Re: As a veterinarian....

Dman, I know your comment wasn't addressed to me, but I'd like to respond just on the basis of the informal but pretty extensive research I've done in this area. That's research into the level of interest in the topic, NOT scientific research, btw.

I believe there's a general trend toward the natural, organic, holistic and alternative realms of medicine, nutrition and overall health care nationwide. Whole Foods Market used to be the only place to get a lot of these products, now my local Publix has entire sections devoted to them as well. Acupuncture, Chinese medicine, etc. used to be considered pretty much on the fringe, now they're much more mainstream. To me, it's logical that this kind of societal trend would extend to pets, especially with more baby boomers becoming empty- nesters, and the family dog or cat becoming a surrogate child.

I would emphasize that "holistic" literally means dealing with the WHOLE organism, including mind, body, abd spirit. On my site, I encourage folks to consult with their vet on every aspect of animal care, and post a note to that effect in the footer of every page along with reminders in the articles themselves. A true holistic approach INCLUDES traditional veterinary diagnosis and treatment. Holistic care should be an integrated strategy of allopathic or coventional medicine, WITH alternative complements. Granted, there's a lot of empirical research that still needs to be done on the alternative methods. But that's all the more reason for individuals to at least consider them, provided they are not harmful.

For the record, I'm trying to approach this as a journalist, more than a lay advocate for any specific treatment modalities. I'm a natural skeptic who's cursed with an open mind -- so I see my role as gathering and synthesizing the often contradictory information out there, encouraging folks to do additional research, and make up their own mind (again, preferably, in consultation with their vet). I see it as an empowerment model, which is useful in any form of health and life care, for people or pets.

> Is it a "do it yourself" desire? Bad experiences with
> veterinarians?

> I just don't understand why so many people seem to be willing to trust
> their pets health to someone they don't know or have a healthcare
> relationship with?

> I don't mean the website owner, but recommendations by people with
> questionable credentials/ research?

> Sorry if I am making the wrong asumptions re: your post, just trying to
> understand:)

> Thanks,
> Dman