Alternative therapies for pets?

[wesleysgirl]

I'm wondering if anyone has any experiences treating pets (and specifically cats) with alternative treatments like Reiki, acupuncture, etc. (I'm not interested in homeopathy, though.) If you do and you're willing to share some details or answer questions, let me know? Thanks.

Comments

[trepkos]

I've been told by a medical professional (for humans) that the only use acupuncture has is in pain relief, which she says does work. Though I can't imagine getting away with sticking needles in a cat! Has the Vet failed you?

[wesleysgirl]

I know, right? LOL. The vet has done everything possible and I'm semi-desperate and ready to explore the possibility of other options. Kitty has some internal muscle and nerve damage. I know pretty much nothing about acupuncture but I agree that the thought of needles in kitty seems doubtful!

[trepkos]

Ouch - poor Kitty. How did that happen? Have you thought of trying another Vet? It sounds - to a non-vet, who sees a lot of what Vets prescribe in various situations - like something that needs rest, anti-inflammatories, and painkillers: maybe Tramadol, if that can be used for cats.

[ragingpixie]

We used a holistic vet (along with our traditional vet) when our doggie had cancer. She used acupuncture on her to help with some stiffness and hip issues to make her more comfortable, but it wasn't meant to cure anything internal.

[wesleysgirl]

Thanks for the input! I think I need to do a lot more reading. :-)

[kita0610]

There isn't a lot of scientific evidence for any of that stuff working on pets other than for pain relief. Pain relief is a good enough reason to try things though, if that's one of your concerns. There are no curative properties to any manipulation-based therapy though, and be very very wary of anyone who tries to sell you otherwise.

[wesleysgirl]

I'm super skeptical as a rule but I'll admit I'm fucking desperate and probably in just the right state of mind to buy the Brooklyn Bridge if it means a chance my cat gets to live. The pain relief could be an issue at some point though so I'll look into that - thank you.

[kita0610]

Yeah, hence me telling you to be careful. Lots of assholes out there.

Have you asked for a referral to a specialist? There are vets who specialize in ... well, mostly everything, same as human docs.

[wesleysgirl]

I'll ask if they have any suggestions; thanks. I've done some googling myself and not turned up anything. Usually there's a fairly straightforward trajectory of healing after what Kitty has been through and he just hasn't followed it. I guess he's a weirdo like his mom. :-P