Can holistic treatments fight cancer in dogs?

Dr. Chretin is an advocate of holistic treatments and doesn’t discourage pawrents from pursuing this type of care, as long as pawrents are talking to a qualified practitioner and remain aware that holistic care cannot replace what western medicine does.

“Any good holistic practitioner is going to tell an owner what they can offer, not replace what western medicine does.”

Holistic care is not going to replace chemotherapy, or surgery, and if pawrents are talking to a practitioner who says their methods can replace these things, go somewhere else.

But for any pawrent who asks about combining holistic care with western medicine, Dr. Chretin says “I tell them ‘absolutely!’ Odds are you’re not going to hurt (the dog) and if they’re willing, I say more power to you!”

 At VCA Animal Hospital West L.A., Dr. Chretin works in conjunction with on-site holistic practitioners who treat his patients, which keeps the lines of communication open so both doctors know exactly how a patient is being treated. About 30 percent of Dr. Chretin’s patients are also being treated with holistic medicine.

 The jury is still out as to whether or not holistic care actually improves quality of life and fights cancer, but Dr. Chretin says “I think it’s a matter of time before we have a landslide of studies that say “yeah, that is the way to go. It’s not going to be across the board . . . I don’t know where it’s going to take off to, but there is something to it.”

Watch Dr. Chretin Discuss His View on Holistic Therapy

Click here to view the embedded video.

Dr. Chretin has treated enough cases (like Reno, in the following video) to know that sometimes holistic care can make a difference, although nobody knows for sure. Still, he cautions pawrents to keep in mind that in his experience, probably less than half the holistic treatments available can actually do something for dogs with cancer.

 Dr. Chretin’s Team Helps Reno Beat the Odds

One of Dr. Chretin’s many long-term success stories is Reno, a three-year survivor of osteosarcoma who’s lived with lung mets for the last two years.

Earlier this year, Reno told us about his experience with chemotherapy, metronomic protocol and mushroom therapy.

In the following video, his dad explains what the family went through when Reno was diagnosed, why he pursued amputation and chemotherapy at VCA Animal Hospital West Los Angeles Oncology Center and how Reno and the family are coping with life on three legs.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Thank You Dr. Chretin and VCA Animal Hospital

This is the last in our series of video interviews with Dr. Chretin at VCA Animal Hospital West Los Angeles. Check out more of Dr. Chretin’s informative advice about canine bone cancers, such as:

• Cisplatin and Doxorubicin Side Effects in Dogs
• Canine Chondrosarcoma and Chemotherapy
• Bone Cancer Tumors and Treatment Options for Dogs

Tripwds sends sincere thanks to Dr. Chretin and his helpful staff for allowing us to bring this impawtant information to you!

Recommended Reading

• Learn about holistic and alternative medicine at the National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine..
• Find a holistic vet at the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association website directory.
•  Tripawds Nutrition Blog

Date: Saturday, May 28 2011

Time: 6:30pm EDT (3:30 Pacific)

Duration: 30 min.

Call In Number: (310) 388-9739

Tune In Here: Tripawd Rehab Therapy with CARE

Share Link: bit.ly/tritalk052811

Post any questions for Dr. Waldman before the show, by replying to this topic or join us in the Chat during the show. We will update the  topic with a podcast of this show, after the program airs.

Related Blog Posts & Forum Topics

See All Tripawds CARE Video Interviews

About Our Guest:

Dr. Waldman is co-founder of California Animal Rehabilitation Center, one of the only rehab centers in the country with both a doctor and a physical therapist on staff, both of whom are certified canine rehabilitation practitioners. Dr. Waldman speaks at veterinary meetings on the subject of Canine Rehabilitation and she has a special interest in neurological rehabilitation and in nutrition for all life stages. She loves to see her patients’ quality of life improve, and she counsels in nutrition utilizing a combination of Western Medicine and Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine for the best possible outcome.

Dr. Waldman completed a certificate program from the Canine Rehabilitation Institute to become a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist. She is also a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist through the Chi Institute. She is one of the founding members of the American Association of Rehabilitation Veterinarians.

In last week’s video interview at California Animal Rehabilitation (CARE), we learned about how Lobo regained his health, thanks to the doctors at CARE and his pawrent, Dr. Lisa Swan.

In the following video, we learn about Lobo’s acupuncture sessions, how canine rehab therapy can benefit Tripawds and how to find a qualified practitioner.

After the video, you’ll learn more about these topics and where you go for more information about effective canine rehabilitation therapy.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Acupuncture Alleviates Pain in Dogs

Lobo is a front leg Tripawd who has returned to the clinic after suffering from severe back pain. Dr. Jessica Waldman, VMD, CVA, CCRT, explains that Lobo has a weak front wrist, which is most likely caused by overuse from years of excessive weight bearing on the remaining front leg.

Front leg Tripawds like Lobo are at risk of this condition, which happens when the fibrous tissue in joints breaks down. Spinal problems are also a potential challenge Tripawds may encounter. Both of these conditions are the result of aging, as well as living life on three legs.

Dr. Waldman says that Tripawds “put a little more stress on their back. It is going to happen with older dogs too, but with Tripawds we see it a lot more.”

This is because Tripawds must alter their natural body mechanics to get around on three legs. It’s similar to when a human walks with a limp; eventually the limp will lead to back pain. If a dog’s natural gait is totally altered over a lifetime, aches and pains can arise.

Core strengthening exercises and fitness games done at home can help to offset this compensation. Additional benefits can be enjoyed by regularly consulting with a certified canine rehabilitation practitioner to learn how to alleviate age-related aches and pains.

In the past, pain medication wasn’t helping Lobo to feel better. Just one month prior, his back pain was so bad he couldn’t walk. But now, Dr Waldman explains that with rehabilitation and acupuncture, Lobo is back to “his old rowdy self and ready to go!”

What Can Acupuncture Do?

According to an article in WholeHealthMD,

“Acupuncture practitioners believe that the therapy stimulates the body’s internal regulatory system and nurtures a natural healing response.” The article explains that acupuncture works by “release of endorphins and monoamines, chemicals that block pain signals in the spinal chord and brain.”

Acupuncture is a safe, non-invasive way to help alleviate pain when performed by a skilled, certified practitioner. When considering what types of pain relief options are available for animal patients, Dr. Waldman says:

“I tell patients that acupuncture can’t hurt. There’s so many things that we can do that do hurt. Surgery has a lot of good and bad things about it. And medications have side effects. So why not try this plan?”

Anyone considering acupuncture should keep in mind that for the best results, you’ll need to make an ongoing commitment to the therapy. At Dr. Waldman’s clinic, pawrents are encouraged to try a comprehensive, four week acupuncture treatment plan before moving on to more invasive options. If a pawrent doesn’t see results, or the doctors at CARE don’t see improvement, treatment can be halted. Usually, though, acupuncture helps.

“Once they see that their dog is improved, they’re sold (on acupuncture),” she explains.

How to Find a Qualified Acupuncturist and Rehabilitation Therapist
Canine rehabilitation is a growing field and practitioners are opening rehab centers all the time. How do you know who’s qualified and who isn’t?

Dr. Amy Kramer, PT, DPT, CCRT, co-founder of CARE, advises pawrents to seek out practices that have a veterinarian and a licensed canine rehabilitation practitioner working together.

“If there’s no therapist and no veterinarian involved, then I think you’re missing a link in the chain of what works,” she says.

This collaborative approach works because canine rehabilitation veterinarians are trained to recognize and diagnose animal diseases, but canine rehab practitioners are not.

When a dog is undergoing rehab therapy but his condition is not being monitored by a rehabilitation veterinarian, small signs of disease and illness could be missed, which puts the patient’s health in jeopardy and possibly lead to additional treatment costs.

Pawrents can find certified canine rehabilitation practitioners by visiting:

• The American Association of Rehabilitation Veterinarians (AARV)
• The Canine Rehabilitation Institute, which awards the certificate of Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT)
• The University of Tennessee’s Outreach and Continuing Education Department (in conjunction with Northeast Seminars), which grants a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP) certificate.

These organizations certify veterinarians, veterinary technicians, physical therapists, and physical therapy assistants. Both U.S. and International practitioner directories are available.

Acupuncture therapists can be located at:

• The Association for British Veterinary Acupuncturists
• The American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncturists
• The Chi Institute

Additional Reading

Therapies: Acupuncture, WholeHealthMD.com

“The Benefits of Canine Rehabilitation & Conditioning”, Whole Dog Journal, by Lisa Rodier, September 2009

Many thanks to everyone at California Animal Rehabilitation Center in Los Angeles for helping us bring this series to you. If you are lucky enough to live nearby, be sure to visit their facility and see how staff can help your canine amputee stay strong and live hoppy!

Learn more about Lobo in Part 1 of this series with CARE, “Canine Rehab Therapy: Senior Tripawd Bounces Back with CARE”

Isabelle loves her dog massage sessions!

Click here to view the embedded video.

The Techniques

Effleurage

Effleurage is the first thing you will do when beginning a massage. This is a hand-over-hand technique where you are running your hands over your pet’s body, from head to tail.

There are many reasons why effleurage is important. It will cue your pet’s body that they are going to receive a massage. It will give your pet a chance to tell you what’s going on with their body.

This is when they might push a certain area of their body into your hands or the opposite and pull away from you. Animals communicate through body language, so this is how your pet will tell you if they are having discomfort, or, if it feels really great when you rub them in a certain spot!

Massage will help detect anything unusual because you become so “in touch” with their body.

Effleurage Tips

• As you run your hands over your pet’s body, close your eyes.
• Feel your pet. Feel the fur, where is their coat coarse and where is the fur softer?
• Feel any lumps or bumps.

Effleurage will alter the heart rate, matching the speed at which you run your hands over their body. Slower helps relax your pet, faster is more stimulating.

When you run your hands over the body, always extend them down along the “phantom limb”. There is still energy in that area, so continue the massage as if the limb was still there.

Rocking

Rocking is my favorite massage technique because it is so beneficial to animals of any size and age.

You do the same movements on your pet’s hips as well as their shoulders. The gentle rocking motion is comforting, and warms up the body, keeping the muscles loose and less prone to injury. This technique will also help strengthen the muscles.

Rocking Tips

• With your hands lightly cupped, press the palms gently over your pet’s shoulders or hips.
• Now, keeping your hands in place, begin to move the muscle and tissue in a circular motion.
• Think of making small, gentle circles, rocking your pet’s body from side to side.

A good example of the difference between petting and massage is:

• Petting is just running your hands over the fur.
• Massage is moving the tissue and muscle underneath.

Dogs and Stress

Our pets have areas on their bodies that get tense, just like us. Dogs that pull on their leash carry stress in the neck/shoulder area. Some pets who feel it’s their duty to guard and protect, will have tension below the ears & sometimes the rear quarters.

The pet missing a limb will usually carry stress in the area opposite of the loss, as they are compensating by carrying extra weight in other parts of their body.

What does stress feel like? A fist. An area that is tight and immovable.

“Knead” to Alleviate Stress

• If your pet is comfortable with you handling the area of tension, lift the fur between your fingers,
• Make sure not to pinch, and fold the tissue gently away from you.
• This technique is called petrissage, or “kneading”. When you lift the tissue, you are allowing fresh oxygen to flow through the pockets between the tissue and muscle.

Dog Massage: Things to Remember

If your pet ever shows any signs that they are uncomfortable with what you are doing, STOP. Never force your pet to get a massage.

If you find something unfamiliar on your pet’s body, go immediately to your vet and have it checked out. Always let your veterinarian know that you are giving your pet a massage.

Massage should be an enjoyable, relaxing experience for you and your pet. So, try it tonight!

Before starting, read “Relax, and Learn How to Massage Your Tripawd, Part 1“

Pam Kuhn, CAMT (Certified Animal Massage Therapist) was certified as an animal massage therapist through Pet-ri-ssage LTD in 1999 and is currently a massage therapist at an integrative veterinary/rehabilitation practice and makes home visits.

She is the primary instructor for Animal Career Academy’s Pet Massage School and has experience as a veterinary technician and trainer. She aids many rescue organizations and animal shelters by donating her time (and hands) to help animals in need. Pam lives in Chicago with her husband, Ed, and sweet, black Pug, Rugby.

Learn more at-home Dog Massage Techniques in the Tripawds Downloads blog!

Learn the basics about how to give your pet a massage in this two-part Tripawd News series, courtesy of Tripawd Isabelle’s (littlemanjake) animal massage therapist, Pam Kuhn, CAMT in Chicago, Illinois.

Part One: The Essentials of Pet Massage

Touch is essential to every living creature. When we touch our pets, we are making a connection and strengthening the bond that we share. Since you are already touching your pet, why not do something more beneficial? Massage.

Massage has numerous benefits for animals of all ages and breeds, whether they have four legs or three.

Massage improves circulation, speeds healing, increases flexibility, relieves stress, aids socialization, relaxes the body, enhances the human/animal bond, and feels great!

There are benefits for you, too. When you massage, your heart rate will slow down, and you will feel just as relaxed as your pet.

Where to Massage

You don’t have to have a special area set up to do a massage. I never use a table, and often find myself sharing a dog or human bed. A sofa works just as well. It’s all about your pet relaxing, so wherever they like to sleep is where you should be.

When to Massage

Bedtime is usually the most relaxing time for you and your pet. Do you sit on the sofa and watch TV together at night? Does your pet sleep with you?

Try not to alter your routine.

How Long Should A Massage Last?

I would start with ten minutes, progressing to half hour. Petting feels different from massage, and your pet will notice this.

They will never feel sore after a massage, but you want to leave them begging for more!

Is There A Difference Between Massage On A Quadpawd versus a Tripawd?

The simple answer is no. The more complicated answer, it depends on the animal.

If your pet was born with three legs, their body has had time to adjust and distribute their body weight to compensate for the missing limb.

If your pet has recently lost a limb, then they are learning to re-distribute their weight, and their muscles are readjusting, accordingly.

Read more! In Part Two of Pam’s Dog Massage Tips series, you’ll learn specific techniques for doing your own pet massage at home and watch a how-to video demonstrating Pam’s techniques.

Pam Kuhn, CAMT (Certified Animal Massage Therapist) was certified as an animal massage therapist through Pet-ri-ssage LTD in 1999 and is currently a massage therapist at an integrative veterinary/rehabilitation practice and makes home visits.

She is the primary instructor for Animal Career Academy’s Pet Massage School and has experience as a veterinary technician and trainer. She aids many rescue organizations and animal shelters by donating her time (and hands) to help animals in need. Pam lives in Chicago with her husband, Ed, and sweet, black Pug, Rugby.

Learn more at-home Dog Massage Techniques in the Tripawds Downloads blog!

Here is Maggie’s story about life as a Tripawd, as told by her Mom Tracy. Maggie is one of the  many dogs here whose pawrent opted for holistic care instead chemotherapy treatments, and she continues to beat the odds.

Click here to view the embedded video.

What type of cancer does Maggie have?
Soft tissue sarcoma to left rear knee (never found out exactly what type but several ruled out – even after several special stains)

When was she diagnosed?
October 12, 2009

How old was she then?
9 1/2 years old

What kind of treatment does Maggie receive to help fight cancer?
Three homeopathic daily remedies rotating each day, twice per day by Dr. Charles Loops in North Carolina:

• Sempervivum Tectorum LM4
• Lapis Albus LM4
• Carc-P 200C+

Each time I run out, Dr. Loops refills them only in a higher potency. She also gets for supplements:

• Transfer Factors
• Mushrooms
• Omega 3 Oil
• Maritime Pine Bark herbal tincture
• Apocaps

Does she experience any side effects from the therapy?
No.

What does Maggie eat?
Honest Kitchen premixes with additional meat of Primal frozen grinds or locally grown ground beef. The premixes I feed her are the lowest carb diets of Preference , Thrive and Embark.

What does Maggie think about life on three legs and living with cancer?

It was a rough road at first for Maggie with a low grade fever and off her food for 2 weeks after amputation. But after that finally broke and she started eating, life has been improving since!

It has also been a long road to gaining her stamina back but with the help of doing PT work on her and not overdoing our walks, she has returned to the “old Maggie” only now on 3 legs…3 healthy legs.

Our walks are far shorter but I think she’s OK with that. I think she’s very happy to still be here and we have had a great summer/fall…far better than last summer/fall when trying to figure out what was wrong with her and dealing with MUCH pain.

Name 3 Things that contributed to her longevity

If you mean since being a Tripawd, I guess I would say

• CONTINUING on how I have always taken care of Maggie all her life.
• Good real/raw foods, VERY minimal vaccines and topical chemicals or internal chemicals.
• She also has been very lean and fit her entire life.

Do you  have any advice for new members facing a cancer diagnosis?

“After the initial shock and emotions of getting the diagnosis, get to work figuring out your plan of attack for YOUR dog. Always think of QUALITY versus QUANTITY. Think of the DOG. Don’t think of the human part of the equation.”

Bravo Maggie!

If you would like to submit your Triumphant Tripawd’s story, contact us today for details. We can’t wait to read your tails!

Here are some highlights from recent blog posts:

Cool Gifts for Tripawds community

• Tripawd Chloe designed the first Tripawds Tribute t-shirt for Team Tripawds to wear at the Morris Animal Foundation K9 Cancer Walk in Los Gatos, CA on 10/10. Walk with Team Tripawds in spirit and order yours today.
• Get your official Tripawds Rule! Bandanna for the low price of whatever you can afford!
• Goldens, Labs and German Shepherds are now featured in our latest Tripawds propaganda.

Tripawds Nutrition and Health

• Strengthen your Tripawd’s bones with Synflex, a premium glucosamine arthritis supplement made in the USA.
• Learn how Wysong’s new starch-free, high protein kibble can help your dog fight cancer
• Aloha Medicinals has cancer care kits with items to help fight canine cancer care at home.

Gear for Tripawds on the Go

• Power Paws dog socks give better traction on slippery surfaces at home
• Forget the old school post-surgery satellite dish collars, now there’s better alternatives to the Cone of Shame
• Ease your dog’s weary bones and post-surgery swelling with Bella’s Pain Relief Pack, a hot/cold pack made just for dogs.

Download Useful Tripawd Tips and More

• Dr. Dressler, author of the Dog Cancer Survival Guide, has a free e-book about diet and nutrition for Tripawds with cancer.
• Did you know that chiropractic care can help your Tripawd live a more comfortable life? Watch Fortis get chiropractic care and read how it works for him.
• Why is it that some Tripawds come home from surgery with staples, and others come home with stitches? Learn more from our 2010 Tripawds Amputation Survey.

Bargains for Tripawds from Amazon.com

• Big dogs can save until 9/30 on Dr. Dressler’s Apocaps cancer fighting immune system supplement with a special coupon code redeemable at Amazon.
• Learn exercise and rehab tips with how-to dog massage and physical therapy books.
• Set aside some leisure reading time with Last Dog on the Hill, a book about a remarkable dog named Lou who will met your heart with his story of fearlessness and dedication.

These Tripawds blogs are here to help you make the best decisions about living life with your Tripawd. Since Tripawds can receive a small commission through products purchased via these blogs, they also help support this community. Even if you don’t buy the product we specifically mention but do end up buying something from that storefront, your purchase will still benefit Tripwds.

If you have any tips, product recommendations or news that you want to share with us, please do, and we’ll mention it the appropriate blogs. Thanks!

We’ve received 32 surveys so far. The comments have been enlightening, and will serve future Tripawd pawrents well. Some of the heartfelt details pawrents shared included things like:

• “I went through “anticipatory grief” where I felt like he was dead even though he was perfectly fine. I think I cried every day for about a month . . . I no longer worry and know he will let me know when he is ready to move forward.”
• “he did really well, so i did well, for me it was hell making the decision to amputate because it felt like i was meeting my needs not his”
• “Day to do I didn’t worry but as soon as anything seemed ‘different’ I worried. A lot.”

Remember that by taking the time to answer the survey questions, you will be helping many others hopping along the same Tripawds path. Plus, you get to be entered into a drawing for another $10 Café Cash gift certificate. One lucky winner can use it toward anything from the new Tripawds Gift Shop.

To be entered in the drawing, just fill out Part II of the survey (and Part I if you haven’t already done so), no later than Monday, March 22 at 12 midnight, Pacific Time.

We’ll continue taking responses indefinitely. Stay tuned for our findings from your answers, here in Jerry’s blog and his three legged dog discussion forums. Thanks for taking time out to help us with this impawtant research.

Please be sure to complete the Tripawds Treatment Survey Part 1. You will be redirected here to part 2 upon submission.

Once again, Tripawds is holding an incentive drawing for another $10 Café Cash gift certificate. One lucky winner can use it toward anything from the new Tripawds Gift Shop.

To be entered in the drawing, just fill out Part II of the survey below (and Part I if you haven’t already done so), no later than Monday, March 22 at 12 midnight, Pacific Time.

We’ll continue taking responses indefinitely. Stay tuned for our findings from your answers, here in Jerry’s blog and his three legged dog discussion forums. Thanks for taking time out to help us with this impawtant research.

cforms contact form by delicious:days

Join the forum discussion on this topic.

Many of you might be familiar with “Dr. Marty,” because he happens to be the veterinarian of choice for celebrities like Oprah and Martha Stewart.

Dr. Marty also has his own Sirius Networks radio show on Martha Stewart’s network, Monday nights, from 8pm-9pm, EST. He has made regular appearances on many TV shows as well.

Long before many of us learned about the horrors of commercial pet foods, or embraced the concept of holistic medicine for animals, Dr. Marty was advocating for home cooked diets, speaking out against over-vaccination, and treating his clients with acupuncture and homeopathic medicine.

We were introduced to Dr. Marty after learning about Prana, a 15 year old German Shepherd who was a lifelong client of Dr. Marty’s. Prana lived a long, healthy life and with Dr. Marty’s guidance, managed to help her body cope and heal from several medical conditions that would wreak havoc on less healthy dogs. We asked Prana’s Mom what her secret was for living such a great life:

“I have been using alternative therapies on my Shepherds for the past 15 years. I give them a raw foods diet, mostly organic, avoid conventional vaccines, except for minimal use of rabies, never use heartworm meds and avoid conventional flea and tick treatments.”

When we heard about the amazingly healthy life that Prana enjoyed, we just had to learn more about her Mom’s Mentor, Dr. Marty.

Dr. Marty is a conventionally trained veterinarian who became a believer in alternative medicine long ago, when he sought out holistic medicine treatments for his own recurrent health problems which weren’t being helped by traditional western medicine. When these problems were finally resolved using a natural, non-toxic approach, he  committed himself to mastering the art and science of integrating holistic methods of treatment with conventional veterinary medicine in his own practice.

Dr. Marty is considered the world’s leading expert on holistic veterinary medicine. But he isn’t defined strictly by holistic medicine principles: he believes in the powerful curative effect of combining the best of both conventional and holistic medicine. As a result, he and his staff at Smith Ridge Veterinary Center follow the principles of “integrative medicine” where both types of therapies are combined to maintain health and guard against disease.

Since 1984, he and his staff have become well-known for their extraordinary success at treating cancer and other serious illnesses. Critically ill cats and dogs from around the world are brought to his clinic for treatment, usually after other vets have given up on them. The vast majority are restored to health and wellness once the principles of integrative medicine are faithfully applied.

The Nature of Animal Healing

Dr. Marty has a comprehensive book filled with practical advice about pet health and wellness, called “The Nature of Animal Healing.” This book takes readers through the essentials of holistic medicine, and shares basic tips for applying these principles to your pet’s life. This guide should be a part of every pawrents resource library.

Dr. Marty explains that holistic pet care is centered around the concept that the best way to cure an animal who is sick, is to help the animal cure itself. Neither us nor the veterinary pharmaceutical industry are not the true healers of our pets — they are. By treating the root of the problem instead of the symptoms, holistic medicine helps our pets regain and maintain their own health.

The book has great advice such as; why we shouldn’t feed our animals commercial pet foods, and what we should be feeding them instead. He explains why vaccines are doing more harm than good, and how you can keep your pet safe from overuse of them. You’ll learn what acupuncture and homeopathic medicine is and how it can restore your pet’s vitality. You’ll discover why sick pets need to experience a “healing crisis” and how a scare like that will actually help them recover. There is an entire chapter devoted to the methods Dr. Marty uses for treating cancer holistically, and also a comprehensive layman’s guide for treating a variety of common cat and dog ailments with common foods, natural herbs, homeopathic medicine, and lots more.

Originally published in 1999, The Nature of Animal Healing makes incredibly bold statements that fly in the face of what modern conventional veterinary medicine teaches. And while some of the holistic methods and principles he endorses might seem too far out for some (he believes in the “dubious effects” of vaccines), all of his arguments are supported with scientific data that he and other like-minded doctors have researched for decades.

We feel compelled to mention that we respectfully disagree with some of his ideas. For example, in his chapter about animal spirituality, he believes that there is no need for pawrents to be present during euthanasia. He explains that wild animals choose to die alone, and being present with our animals during their final moments is fulfilling our own human needs, not theirs. I think that in the time since this book came out, our thinking about this emotional subject has changed tremendously.

Overall, however, Dr. Marty’s book is life-changing. Read his book with an open mind, make a commitment to applying his advice to your own pet’s lives and we guarantee you won’t be disappointed. Results like the long happy life of Prana are proof that it works.

Dr. Marty’s clinic is located in South Salem, New York, about 1 hour north of New York City. His clinic is Smith Ridge Veterinary Center, and both in-person and phone consultations can be made by calling (914) 533-6066.