Welcome to VCA Palm Beach Veterinary Services Complementary Medicine Department! We offer a variety of treatment options that fall outside of conventional veterinary medicine. Complementary pet therapies are not meant to replace conventional therapies, but to work in concert with your pet's current medical treatment. Our offerings include veterinary acupuncture, chiropractic care, homeopathy as well as herbal therapy.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy is a 200-year-old holistic discipline that follows that the principles of cures like to treat a variety of chronic and acute ailments. Therefore, the homeopathic therapy that is chosen is one that would produce the same symptoms as the ailment in a normal healthy patient. The therapeutic ingredient is diluted so that it does not aggravate the current condition, but rather, speeds up the healing process. Although veterinary homeopathy is often considered to be a gentle and safe treatment option, it should only be performed under the guidance of a trained veterinarian. Certain drugs may be safe for human consumption, but could be toxic to your pet or interfere with a concurrent medication. Once a pet has been evaluated, homeopathic remedies may be prescribed along with certain dietary changes. At this time, there is conflicting research on the medical benefits of homeopathy, but anecdotal experience has shown success in treating a variety of diseases such as allergies, asthma, and even behavioral disorders.
Herbal Veterinary Medicine
We offer Herbal Medicine as a complementary pet therapy. Many plants synthesize biologically active substances and the practice of Herbal Medicine is based on the use of plants and plant extracts to maintain the health of animals. Herbs are typically classified as Western or Chinese. Herb combinations have been developed for certain disease syndromes, but they should only be used under the guidance of a trained veterinarian. It is important to tell your veterinarian what medications, herbs, and supplements your pet may be taking as certain herbal pet therapies may interfere with the absorption or action of another. Herbs, although natural, can cause adverse or toxic effects if used inappropriately. Please contact us for further information about how Herbal Medicine may be helpful in treating your pet.