Question:
I work at an animal hospital and we have this very nice lady that comes in with her german shepherds. She obviously care for them greatly. She uses my boss for illnesses but mainly uses a holistic vet about 2 hours away for all the rest of her dogs basic care. She practices Reiki (sp?), feeds a raw diet, etc.
Her elderly shepherd only has about 6 months to a year to live with her heart condition. I'm feeling very frustrated when this client comes in with this dog for her check ups. She has many fleas. The owner refuses to use chemicals, so no frontline for her. The obnoxious smelling herbs she puts on her are obviously not doing the trick.
This poor dog also has terrible arthiritis in her hips and stumbles when she walks but she will not give her any non-steroidal medicine for the pain. Euthanization is never mentioned because this lady will never give in to any health battle.
I understand when someone wants to follow the all natural route for their pet, but where do you draw the line, if any? If your pet is at the end of it's life, wouldn't you do anything to make it feel comfortable?
Just for the record... this dog has had many, many health issues it's entire life despite it's holistic upbringing.


Answer:
Holistic medicine simply does not treat all animal aillnesses. There are circumstances where a pet owner has to rely on a vet's expertise in helping their animal. I think the owner of the German Shepard is being extremely selfish. She is not giving any consideration to the well-being of her animal. She is hell bent on providing only holistic remedies and it is apparant they are not working. Holistic remedies are fine for certain things but when it comes to treating arthritis, hip dysplasia, etc., there is no question that the owner has to bring their animal in to the vet!


Answer:
I have no problem with holistic approaches as long as they will not result in more pain or suffering (or longer pain and suffering) than a traditional approach. When Syd had her bladder stones, I really wanted to treat her holistically. But that would have been far too dangerous and painful for her. Instead, we went with something traditional (prescription diet) and NOW that she is better, we are treating her holistically. If our approach wasn't working, I would consider something else. I think it is irresponsible to allow a pet to suffer when a traditional approach would solve the problem.


Answer:
has this woman heard of glucosamine? msm? those are natural remedies that do work!! sounds a bit like a quack and wants to save money. sometimes holistic remedies dont work on animals because im a firm believer that your attitude and conscience thought have influence on your health. postitive versus negative. animals just arent like that. but once you have fleas on your dog nothing but a solution from the vet will work.
what a sin!!


Answer:
this lady sounds nuts! I like the holistic approach, but you have to use "modern" medicines/treatments sometimes. I use frontline, and deflea dog shampoo, and it works well. I suppose she doesn't beleive in heartworm meds or other wormers either....


Answer:
I know that this woman *thinks* what she is doing is right for her pets.. (and I have nothing against holistic medicine if it's actually helping) but if her animals are in pain or suffering from flea infestation and she isn't doing anything to remedy the situation.. then I consider that abuse!


Answer:
I work for a holistic vet but we sell frontline ALL the time. He is a holistic vet, but he isn't crazy. Alot of times he will put a dog on conventional medicine and give herbs to help the immune system, to avoid any long term damage. If this dog has artthritis why isn't she giving it acupuncture? Acupuncture works great and is completely natural!!! You have to draw the line somewhere...I have a herbalist for me, but if I have a new problem I get it checked outr by a doctor firts...if they can't fix me I go to my herbalist. It's the same with my pets!


Answer:
I know she uses glucosomine some other natural things for arthritis but this dog is at the point where she needs anti-inflammatories. I don't understand about the flea issue either. The dog always reeks of herbs but obviously they aren't working. She put her dog on the heart meds thankfully.


Answer:
Could you suggest an omega supplement, specifically, fish oil? It did wonders for Taz's arthritis.

I'm glad that she put her dog on heart meds. I hope that if/when the time comes, she will euthanize the dog if it's suffering.


Answer:
(I'm a big skimmer/skipper, hehe, lol)

I personally draw the line when the pet is in pain and nothing I'm doing is working.

tell her brewers yeast and or galic for fleas,
put a bandana around the dogs neck with a bit of olbas oil on it to encourage deeper breathing (I know I have a dog with heart probs to that is on 2 meds)
salt and water......if the dog has heart problems it will probably have water on the lungs (only in my expierence@) have her give the dog salty foods, and provide plenty of water, or try to find something that makes one pee lots. lol


but either way I would continue to try to get her to help the animal. Tell her she is killing the dog with pain. I would, I can't stand people that sit there and let the animal be in pain :|

Is there any way you can get the dog taken away from her? I know technically and legally speaking (don't know about your laws) but alot of animals are considered property still... but maybe there is an animal cruelty law and you can report her for animal abuse???
goodluck