PetMeds^® Blog

One of the most common misconceptions amongst both animal guardians and veterinarians is the over diagnosis and over treatment of ear mites in their dogs and cats. While ear mites are certainly seen, especially in newly acquired kittens/puppies, and sometimes in adult animals who spend a lot of time outdoors, ear mites are actually rare in my experience as a cause of ear itching, head shaking and ear odor/discharge in adult cats and dogs. And while trying an over the counter ear mite medication such as those available on 1800PetMeds can sometimes be tried, it is more appropriate to have a proper vet exam and evaluation of ear discharge under the microscope, as most of these pets have an overgrowth of yeast and/or bacteria in the ears, usually secondary to underlying seasonal inhalant/contact allergies and/or food allergies.

One of my favorite products that is very safe to use in most pets is one called Zymox Otic Enzymatic Solution with Hydrocortisone, which not only can help with yeast and/or bacterial overgrowth in the ears, but can also help lessen inflammation and is usually quite safe to use long term and is available without a prescription. However,  if ear problems worsen or persist, it is best to have a proper vet exam, diagnosis and possibly prescription topical and/or oral antimicrobial ear medication prescribed, as well as usually an allergy workup to get at the underlying causes of relapsing ear inflammations in our pets.

One of the most rapidly growing areas of interest in both human and veterinary medicine is the option of complimentary veterinary medical treatment options.  These options have been called different names from integrative veterinary medicine to alternative veterinary medicine to holistic veterinary medicine.  Most of these treatment options tend to look at the body as being sick as a single whole organism, rather than the more mechanical and reductionistic way that conventional medicine views illness as our animals being sick only in affected parts that are the presenting complaint.

For example, in conventional veterinary medicine an asthmatic animal would be viewed as having just a sick airway with allergic inflammation and constriction of the airways.  The rest of the patient would be viewed separately and not considered involved in the illness of the airways.  Drug therapies would be the same for every pet, focused only on blocking that inflammation of the airways and relieving the constriction, while ignoring the rest of the body. Sometimes long term use of these drugs can have unwanted side effects on the rest of the body.

If this same asthmatic animal was treated by a holistic veterinarian skilled in traditional Chinese medicine (known as TCM) and acupuncture, or in homeopathy, the diseased airways would be viewed as only one symptom of the whole patient. However, the other individualizing symptoms of the patient in the rest of the body would be equally as important in coming up with an individualized medical treatment plan. The goal of treatment would be in making the pet overall healthier, less susceptible to future asthmatic attacks as well as other health problems as well. One big distinction between the two medical models of illness and treatment is that the conventional medical approach will offer much quicker relief and suppression of symptoms, while with most of the holistic modalities, more patience and time commitment would be needed in treating a patient with such a chronic disease.

There are however circumstances in veterinary medicine such as in acute trauma, as well as acute spinal and joint problems, where holistic medicines like acupuncture, chiropractic and homeopathy can act even quicker, more safely, and more effectively than conventional drugs. And in managing chronic back and joint problems, many veterinarians will often utilize an integrative medical approach, using both conventional medicine, as well as other complimentary therapies such as nutritional supplements, chiropractic, osteopathy, acupuncture and physical therapy.

I would encourage animal guardians interested in an integrative or even purely holistic veterinary approach to find veterinarians with adequate skills and who have undergone ongoing training in these complimentary areas. Some excellent resources of information include the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association in Bel Aire, Maryland www.AHVMA.org as well as the Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy www.TheAVH.org.  Both websites also have links to other holistic resources of information and veterinarians as well.

Vacationing and/or traveling with one’s pet can be one of the most emotionally and physically stressful times for both animal guardian and their companions. There are many tips I can offer that can reduce these stresses on our beloved animal companions.  If you are going to travel by car or airplane, it is often helpful to do a test travel run first with your canine or feline family member.

Even putting them in a crate or carrier or for short car rides can give you an idea whether a pet handles motion well or becomes so emotionally stressed leading to motion sickness, excessive panting or vocalizing. While veterinarians can often offer prescription sedatives like Xanax or Acepromazine to sedate emotionally distressed animals, there are many natural alternatives that can help as well. Be Serene and Composure Liquid are two natural products I have found helpful in some pets in reducing emotional stress during travel. In addition to their emotional health, it is important to reduce physical stressors as well on our pets during travel.  Remaining consistent with their diet/feeding schedule, as well as walks can help reduce unwanted digestive upsets and/or urinary tract infections.

A few emergency over the counter drugs are always helpful to have on hand, in case acute illness or trauma are encountered. Amongst these include Diphenhydramine (also generic Benadryl) in case of allergic reactions, children’s baby aspirin (not to be given to cats), and perhaps Imodium AD and Pepcid (which can be helpful in case of digestive upset). I find the stress of traveling also an important time to supplement for digestive tract health, including using probiotics and enzymes like Fast Balance and NaturVet Enzymes and Probiotics.

When choosing a veterinarian, there are several factors that prospective clients may place more weight on than others. These typically include price, personal referral, and proximity to one’s home.  However, I will briefly go over what I consider to be key things to look for when choosing a veterinarian. The most important characteristic I feel in choosing a veterinarian is to look for someone who not only is experienced in general clinical medicine and surgery with an established and caring support staff, but also a veterinarian who is willing to actually tell a client “I don’t know” when presented with a question they do not know the answer to. Or at the very least the vet should refer cases onto veterinarians who practice in various specialty areas of veterinary medicine. Because our field is becoming as specialized as human medicine, it is nearly impossible for a veterinarian to be proficient and an expert in all areas of veterinary medicine.

In as much as it the same that veterinarians can treat all species of animals, even though we do all still currently receive the same basic 4 year core veterinary education school coursework.  And while that will likely be changing soon, where small animal veterinarians branch out from those interested in large animal medicine midway through veterinary school  training, it is still the common practice that all veterinarians receive basically the same core education during their four years of veterinary school.

If a person developed a specialized skin or digestive condition, that individual would be promptly referred on to a human dermatologist or gastroenterologist. The same type of specialization and referral system exists in veterinary medicine and should be utilized by a general veterinary practitioner when appropriate. There are too many clients who spend thousands of dollars on symptomatic treatments for their animals, often without any diagnosis, before sometimes finally being referred to specialists, often having little discretionary income or money left to spend to properly treat their pets. In my opinion, these referrals need to occur much earlier in many cases. Whether it be internal medicine, ophthalmology, dermatology, orthopedics, or oncology (cancer medicine), referrals are critical for optimal care of our animal companions. Another important aspect of veterinary care is the availability or access/referral to 24 hour emergency care. As with us, illness can strike our pets any time of day or night, as well as on weekends or holidays. It is important that your general practitioner have either access to or provide 24 hour veterinary care.

Finally, I consider how much time a veterinarian devotes to a basic wellness exam important as well.  The old standard of practice was for veterinarians to see 4 to 5 patients an hour. However, with increasing information and education of the animal guardian needed in today’s world, I don’t see how a veterinarian can do a truly thorough job without allowing at least 20 minutes for even a wellness exam. I also consider it critical that today’s veterinarian be familiar with current vaccination protocols, and not over vaccinate dogs and cats, given our knowledge of the role over vaccination can play in autoimmune diseases, allergies and even certain cancers.

Most core viral vaccinations do not need to be given more than once every 3 years in most cases, and in many aging and chronically ill pets, vaccinations should be given with caution, if at all.  Each pet should be treated as an individual when it comes to which and how many vaccinations should be given, rather than a one shot fits all approach. Lastly, word of mouth referrals still provide a very important source of information for referrals from friends or relatives. Distance and price would be the least important criteria I would consider. I know that for the right practitioner for my own animal or human family, distance and price would play the least important role in my choice of a health care practitioner.