conditions We Treat

Actually, we treat them all! From the most common to the very rare, any health issue can benefit immensely from a naturopathic evaluation. Identifying and addressing the underlying cause is an integral part of the holistic approach, and is necessary to achieve true resolution. We are also fully integrative --combining the best of both Eastern and Western diagnostics and treatment--resulting in a comprehensive plan unique to every patient.

While many pet parents seek consultation regarding both acute & chronic health problems,

we also routinely advise those with young or otherwise asymptomatic animals about how to prevent these conditions from happening in the first place!

GASTROINTESTINAL DISEASES: Digestive disorders are one of the main complaints in veterinary medicine. However, in our experience, they are also the most preventable and curable! Cases range from episodic GI upset, to chronic diseases like Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). The sooner we address abnormal GI symptoms the better, even if they seem mild; they often continue to worsen if changes aren't made. They also lead to other problems, which is why we evaluate GI health in all patients, even if presenting for some other issue--from ear infections to asthma--gut health is always related. Making appropriate dietary changes are therapeutic in the short term and preventative in the long term!

IBD is a very common diagnosis, especially among cats; it is of special interest in our practice. Typical symptoms include varying degrees of vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss. Diagnostics often include blood tests, an abdominal ultrasound and intestinal biopsies. Traditional treatment is usually steroids (prednisolone, budesonide) and a prescription diet. We often have pet parents seeking a second opinion at the point biopsies have been recommended. Luckily, for the majority of patients this procedure can indeed be avoided, as resolution of symptoms can be achieved naturopathically. For those patients who've already had biopsies and/or started presciptions, we've had great success in weaning IBD patients off steroids, transitioning off RX diets, restoring gut health through nutritional changes & supplementation--ultimately restoring normal digestive integrity.

Additional GI issues we routinely see include:

Cancer (most often, Lymphosarcoma).

Vomiting, Regurgitation; Nausea.

Pancreatitis; Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency.

Poor or "picky" appetite (they like something for a few meals, then refuse it; might not eat until the end of the day).

Food Obsession (cats or dogs that are always begging for food, may eat so quickly they regurgitate meals; cats that wake you up at 4am).

Sensitive Stomach (cannot easily make dietary changes without resulting in digestive upset).

Stool abnormalities of any kind (episodic to chronic diarrhea. variable stool consistency, visible mucus or blood; constipation).

Relapsing Giardia or other parasitic infections.

Eating indigestible things (house plants, paper, string, cloth, dirt; excessive amount of grass).

Dietary alternatives for patients on prescription (RX) diets.

SKIN DISORDERS: Skin problems easily rank as another most common--and often even more troublesome--issue for pets & their parents...Itchy skin /allergies being the main complaint.

Not only do these conditions cause discomfort and distress they tend to lead to a revolving regimen of medicated shampoos, antibiotics and other prescriptions--Atopica, Cytopoint, steroids,

antihistamines, Hyposensitization drops/injections--all too often without permanent resolution.

In Cats, the symptoms often include a marked reaction to flea bites (with scabby lesions along the back/tail base/neck); over grooming (usually the abdomen/inner thigh/front limbs/feet); self trauma

from vigorous scratching (especially around the head); chewing at the feet; and chronic waxy/itchy ears.

With Dogs, we frequently see symptoms that were originally mild or episodic become chronic: Ear infections, allergic dermatitis (with secondary yeast & bacterial infections/dry skin/poor haircoa); licking feet; self trauma causing "hot spots," skin fold infections; and immune mediated disease.

We often forget that skin is the largest organ, and it's condition reflects the health of the whole body--gut/nutritional, immune, endocrine, age & genetics. All of these factors need to be taken into account collectively in order to address the underlying factors that result in unhealthy skin, not just attempt to treat it separately the rest. Restoring whole body balance is the true path to normal skin & a beautiful coat.

ORTHOPEDIC/MUSCULOSKELETAL ISSUES: Degenerative Joint and Spinal Diseases affect virtually all dogs (and many cats) at some point during their lifetime. These may be the consequence of genetics (hip dysplasia), injury (cruciate ligament tear), or just a lifetime of activity! For older patients we recommend a multi-modal therapeutic approach to keep them comfortable and mobile, including acupuncture, chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy and nutritional supplementation. For the patients who are already taking non steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAID's), supplements can help us achieve the lowest effective dose, as well as provide additional liver/kidney & GI support. For younger patients, especially those with additional genetic stressors (large & giant sizes, long back/short legs) or increased activity levels (agility, flyball, hunting, hiking) we devise a preventative plan to help reduce the likelihood and magnitude of problems later on in life. Conditions we commonly treat include: Arthritis/Degenerative Joint Disease, Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), Hip dysplasia, Cruciate Ligament injuries, Generalized or focal Neuropathy, Weakness in the limbs; and Gait abnormalities.

URINARY CRYSTALS & BLADDER STONES: This is a VERY frequent scenario for cats: Abnormal urinary symptoms arise, urinalysis shows "crystals," and the cat is put on a prescription (RX) diet for the rest of it's life (with no further discussion on why the crystals were there in the first place). Based on your cats' history, we thoroughly review cause/effect and create a nutritional plan that is both preventative for crystals and appropriate for the whole cat (not just the bladder).

The approach to a bladder stones is dependent on what minerals it's made up of. Some are amenable to dietary dissolution while others require surgical removal. We are always glad to offer a second opinion regarding the potential for medical management.

Urinary incontinence is quite common among spayed female dogs, often older, but not always. Traditional medicine usually reaches for phenylpropanolamine, or an estrogen derivative. We've been successfully treating the majority of our patients with a completely natural approach that includes acupuncture, glandular and herbal support.

CANCER: Unfortunately, cancer is all too common in cats and dogs. Conventional treatment recommendations are of course specific to the type of cancer. Some cancers are amenable to natural treatment. All cancers are amenable to a multi-modal approach; holistic medicine can be an important adjunct to traditional treatment in mitigating the potential side effects of necessary drugs (chemotherapy) and by enhancing our patient's overall sense of well being. We do a lot of second opinions regarding cancer; having an truly integrative approach is especially important in helping pets and their people navigate such a difficult diagnosis.

(206) 783-5900

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