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Animal hospital offers alternative medicine
Contributed by: Jill Risser on 9/7/2007

As alternative medicine becomes more mainstream in human medicine, people might be surprised to learn that it's also gaining popularity in veterinary medicine. Deer Creek Animal Hospital (DCAH), a full-service animal hospital, also offers alternative medicine for pets that includes Chinese herbs and acupuncture. Deer Creek has two doctors on staff who are certified to practice acupuncture and one who practices with Chinese herbs.

Chinese herbs and acupuncture can be very useful in treating many chronic or acute diseases. Alternative medicine strives to keep the various body components in balance. When one component becomes out of balance, the organs may experience a domino effect, which can lead to disease.

"Traditional Chinese medicine views disease as an imbalance in the body caused by external or internal forces. Treatment is aimed toward assisting the body in re-establishing its healthy balance," explains Dr. Laurie Thornton, with Deer Creek Animal Hospital. Because Chinese medicine strives to balance the body's energy, diseases can be halted and/or prevented.

There are more than 3,000 different herbs in Chinese Pharmacology, but only 200-300 are used on a regular basis. Each herb creates a specific action within the body. A vet can evaluate a variety of factors that include a pet's current and past medical history, life style and diet, among others, and can provide an individually formulated herbal medication plan. Herbal medicine can be very useful in treating many diseases, but there are still cases where western medicine and surgery will prevail, such as with a broken bone.

Acupuncture is very useful in treating arthritis, epilepsy, allergies and other afflictions. Needles are inserted into acupuncture points that occur in areas of higher electrical conductivity on the skin and seek to stimulate tissue, organs, and channels. The needlepoint is tapered and is actually less painful than a regular injection needle.

At Deer Creek, alternative medicine is not any more expensive than traditional medicine and can be used in conjunction with western medicine. Alternative medicine has fewer side effects and risks and is an option for all types of pets. It allows the body to heal itself and is typically less invasive. Acupuncture side effects are rare. Since herbs are medicinal, there can be side effects and drug interactions with western medicine can occur. It is very important to use herbs only as directed by a veterinarian.


About Deer Creek Animal Hospital

Located in Littleton, Deer Creek Animal Hospital is a full-service veterinary clinic focused on preventative care medicine. They offer a variety of services ranging from laparoscopic surgery to dentistry and acupuncture. For more information on Deer Creek Animal Hospital, please visit their website at www.dcah.com.

Jill Risser works for ClarusPR.



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