PHILOSOPHY

We approach animal health from a holistic viewpoint because we believe that disease is more than just an individual symptom, or set of symptoms, to be treated. Organ systems and functions rely on each other to maintain health. When one system is not functioning at an optimal level, neither are some of the others.

Disease is best reversed by supporting all of the compromised systems, so that the body can begin to assert itself and heal itself in a more natural manner. In addition, an animal’s environment, its diet, the relationship between the animal and owner, genetics and prior medical treatments all influence and impact the state of health.

By looking at and evaluating all of these factors, we are able to develop a treatment plan based on the individual needs of each animal.

Chronic disease

While there are generic similarities about diseases and symptoms, every animal has a unique, biochemical distinction that dictates how it will adapt to stress. Stresses an animal may face include:

• physical trauma
• emotional trauma
• temperature changes or extremes
• infection
• environmental or ecological toxicities
• nutritional deficiencies

A stressed animal in good health will have the energy to adapt or cope quickly, and will usually recover completely. But if the animal’s system is overwhelmed, then there is a maladaptive response. In the case of an acute physical injury, a maladaptive response might be the formation of scar tissue with an incomplete recovery such as a permanent limp. Similarly, a maladaptive medical response can persist for months or years, a situation that produces chronic degenerative diseases such as arthritis, allergies, maturity-onset diabetes, heart disease, renal disease, cancer, etc.

Abnormal degeneration can be inhibited, and sometimes even reversed, by creating biological efficiency, and supporting mature defense mechanisms. Adaptive and efficient body responses to stress are dependent on energy. That energy is available only when food is fully and properly ingested, digested, absorbed and utilized. When that energy is not available, the hormonal system and vital nerve transmissions are disrupted, and they do not recognize and activate the proper adaptive responses necessary to suppress disease. Smith Ridge Veterinary Center treats chronic degenerative disease by correcting systemic imbalances. Oral nutritional/metabolic therapies (vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids, etc.), intravenous nutrient therapy, acupuncture, dietary recommendations, and other supportive supplements are all used to help the body attain a healthier systemic balance.

A very simplistic summary: Good health starts at the cellular level. When there are deficiencies and disruptions within the cell processes, very often, the result is disease and illness. By providing the sick animal with appropriate medical support and specific metabolic intervention, we are often able to correct the cellular imbalances. This allows the animal’s system to do what nature intended – heal itself.