Alternative Therapy

Conventional Vet Medicine  Drug therapy  Surgical procedures  Scientific evidence of therapeutic benefits  Scientific evidence of contra-indications  Modes of action usually understood

When using alternative therapy  Informed consent must be given before use.  What is informed consent?  Expect the patient to improve.  First do no harm.

Homeopathy  Based on "like cures like".  A natural substance that has been diluted many times – it is considered stronger the more times it is diluted.  In large quantities these substances would cause the same symptoms the patient is trying to cure.  In the diluted form is thought to trigger the body to heal itself.  No scientific evidence that it is effective.

Iridology  Iridology is the analysis of patterns and structures in the iris.  Said to determine whether the person has any weaknesses in body tissue which shows itself as manifested disease or which could lead to disease in the future.  No scientific evidence that it is effective.

Traditional Chinese Medicine  Re-establishing balance & harmony within the body.  balance between: yin and yang; the five phases; the viscera and bowels; qi, blood & body fluids.  This balance is re-established by supporting the body's healthy or righteous energy and attacking any unhealthy or evil energy.  Scientific evidence exists for supporting the body with good nutrition and healthy lifestyle.  Scientific evidence exists for some herbal remedies.  Otherwise no scientific evidence that it is effective.

Machine based Medicine  A variety of devices that are usually magnetic or electronic and are said to influence and correct the bodies aura (electromagnetic field).  No scientific evidence that it is effective.

Chiropractic  Minor adjustments to the spine to correct minor misalignments or deformities in the vertebral column known as subluxations.  Should have an X-ray done first.  Scientific evidence exists for efficacy of this for some patients especially back issues.  Can cause damage if done incorrectly or for some spinal injuries.

Osteopathy  Minor adjustments to the skeletal muscular system to correct minor misalignments or deformities.  Should have an X-ray done first.  Scientific evidence exists for efficacy of this for some patients especially orthopaedic issues.  Can cause damage if done incorrectly or for some types of injuries.

Herbal & natural remedies  Herbs or natural substances used to treat illnesses.  Scientific evidence exists for effectiveness for this for some herbals and natural remedies.  Evidence for pure form, effect of mixing herbs?  Plant may produce a variable amount of the active ingredient depending on time of year, temp. etc.  Some tablets have active ingredient measured which is better than those that don’t.  Consider interactions with drugs or other treatments.

Holistic medicine  Treatment of the whole animal not just the disease condition.  Consider other ailments, diet, level of exercise, mental stimulation, lifestyle, environment etc.  Scientific evidence exists for benefits of this.  One positive feature of conventional veterinary medicine as opposed to commonly practice human medicine is the more holistic nature.

Acupuncture  Use of needles applied to specific points to treat specific organs. These needles may be manipulated, heated or have a mild electric current passed through them.  Scientific evidence exists for effectiveness of this.  Especially for orthopaedic issues and as an alternative to anaesthesia.  May work by release of endorphins but possibility of other modes of action.

Supplementary vitamins & minerals  Additional vitamins and minerals over diet.  Scientific evidence exists for effectiveness of this in certain situations:  Local mineral deficiencies eg selenium.  Conditions that affect absoption eg pancreatitis.  Additional needs eg pregnancy and lactation.  Sometimes possible to provide for in diet.