Long Island Veterinary Specialists
163 South Service Road
Plainview NY 11803
Tel: 516-501-1700
ticktok
Long Island Veterinary Specialists
163 South Service Road
Plainview NY 11803
Tel: 516-501-1700
ticktok

What Is Integrative Medicine?

INTEGRATIVE VETERINARY MEDICINE COMBINES CONVENTIONAL THERAPIES WITH COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE FOR A COMPREHENSIVE COLLABORATION OF DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT. IN A WORD, INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE OFFERS YOUR PET THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS.

 

Most veterinary medical schools teach only conventional methods, though this is changing as the use of alternative and complementary therapies -- sometimes called a holistic approach -- gain acceptance based upon results. Like many professions, veterinary medicine has professionals who advocate strongly for one approach versus another.

Some veterinarians have their heels firmly dug in regarding the use of a holistic-only approach, which encompasses therapies such as acupuncture, homeopathy, chiropractic, aromatherapy, herbal treatments and more. On the other side of the argument, many conventional veterinarians believe use of these alternative therapies to be dangerous and ineffective versus a totally conventional approach.

But this all or nothing approach to medicine is changing, as positive results are being reported by those who are willing to be open-minded in their view of health and disease.

pet health

THE PROFESSION IS LEARNING THAT BY COMBINING THE APPROPRIATE AND BEST THERAPIES FROM ALL THE AVAILABLE DISCIPLINES, ILLNESS CAN OFTEN BE AVOIDED AND SICK ANIMALS CAN BE MORE QUICKLY AND EFFECTIVELY RETURNED TO HEALTH. AND THIS IS THE SIMPLE DEFINITION OF A VETERINARIAN WHO PRACTICES INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE.

Veterinarians practicing integrative medicine have also brought another important idea to the field: They believe the focus in veterinary care needs to shift from disease and treatment to health and healing. In human health and medicine this is equivalent to recognizing the importance of a healthy diet and exercise. It also preaches the importance of treating the mind and spirit, as well as the body. In simple terms, a happy pet (or person) is more likely to stay healthy in the first place and heal more quickly when sick. Were you surprised when it was discovered that human patients who are happy and laugh a lot are more likely to heal faster?

SOME ADVICE...

If you choose to work with Dr. Selmer, who proudly practices integrative care, you'll be offered a wide range of both diagnostic and treatment techniques, so that a proper diagnosis and treatment plan can be instituted. You should ask lots of questions about the recommended course of treatment to ensure that you are comfortable and satisfied that the right thing (and everything) is being done to help your beloved pet. You should also expect and be willing to accept recommendations regarding simple methods of intervention, such as dietary adjustment and the selective use of natural remedies, which are all effective parts of integrative medicine.

Dr. Selmer can clearly and confidently guide you through the confusing maze of therapeutic options,
particularly when a conventional-only approach simply isn’t working or appears to be ineffective or harmful.