Treatment Options

Herbal Medicine (HM): involves using plants and plant material to create medicines to help prevent or treat various illnesses. Herbal remedies are used for many suggested purposes, such as improvement or general support of digestive, respiratory, circulatory, immune, endocrine, and nervous system processes. HM represents the synthesis of many fields, botany, history, ethnomedicine and pharmacology. HM can help our animals by offering a natural, holistic approach to healing that can support the body's own healing processes, often with fewer side effects than conventional drugs. Many plants have clinical actions that help to reduce inflammation, support the immune system and improve overall vitality. Some herbs can be safely used with conventional drugs, and potentially help to reduce the amount of pharmaceuticals needed and improve the quality of life.

Nutraceutical/Therapeutic nutrition: is a pharmaceutical-grade and standardised nutrient. Broadly defined as the use of various nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, probiotics, essential fatty acids, co-factors, enzymes, antioxidants, and phytonutrients, to support the body's immune and healing systems, thereby altering the course and outcome of a disease process. 

Homotoxicology: Heel Vet -is the most modern development in homeopathic medicine and is based on the integration of basic medical science with homeopathic principles. This treatment modality uses combinations of homeopathic and herbal agents to drain, detoxify, and stimulate healing through natural means.  Using natural ingredients, they activate, regulate and modulate the body's own processes and thus effectively support the healing process.

Medicinal Mushrooms: Medicinal mushrooms provide a wide range of health benefits, primarily through immune modulation and overall systemic support. Beta-glucans in mushrooms like Reishi, Turkey Tail, and Maitake enhance immune function. Certain species, including Turkey Tail and Reishi, have demonstrated anti-cancer properties, while also offering antioxidant and anti-inflammatory protection. Reishi and Cordyceps aid in reducing systemic inflammation, supporting joint health and autoimmune conditions, and promote liver and kidney detoxification. Additionally, prebiotic compounds in mushrooms such as Turkey Tail improve gut microbiome diversity, while adaptogenic varieties like Reishi and Cordyceps help the body manage stress and support longevity. Mushrooms can also contribute to cardiovascular health by lowering cholesterol and improving circulation.

Essential Oils:  are volatile aromatic compounds that are harvested and steam distilled or cold pressed from the leaved, bark, fruit, flowers, stems, roots, or other parts of plants. These powerful and potent compounds can be used aromatically, topically, and (under the supervision of a certified aromatherapist or healthcare professional or veterinarian) even internally safely and effectively for amazing health benefits and overall wellness. (Ref: Essential Oil Vet).  It is important that only therapeutic or medical grade essential oils are used.  Having knowledge around the safe and effective use of essential oils on animals is extremely important. The benefits for animals and their owners can be miraculous when used correctly.  They are a beautiful and uplifting treatment modality.

Flower Essences: are natural flower essences, based on the work done by Dr Edward Bach.  The flower essences work on the emotional part of the body to help rebalance and correct emotional disharmony. They are called energetic medicines because they restore equilibrium to the body's energy system, addressing emotional states and thereby helping the body’s natural ability to heal.  The remedies can help to reduce anxiety, fear, negative behaviours, stress and trauma.  They can also help animals with transition such as moving house, a new pet in the home and coping with change.  By working on the emotional level, flower essences are providing gentle support for the well-being of our companion animals and are a valuable tool to include in a treatment protocol.

Reference: Integrating Complementary Medicine into Veterinary Practice: P J Broadfoot, R E Palmquist, K Johnston, J J Wen, B Fougere.