Holistic Healing for Hurting Hounds
Therapy grows in popularity
By Patrick Rucker
Examiner Staff Writer
Published: Monday, January 2, 2006 10:30 PM EST
For many pet owners, Kim Danoff is the veterinarian of last resort.
She does not perform surgeries or administer vaccines. Instead, she offers homeopathic treatments like acupuncture and herbal remedies. From quadriplegic dogs to elderly cats needing end-of-life care, Danoff treats pets in her Vienna office for ailments that conventional medicine cannot help.
"People come to us when they don't have any other options for their pets," Danoff said.
More and more vets are training in alternative care, said Dr. Ed Boldt, director of the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society.
"We were founded in 1974 with five vets," he said. "Now we have over 1,500 members."
The acupuncture society offers advance training for registered vets at its headquarters in Fort Collins, Colo. As with human health, the restorative power of acupuncture in animals is not fully understood.
But its value is documented, Boldt said.
The Journal of the American Veterinary Association published a study of acupuncture treatment among horses
with back pain. Of 15 animals that were treated, 13
responded well, the study found.
Boldt said the growing acceptance of animal homeopathy has mirrored its popularity among people.
Danoff said she was drawn to the field out of frustration with conventional medicine.
"It was very hard to go into the examination room and tell people that there just were not any other options for their pets," she said.
Now she has a variety of treatment options: a water tank for physical therapy, wheelchairs for disabled dogs.
"We've had a fair number of post-op dogs or those with herniated disks, and we've helped them walk again," she said.
For pets that have cancer or other grave illnesses, holistic treatments have cure rates no better than conventional medicine, Danoff said.
However, she said, "the animals are a lot happier and the treatment is less expensive."
PETS ON PINS
- There are more than 15 registered pet acupuncturists in Northern Virginia and 29 in Maryland.
- Most specialize in treating horses.
