Reptile & Amphibian Forums

We are thinking of switching Brewster to a vet that is an "integrated" approach, combining Western and Eastern medicine. He does a lot of homeopathic treatments, is big on holistic medicine, natural remedies (using natural herbal treatments in lieu of Frontline, etc.), but still practices and is a DVM in Western Med. I think he went to Cornell or is associated with Cornell. I liked some of the things I read on their site about eliminating toxins and going green, doing titers instead of over-vaccinating. As you may remember Brewster had some seizures on and off after his last set of shots. We are late on our rabies and well appt this yr b/c I'm so nervous about it. I thought this might be a good place to try but was wondering if anyone has any experience with a similar vet. Also, I like that he does house calls one day/wk, as my cat (that is an old house cat that we don't take to the vet b/c it stresses her so much) might get sick some day and the car traumatized her so much last time (8 yrs ago when she was around 8) that we probably would like her final time spent at home. Anyway, any input is appreciated!
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Amanda's Pack: Greg the Husband, Kate the daughter, Liam the son, Brewster the Shiba Inu, Cassie the Torbie & Fenway the Leopard Gecko!

Amanada... Dr Marty Goldstein could be a valuable source of information on integrative medicine.
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If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.

Let us know how it goes! I would be interested in hearing what you decide.

That name sounds so familiar but I forget why. Is he someone that posts in the forums? I saw a Dr. Stephen Tobin, but I did not see the name you mentioned.

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Amanda's Pack: Greg the Husband, Kate the daughter, Liam the son, Brewster the Shiba Inu, Cassie the Torbie & Fenway the Leopard Gecko!

Amanda... Dr Tobin is our own regular in-house Holistic Vet here at the Doghobbyist.

Dr Marty Goldstein is the foremost holistic in America and is sought after by big name celebrities like Martha Stewart and Oprah.
Dr Marty

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If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.

I'm from a differnt forum, but I can share my experience. I had always used vets who practice only Western Medicine. When we moved to Minnesota I decided to try a Holistic Vet to try to save my dog. He has severe colitis...so bad it is classified as an autoimmune disease...SIBO.I had spent $5,000 dollars and the dog had gone from 54 lbs. to 32.4 lbs.The vets I used had even consulted a vet from Texas A&M who was one of the leading specialist in the U.S. We were losing the dog.

The Vet I use here does practice a combination of Western and Holistic. She recommend, heartworm prevention, Frontline, booster shots and some medications such as antibiotics. She started Acupuncture on my dog and some supplements. After 2 years my dog Asher has gained back up to 50 lbs.

I think this vet has a wonderful approach to treating animals.

Bob...as you know, I'm talking about Asher

Winona
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Winona

Home of Asher, Bari, and Ginger (waiting at the bridge: Caspar, Karma, Greedy, and sweet Tifla)

"Bob...as you know, I'm talking about Asher"

Yes indeedy we have shared many an email and posts about our million dollar dogs!

Bob

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If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.

Amanda- Kita and Taiko have been seeing a DVM specializing in Eastern Medicine practices for a long time now- probably the last 6 years. I have never been happier with their care. The Eastern Medicine approach treats the whole animal and not just one symptom if there is a problem, the goal is to prevent problems before they become chronic and life altering. That approach works for me. We titer instead of vaccinate. So far have not needed to vaccinate.

When working with my current vet I feel I have a more active role in keeping my dogs healthy and my opinion matters. I don't get lectured to try some stupid commercial dog food amd I have been introduced to methods of treatment that although I've never heard of before, they have worked and worked better without the side effects of more traditional treatments (ie. liver damage from prolonged use of Rimadyl). Kita hasn't had Rimadyl in 4 years now. As my dogs are getting older, we've had to change things in they suppliments and changed diets to relect their new needs, but no one believes me Kita is 11 and Taiko is 8. Both do 5 mile walks 2 times a week with shorter 1 to 2 mile walks the other days- except Kita right now has an injured leg from an accident Halloween night. Acupuncture and aquapuncture plus some herbs help, but time is still needed to heal trauma.

Email me off list if you want more info. It's been an evolution for me to go this route, but it's a decision I will not regret making.

Good luck with your crew whatever you decide.
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles www.freewebs.com/performanceshibas

All this great feedback makes me want to seek Eastern medicine for my human boy! haha...he is the one that has the most health concerns in this house. I made an appointment for Brewster with the integrated DVM for next week. He is a Cornell graduate and has all sorts of certifications, and does practice accupuncture, herbal treatments, etc. I've heard he's a lot more reasonably priced, too! I will give you all an update after the appointment. Thanks!
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Amanda's Pack: Greg the Husband, Kate the daughter, Liam the son, Brewster the Shiba Inu, Cassie the Torbie & Fenway the Leopard Gecko!

Amanda- you aren't the only one contemplating changing drs. From my experience dealing with the dogs, I've contemplated Eastern Meds for the allergy issue in my household and I will probably never visit an orthapedic surgeon without an Easter Med consult. If traditional meds are not working, sometimes trying the bit unconventional can help.
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles www.freewebs.com/performanceshibas