Brook Farm Veterinary Center prides itself in extending its services to “Alternative” medicine , as well.  Holistic medicine uses a more natural route and looks at the body as a whole; from mind, spirit, soul, diet, and environment.  Dr. Mihok, relatively new to the staff, describes holistic medicine as treating the patient, not the disease.  He focuses on what causes the irritation, such as diet, environmental issues or breed specifics; rather than treating just the “hot spot.”

Homeopathy is when a remedy can cure a sick animal only if it can cause a similar sickness in a healthy pet in hopes to stimulate self-healing, rather than suppressing the body’s natural reactions.  In other words, it is the treatment of disease using a substance which has the power to provoke similar symptoms when administered to a healthy body.  Some say things may get worse when undergoing this type of treatment before it gets better, though it is just the body readjusting and fighting the disease.  These drugs are diluted, safe, and natural and do not have unwanted side-effects.  Therefore if the wrong “remedy” is given, the body eliminates it without any reaction.

Both Dr. Kanouse and Dr. Mihok practice acupuncture. Accupunture is used to prevent and diagnose many types of diseases, provide pain control and encourage the body to heal itself.  Fine needles are inserted into specific points of the body that are connected with the nervous system to trigger a desired physiological response.  Acupuncture is used for major conditions such as musculoskeletal problems, degenerative diseases, asthma, kidney failure, or depressed immune system function.  It can also be used in substitute of various anti-inflammatory drugs which have major side effects.
Many drugs used in veterinary medicine, as well as in human medicine, come with minor or major side effects.  Chinese herbs are used for a variety of medical problems and diseases such as behavioural disorders (fear, anxiety, depression and anger).  It is a combination of many herbs combined specifically with your pet in mind on an individual basis and illness specifics.  Herbs work by targeting the individual patent’s condition while nurturing, soothing and balancing the diseased organs, allowing them to heal itself.  Western herbs, such as Echinacea, Astragalus, Milk Thistle, etc., are also used by Dr. Kanouse and Dr. Mihok with this same goal in mind.  Willow, for example,  can be used which is closely related to the early stages of Aspirin.  Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum) is an herb with great anti- inflammatory properties, though may delay healing, for inflamaton plays a huge rule in it.

A raw diet is often also closely related.  Many believe that diet can be the cause of many allergies, illnesses, infection, diabetes, hormonal imbalances, and cancer.  Many foods sold in grocery stores have fillers like grain and starchy contents.  A dog or cat in the wild would not get as much of this and therefore leading to many more problems unlike those of an undomesticated animal.   A Raw diet is usually consisted of muscle and organ meat, raw meaty bones, whole eggs, non-starchy vegetables, berries (etc).  Monitor closely even the advertised “healthier” brands.  Be sure to look at the main ingredients of what you feed your pet.

Brook Farm is pleased to bring another aspect of medicine to our clients.  We want to make sure that the best method for treating our furred friends is discussed and that they are getting the best care they deserve.  It is very important to discuss options with the veterinarian and be sure to go over every concern you have.