According to Webster’s dictionary, integrate means to form into a unified whole. In terms of veterinary medicine, integrate means to combine or unify two different types of medicine into one medical practice. The most common types unified are those of Western medicine with Eastern medicine. Western medicine is the type most thought of when considering your own personal health care. In basic terms, Western medicine arrives at a diagnosis by employing advanced technology such as radiographs, MRI, and Blood Chemistry analysis. After diagnosis, either surgery, pharmaceutical drugs or both are often used in treatment. Treatment often extends to the cellular level to induce the desired effect. On the other hand, Eastern medicine relies on a more holistic approach to arrive at a diagnosis. The diagnosis in Eastern medicine is vastly different because the Eastern practitioner tries to identify the pattern of disease. To discern the pattern, the Eastern practitioner may ask about the pet’s diet, emotional state, or behavior habits. Also, during the exam the Eastern practitioner will evaluate the pet’s pulse character and quality and the tongue for color and coating characteristics. The pulse and tongue aid in identifying the pattern of disease. After a pattern is identified, the Eastern practitioner uses acupuncture, herbals, and/or food in the treatment protocol. Sometimes all three of these modalities may be used in the treatment protocol.

The following is an example of how an integrated approach may be helpful:

Daisy is an eleven year-old female spayed Chocolate Lab. She is coming to the veterinarian today because she has trouble jumping onto the couch. The owner also reports that she cannot walk up and down the stairs like she once could. Her eating habits have also changed. Otherwise, Daisy is happy, playful, and energetic. On the Western exam, Daisy is painful over her back and her right stifle is slightly swollen but not painful on manipulation. Radiographs (xrays) reveal bony proliferation and arthritis in the spine. Blood Chemistry shows a mild increase in the liver enzymes. The Western diagnosis is spinal arthritis with age related liver enzyme elevation. The Eastern exam reveals deficient femoral pulses and a red, dry tongue. Daisy also continually pants while in the exam room. The Eastern diagnosis is kidney yin deficiency.

Concerning the spinal arthritis, what are the treatment options in Western medicine? The most logical choice is some type of anti-inflammatory. However, anti-inflammatories can sometimes elevate the liver enzymes and Daisy already has high liver enzymes. The other choice is some type of joint fluid precursor like Adequan. Adequan is a good choice, as it has minimal to no side effects in an older animal.

Concerning the Eastern diagnosis of kidney yin deficiency, my options for treatment include acupuncture, herbals, and/or food therapy. My choices are acupuncture and food therapy. The acupuncture points chosen release heat and provide immediate pain relief. Two acupuncture sessions are recommended two to three weeks apart. Also, as part of the second acupuncture treatment , Adequan is injected into the heat-releasing acupoints for a longer, more profound effect. As far as food is concerned, I recommend foods that have cooling energetic properties. Remember Daisy is showing heat signs as evidenced by her continual panting and dry, red tongue. Recommended cooling foods include turkey breast meat, celery, fish, tofu, cucumber, and barley. The question of the day: Why is Daisy showing heat signs? This is a tough question to answer! The most logical reason is due to her diet. Her whole life she has eaten a warming diet consisting of dry dog food loaded with carbohydrates, preservatives, and additives. All of these contribute heat to the body and ultimately cause disease from an Eastern perspective (see http://www.pettao.com).

We have now devised an Integrated treatment plan using the strengths of both medical systems. The beauty of this type of practice is that we can virtually eliminate the risk of pharmaceutical side effects, control Daisy’s pain, and improve her quality of life.

Daisy walking down the stairs after treatment!