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Holistic veterinarian Jill Elliot, DVM, joined me on “Turn the Page” to share her recommendations on a vaccination protocol for cats and dogs. She also spoke about treatment approaches that have restored mobility in pets with musculoskeletal issues, and increased the lifespan of animals who have cancer.

Listen to our conversation to hear about the remarkable successes she described, recognizing that, while many of Dr. Elliot’s patients have experienced notable quality of life improvements through her integration of conventional and holistic protocols, each pet’s response is unique.

With the underlying objective of helping to facilitate the optimal wellbeing of your pets, Dr. Elliot provided the following additional guidance after the show.

VACCINATION AND OPTIMIZING YOUR PET’S WELLBEING
“Vaccinations are essential to protect your animal’s long term health and wellbeing. Core vaccination protocols change depending on your pet’s environment and routine or lifestyle. During your first vet visit with a new cat or dog, it’s important to discuss the veterinarian’s philosophy about vaccines and wellness care in general. If you feel pressured to vaccinate, or do anything else you don’t agree with, don’t be afraid to get a second opinion from another veterinarian. Try to find a vet office where you know you will be able to see the same veterinarian for every visit. In many large practices you might see a different vet each time, depending on their work and vacation schedules. Each vet may have a different philosophy, which can create confusion for you and your pet!

Be open to new ideas and treatments. Veterinary medicine is constantly evolving. When there is a problem with your pet, in addition to discussing it with your veterinarian, you might ask your friends and neighbors what they do in similar situations. Many of my referrals come from people who spoke with someone they met in the dog run or park…and recommended they try a holistic vet.”

MUSCULOSKELETAL HEALTH IN CATS AND DOGS
Dr. Elliot suggests: “It’s very important to maintain a healthy weight for your dogs and cats. Being overweight is one of the main reasons why they can have back and joint problems, as well as many other issues. Almost every lecture I’ve attended identifies being overweight as a contributing factor for joint and back issues in pets.

While losing weight can improve a pet’s condition tremendously,
weight loss should be done slowly, ESPECIALLY WITH CATS. If cats loose weight too quickly, they can get liver disease (lipodosis –fatty liver), which causes other serious problems. Dieting a cat should be done under the care of a veterinarian.

CHIROPRACTIC CARE has been around for ages for people. It has expanded to animals (cats, dogs, horses, etc.) in the last several years. Many chiropractors treat humans with the “activator” tool that I use. I don’t manipulate the body as most chiropractors do. What I do is called “Veterinary Orthopedic Manipulation” (VOM). I suggest VOM adjustment on all healthy pets one to two times a year as preventative for back and joint issues. This tool can find and fix a back issue six to eight months BEFORE it shows up on an x-ray or causes problems.

Long-backed dogs (Daschunds, Beagles, Corgis) and other breeds known to develop back/hip and joint issues (Golden Retrievers, Labradors, German Shepherds, etc.) should all get at least the VOM treatments twice a year. I suggest that all pets with known back and joint problems receive a treatment every three to six months to maintain health ONCE WE’VE RESOLVED THEIR ISSUES.

Another instrumental treatment for pets is the low-level (cold) laser, which has been used to stimulate the cells and encourage healing in people for over 40 years. It’s been used on animals (cats, dogs, horses, birds, etc.) in more recent years.

Chiropractic care (VOM) and low level (cold) laser are simple, noninvasive treatments that can alleviate a pet’s ailments tremendously, at a fraction of the cost of surgery or long term physical therapy.

As an aside, VOM and low level laser therapy are excellent in resolving other problems with pets, such as constipation in cats (a big problem with some cats), Irritable Bowel Syndrome (diarrhea and vomiting), and wound healing to name a few.”

TREATING PETS WHO HAVE CANCER
Dr. Elliot states: “Using homeopathy to treat pets with cancer is controversial. Not many veterinarians do this. I advise my clients to have an appointment with a veterinary oncologist before we embark on any treatment. I want them to understand and weigh all the options available to them. Often the oncologist can give them a reasonable idea of the average prognosis for the type of cancer their animal has. This is helpful for them and me. I can then discuss what I think homeopathic treatment can offer for their pet’s type of cancer. Then they can weigh all the information and make an informed decision.

Most people say the same thing over and over “I don’t want my pets to suffer and I want them to live the best life they can for whatever time they have.”

I can assure my clients that homeopathic treatment for cancer will not cause side effects, and in most cases, enables the pet to have a better frame of mind, become more energized and feel better. I have seen homeopathic care for animals with cancer extend the life of pets long past the expected prognosis for their disease. This of course depends on the state of the animal when they come to me and how far advanced the cancer may be.”

RESOURCES FOR HOLISTIC VETERINARY CARE
Dr. Elliot suggests www.ahvma.org, to locate a holistic vet, www.vomtech.com to find a veterinarian who provides VOM and low level (cold) laser treatments, and www.theAVH.org to identify a veterinarian who practices homeopathy. She adds: “Look for practitioners with DVM or VMD after their names; these are veterinarians who are trained by Dr. William Inman, a veterinary neurologist, to do VOM and low level (cold laser) therapy. If you can’t locate a DVM or VMD in your area, find out if there is a nearby DC (human chiropractic) who might consider treating your pet. Although the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) does not support DCs in working on animals, this may be the only way your pet can access these treatments in rural or underserved areas.”

Dr. Elliot also recommends:

Whole Health for Happy Dogs, by Jill Elliot, DVM and Kim Bloomer, Ph.D.

Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs, by Don Hamilton, DVM

Herbal Remedies, by Asa Hershoff, ND

Homeopathic Care for Musculoskeletal Healing by Asa Hershoff, ND

While the latter two books referenced are for people, she states that the same health principles apply to pets.

Find out more about Dr. Elliot’s vaccination approach, and the protocols through which many cats and dogs have become healthier and happier by listening to our conversation, and visiting her website. Here’s to your pet’s wellbeing and quality of life!