What is integrative veterinary medicine?

Photo by Gabriel N. Wardwell

Interacting with pet guardians and pet care professionals around the Capital region and Hudson Valley provides an opportunity to hear what (and if) locals think of integrative veterinary medicine. Many past articles on this page have alluded to an integrated approach to pet health, but have stopped short of defining it. So, what exactly is integrative veterinary medicine? Is it the same as holistic? Homeopathic? Herbal? Natural?

Integrative veterinary medicine takes a big picture approach to wellness. Not only does it take into account the entire animal, from a physical, emotional and energetic perspective, but it also considers a variety of treatment modalities. This approach is extremely individualized, which is why it usually begins with in depth history taking. If the physical exam at an integrative visit seems a little different, it may be because in addition to physical characteristics, your veterinarian is assessing the flow (or stagnation) of energy.

Many practitioners and care givers find that blending the best that conventional veterinary medicine and holistic veterinary medicine have to offer is ultimately in the best interest of the patient. For instance, if a pet requires surgery, an integrative approach might include the use of herbs to bolster the immune system prior to surgery, acupuncture to maximize pain management and possibly homeopathy to speed post operative healing. Then the pet’s nutrition and environment would be adjusted to continue to support the immune system and help address the underlying issue that led to the surgery in the first place.

It is because of this diverse concept of healing and wellness that integrative veterinary medicine can be used on farms, in homes or in rescue facilities – basically anywhere animal care occurs. For example, you can find an integrative approach at work from Ravensbeard Wildlife Center in Saugerties to Warwick Valley Humane Society in Orange County, New York.

If you care for animals in the Capital region and Hudson Valley and want to learn more, write in your questions and comments. If you want to hear from the leaders in the field, try to attend the Integrative Health Pet Expo in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, September 10th and 11th, 2009.

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