As a pet owner, you should be aware that veterinarians handle pets in various ways. While some doctors only practice conventional medicine, others also practice complementary medicine. Integrative veterinarians provide a unique blend of traditional and complementary therapies.
Arthritic pets are constantly in pain, stiff, and have limited mobility. This blog post will go over integrative medicine and how it can help your arthritis-affected dog or cat.
What Is Integrative Medicine?
Integrative medicine focuses on healing and takes into account the entire person. A holistic veterinarian considers a pet’s physical condition, emotional issues, diet, and lifestyle. When recommending a treatment plan for your pet, they will consider both conventional and holistic approaches.
Examples of integrative medicine approaches are:
- Acupuncture
- Herbal medicine
- Chiropractic care
- Massage therapy
- Homeopathy
- Nutritional therapy
It is worth remembering that many people once thought of holistic medicine as an “alternative” treatment. This type of care was considered a last-resort “alternative” for patients after all other conventional medical options had been exhausted. Traditional medical procedures are now being used alongside holistic therapies. As a result, the term “alternative medicine” is no longer relevant.
What Advantages Does Integrative Pet Medicine Provide?
Integrative medicine places a strong emphasis on illness prevention as well as health and well-being promotion. Integrative medicine can also help animals with arthritis in the following ways:
Exercise
Regular exercise can help maintain joint flexibility and strength, but choosing the right activity for each pet is critical. Integrative medicine practitioners can recommend appropriate exercise regimens for arthritic pets.
Physical Therapy
You can get better with physical therapy. You can reduce joint mobility and pain. Integrative medicine practitioners can supervise home strengthening and stretching routines.
Herbal Medicine
Herbal remedies can help reduce the inflammation and pain associated with arthritis. Integrative medicine practitioners can recommend safe and beneficial herbs to animals.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture can effectively relieve pain and improve mobility in pets with arthritis. It works by causing the release of endorphins, which are natural pain relievers.
Chiropractic
These adjustments can help pets with arthritis regain joint mobility and relieve pain. Integrative medicine practitioners trained in animal chiropractic can perform safe and effective adjustments.
How Can a Combination of Treatments Help Pets With Arthritis?
Therapeutic rehabilitation in pets, cardiology, diagnostic lab services, and other therapies may be beneficial in treating pet arthritis. Some of the benefits of combining these various treatment modalities are as follows:
Holistic Approach
A comprehensive approach to treating arthritis in pets entails combining various treatment modalities. When developing a personalized treatment plan, this approach considers the entire pet’s medical history, lifestyle, and unique needs.
Comprehensive Diagnosis
Pet diagnostic imaging and laboratory services can help identify underlying medical conditions exacerbating or causing arthritis symptoms. This could aid in the planning of medical care and the improvement of outcomes.
Pain Management
Veterinary rehabilitation provides pain management options such as therapeutic exercises, hydrotherapy, and massage therapy. Arthritic pets frequently experience heart-related pain, which cardiology can help treat.
Nutrition
This is critical for pets to manage arthritis effectively. Because they have anti-inflammatory properties, cardiology, veterinary rehabilitation, and a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can all work together to reduce the symptoms of arthritis.
Medications
Cardiology veterinary care can use diuretics and ACE inhibitors to treat heart disease symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. These medications can help treat arthritis symptoms.
Complementary Therapies
Therapies such as acupuncture, chiropractic adjustments, and herbal remedies can help pets with arthritis symptoms. You can use various treatments to meet each animal’s specific needs.
Conclusion
You can use integrative medicine to treat arthritis in pets completely. Integrative medicine practitioners can provide a personalized treatment plan that considers each pet’s specific needs by combining conventional Western medicine with complementary and alternative therapies. By working closely with a team of veterinarians, pet owners can help their animals live longer, healthier lives with fewer signs of arthritis.
