When my dog was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma of the front leg, I was absolutely devastated. When her veterinarian told me she had about 2-4 months to live I was completely shattered, scared and totally lost.
I was willing to do whatever it took to not allow this to happen. We went to see a veterinary oncologist where we started chemotherapy. Then to a surgeon, after her leg fractured, who amputated her leg. All of this is what they had told me I had to do, but none of it felt right… I was scared.
Then I met my integrative veterinarian.
I knew I could trust him the minute we met him. He sat on the floor hugging Maggie while she was wagging her tail and licking his face! He was very honest with me, while very caring and empathetic. He told me this is a very difficult diagnosis and it will be very hard, and he said there was no way to know how she would respond, but we will work together to do everything he can for my Maggie.
He started with a detailed holistic examination and put together Maggie’s own personal holistic program. This was the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen. He was able to use Maggie’s energy to find her weakened and imbalanced areas. He showed me as he worked and I could see what he was doing. It just made sense. She is on many herbal supplements which protect her organs while at the same time slowing the cancer. We go back every month or so and he is always pleasantly surprised to see how well Maggie was doing.
It’s been over 19 months now and Maggie is still the same as when she was a pup. She runs, swims and plays everyday and is such a happy dog.
My dog is truly my best friend. I could not imagine losing her to this disease and especially when she was only 8 years old. Maggie is now 9 1/2 and I can’t wait to celebrate her 10th birthday! We would never be where we are today without our integrative veterinarian and without holistic medicine. Everything from her joints to her energy has improved since he has been on a holistic program. We have been a part of truly amazing medicine and what was the worst experience of my life, has now been an enlightening, educational and rewarding experience. I thank my veterinarian regularly for giving me more time with my very best friend!
Please support the AHVMA Foundation as they are the only group who really focuses exclusively on developing and expanding this field. It’s something we animal lovers all must do!
Jamie Huberman, PA-S 2012