I was excited to recently read an article about the Singapore Zoo and how they use Chinese medicine for their residents. Click here to see the story. At the zoo, veterinarians integrate conventional veterinary medicine with Chinese medicine, using both acupuncture and herbs to treat a variety of issues, like constipation (for an orangutan), sinus problems (a horse), and swelling around a leg fracture (for a cheetah). They turned to Chinese medicine when western medicine wasn’t working. And, in the examples they presented, got impressive and quick results. Animals received unique herbal formulations for their specific presentation. Most notable, though, is that Chinese medicine did not have side effects for the animals. The veterinarians are pleased with their successes to date using traditional Chinese medicine on the animals in their care and are planning to continue using this approach. They were even awarded a grant to conduct research in this area of care.
Traditional Chinese veterinary medicine is practiced in the United States for domestic animals. Vets are typically trained to use acupuncture, herbs, and nutrition, which is similar to the way Chinese medicine is practiced for humans. Food is medicine and this is no different for animals. Emphasis is also given to ensure that an animal’s diet supports (and does not aggravate) their health condition. If you want to see if there is a practitioner near you, you can search the American Association of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine’s practitioner’s directory, click here.
I am a big fan of using herbs, in particular, for animals, for the same reasons I value their use for humans. When you use herbs in the context of a holistic healing system, like Chinese medicine, the focus is on developing a treatment plan unique to the health condition. Treatment is designed to alleviate symptoms (like vomiting or lack of appetite) while addressing the underlying cause (which could mean strengthening the function of an organ or body system). What is particularly helpful about using traditional Chinese medicine and herbs with animals is that you have an approach that not only takes into account emotional symptoms (like clinginess, anxiety, or aggressive behavior), but can actually help resolve those issues.
I have two beloved cats (pictured above), both of whom will turn 16 in February. I have used Chinese medicine and herbs (both Western and Chinese) with them for years successfully for a variety of issues, including anxiety,pancreatitis, and digestive upset. When my grey and white cat, Memphis, was about 8, he developed a nervous habit of chewing the fur off of his legs. When I took him to the veterinarian, they found no evidence of a skin infection or condition and diagnosed him as being anxious. They suggested prozac, probably for the remainder of his life.
I said no and instead, made him an herbal formula. This was very early on in my days of practicing as an herbalist. I made him a simple formula to calm his nerves, support his digestion and his liver functioning. I made him a tea that I poured down his throat in dropperfuls (the only way I could get him to take it). The results were very impressive and pretty immediate. His behavior stopped and his fur slowly grew back. Best of all, he was more relaxed and happy. The vet was so impressed that she took my cards to give to other pet owners who were looking for alternative treatments for their anxious cats.
Since then, I have continued to use herbs with my cats, trying different delivery methods, the most innovative of which was to put their herbs in a chicken stock and feeding them both the chicken and the stock. I take them to the vet when needed to make sure there is nothing life threatening or acute that could be addressed with western medicine. Like when Memphis had a pancreatitis attack a few years ago. But again, the vet gave him medicine to prevent vomiting (Reglan) which did help initially (although in subsequent attacks it seemed to become less effective). I supplemented his regimen with herbs to support and strengthen his pancreas, reducing inflammation and increasing blood flow to this organ (primarily with the herb yarrow, or achillea millefolium), while also supporting his immune system, strengthening his liver functioning, and helping him relax so he could sleep deeply as he was recovering. This has been very successful, as well. After a couple of recurrences, in which we used herbs every time, he has not had another attack in over 3 years.
While they don’t necessarily lap up the herbs, they do not fight me when I am giving them to them (mainly with dropperfuls down their throats). I continue because I always see quick and impressive results. And because at nearly 16, they are healthy, playful, happy, and calm. I have had equal success using herbs with dogs, especially for conditions like arthritis (although dogs to tend to lap up their herbs straight out of their food dish). Herbs offer a very effective alternative for animals and humans. I am glad to see that the exotic animals that reside in the Singapore Zoo are also getting to benefit from this approach.
