As veterinary medicine evolves, practitioners are increasingly looking to integrative approaches that blend conventional treatments with complementary therapies. As we outlined in our previous article, this is something that can be done easily in fast-paced general practice. That said, when we are looking at more complicated, chronic conditions, it is recommended to take a more individualised approach. One such approach is the establishment of herbal-specific clinics within veterinary practices. This may be done within general practice, or as a referral to a veterinary herbalist.
Herbal-specific clinics focus on using herbal medicine to enhance patient care, promote wellness and offer more personalised treatment plans. This article explores the benefits of running herbal clinics in veterinary settings, the importance of longer consultation times and the individualised approach to blending herbs for patients.
Establishing herbal clinics
Establishing herbal clinics doesn’t mean abandoning conventional veterinary practices. Instead, it encourages collaboration. By offering herbal options you can optimise your patient’s treatment protocols, as well as provide options for patients who may not respond to traditional treatments. This collaboration can enhance patient outcomes and create a supportive experience for pet owners.
The importance of longer consultations
To optimise treatments for patients with chronic disease it is advisable to have longer times to assess patients before prescribing a herbal formulation. This is for several good reasons.
Firstly, patients with a chronic disease will often have a long history to go through, have multiple symptoms to address, be taking multiple medications and possibly be experiencing side effects from medication. This all requires consideration prior to choosing which herbs to use.
Herbs are selected based on the actions that will treat the symptoms, as well as the underlying disease process; however, many herbs will have the same action, and one most suited to the individual patient should be chosen
Secondly, when using herbal medicine there are hundreds of different plants to choose from, each with different properties and action combinations. Herbs are selected based on the actions that will treat the symptoms, as well as the underlying disease process; however, many herbs will have the same action, and one most suited to the individual patient should be chosen. For example, both Boswellia serrata and Curcuma longa (turmeric) are anti-inflammatory herbs, but each have other actions that may help determine which is best for the individual patient. Boswellia has beneficial effects on nerves and can be neuroprotective, while turmeric has evidence for hepatoprotection. In choosing the correct herbs, all of the potential herb actions and all of the patient’s concerns need to be taken into consideration. This requires time and depth of knowledge.
Thirdly, treating more complicated cases needs to take into consideration other co-morbidities that the patient may have. A patient with a primary concern of chronic kidney disease (CKD) may also have a history of allergic dermatitis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Taking the patient as a whole
To optimise treatments, we need to look at the patient as a whole, not just the disease processes. When treating chronic or more complicated cases we are not looking to replace conventional treatments, but we are looking to “fill the gaps”, which allows for the holistic approach we are aiming for. Herbs allow us treatments and support for things that we simply do not have in conventional medicine. This includes hepatic and renal support, digestive aids, hormone regulation, circulatory support, spasmolytics and immune support.
When treating chronic or more complicated cases we are not looking to replace conventional treatments, but we are looking to ‘fill the gaps’
Consider drug interactions
Lastly, herb–drug interactions need to be considered. This is as important in herbal medicine as with conventional medicine, although often clients may not tell their vet if their pet is on a herbal supplement, and these interactions can be missed. Specifically asking clients and obtaining details greatly improves safety.
Case studies
Dachshund with intervertebral disc disease
A male Dachshund who had been diagnosed with intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) five years previously, with chronic back pain, was now suffering with interdigital cysts, furunculosis and intermittent colitis and constipation. The patient had been prescribed multiple courses of antibiotics and corticosteroids, but the symptoms would always return within a few weeks.
An individualised herbal blend was created that supported his gastrointestinal function, skin, circulation, liver function and lymphatics, and with an anti-inflammatory to aid with back pain. Within one month the stools had normalised and his gait had improved. The interdigital cysts had decreased in size and inflammation had reduced. Although the interdigital cysts did still occasionally flare up, the incidence over the next two years was significantly reduced and could be controlled with topical treatment rather than oral antibiotics.
This case illustrated improved quality of life, good antimicrobial stewardship and cost savings for the owner with a reduced frequency of vet visits. It is also a good example of many of the actions herbal medicine can have, which we don’t have an option for in conventional medicine.
Cat with chronic cystitis
A second example is a female cat with recurrent cystitis (both sterile and bacterial). The patient had been seen on average once a month for urinalysis and treatment which included several courses of antibiotics. Eventually, she was kept on meloxicam long-term.
After a herbal consultation, she was prescribed a blend of nervines (calming herbs), anti-inflammatory herbs and immune support herbs, as well as herbs for kidney and bladder support. She was able to come off the long-term NSAID and has been free from flare-ups for two years. Again, by treating all organ systems and underlying contributing factors, we have not only reduced/eliminated the need for antibiotics but also addressed the concerns around side effects of long-term medications.
This is what makes veterinary herbal medicine so enticing. It gives us an ability to improve treatment outcomes for all co-morbidities while addressing the patients as a whole, as well as the owner’s concerns. It is not uncommon for owners to be worried about side effects and age-related changes. We can address these worries in a supportive and effective manner, and really improve the quality of life for our patients above that with conventional medication alone.
This is what makes veterinary herbal medicine so enticing. It gives us an ability to improve treatment outcomes for all co-morbidities while addressing the patients as a whole, as well as the owner’s concerns
Given the information outlined above, it is clear why, in some circumstances, having longer consulting times is recommended. It allows you to review the case thoroughly, examine the animal as a whole and make a plan. Often it is useful to formulate herbal blends after the consultation, especially if you are only just beginning to use these types of therapies.
These types of consultations do take time and require additional training in herbal medicine. This does not necessarily mean a certificate or degree, but a beginners or introductory course must be undertaken ahead of offering these more in-depth herbal consultations.
Final thoughts
The establishment of herbal-specific clinics within veterinary practices represents an exciting opportunity for practitioners to enhance their offerings and improve patient care. By taking referrals, allowing for longer consultation times and focusing on individualised herbal formulations, vets can create a more holistic and comprehensive approach to animal health.
Integrating herbal medicine into veterinary practices is not just a trend but a necessary evolution in veterinary care
As more pet owners seek alternative therapies for their animals, integrating herbal medicine into veterinary practices is not just a trend but a necessary evolution in veterinary care. With the right training, resources and collaboration, veterinary herbal clinics can lead the way in providing compassionate, effective and personalised care for our beloved companions. Embracing this approach not only enriches the veterinary profession but fosters a healthier and happier future for pets and their owners alike.
