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Meesh · 02-27-2010, 01:26 PM

So after walking Rufus (and falling on my ass on the ice - hope no one saw it), I took Hammy to his first holistic vet appointment. He's also a regular vet who happened to get his DVM from U of Penn so he's familiar with the protocol we're using - part of the reason I chose him. I think I'm more flustered than I should be but I've got a ton of questions running through my head that are really about what my gut tells me is right or wrong for Hamlet. I think part of the problem is that I just didn't walk away with a warm fuzzy like I thought I would or have with his other caretakers. It's not something I can put my finger on but just a feeling. Maybe THIS guy just isn't the right HV?

I get switching his food; the HV wants him on Wellness K-9 Core; anyone else
here using this one? He also wants me to double his denamarin dose (the liver
protectant) that the onc prescribed; should I discuss this with the onc first?
She didn't seem opposed to holistic compliments when I told her that was going to be my approach but modifying her prescriptions seems to be crossing the line a little. The HV also sent me home with the following supplements: Lymph K, Hepatrophin, Thymus PMG, and Intesti-tune all of which are to be given 2x a day. I have to get him a copy of all the bloodwork so he can determine if other, more specific supplements are needed. He also said that I could give Hammy the antioxidants but only 3x week; don't do it 2 days prior to, the day of and the day after chemo, but the rest of the week would be ok. He said the antioxidants conflicting with the chemo is a controversial viewpoint. He wants to see us in 6 weeks.
Hamlet's been doing really well with the chemo treatments <<touch wood>> and I really don't want to upset that balance. BUT, I do want to be sure that I'm doing everything I can to be sure that his systems stay in check and up to par. And, of course, if there's anything I can do to help bring up his liver enzymes, I want to do it.
I've always been about natural things - I personally think there's a LOT of
wisdom in some old country/folk remedies - but I also think modern medicine is
beneficial in a lot of cases.
For those of you using both an HV and modern western medicine, who did you
consider to be the "team leader" of your baby's treatment? I'm definitely leaning toward the onc but just curious. Did you discuss all aspects of your at home care with your onc incl. any holistic stuff you were/are doing?
Sorry for rambling, but I'm looking for some experienced folks' guidance on my
concerns. I also think I'm going to hold off from giving him the supplements until I can talk to the onc on Monday.

Michelle, Rufus & Hamlet (dx 01/29/10 tx 02/01/10)

02-27-2010, 01:26 PM	#6 (permalink)
Meesh Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Washington Township (Sewell), NJ Posts: 329	Hamlet's 1st Holistic Vet Appointment - need some direction So after walking Rufus (and falling on my ass on the ice - hope no one saw it), I took Hammy to his first holistic vet appointment. He's also a regular vet who happened to get his DVM from U of Penn so he's familiar with the protocol we're using - part of the reason I chose him. I think I'm more flustered than I should be but I've got a ton of questions running through my head that are really about what my gut tells me is right or wrong for Hamlet. I think part of the problem is that I just didn't walk away with a warm fuzzy like I thought I would or have with his other caretakers. It's not something I can put my finger on but just a feeling. Maybe THIS guy just isn't the right HV? I get switching his food; the HV wants him on Wellness K-9 Core; anyone else here using this one? He also wants me to double his denamarin dose (the liver protectant) that the onc prescribed; should I discuss this with the onc first? She didn't seem opposed to holistic compliments when I told her that was going to be my approach but modifying her prescriptions seems to be crossing the line a little. The HV also sent me home with the following supplements: Lymph K, Hepatrophin, Thymus PMG, and Intesti-tune all of which are to be given 2x a day. I have to get him a copy of all the bloodwork so he can determine if other, more specific supplements are needed. He also said that I could give Hammy the antioxidants but only 3x week; don't do it 2 days prior to, the day of and the day after chemo, but the rest of the week would be ok. He said the antioxidants conflicting with the chemo is a controversial viewpoint. He wants to see us in 6 weeks. Hamlet's been doing really well with the chemo treatments <<touch wood>> and I really don't want to upset that balance. BUT, I do want to be sure that I'm doing everything I can to be sure that his systems stay in check and up to par. And, of course, if there's anything I can do to help bring up his liver enzymes, I want to do it. I've always been about natural things - I personally think there's a LOT of wisdom in some old country/folk remedies - but I also think modern medicine is beneficial in a lot of cases. For those of you using both an HV and modern western medicine, who did you consider to be the "team leader" of your baby's treatment? I'm definitely leaning toward the onc but just curious. Did you discuss all aspects of your at home care with your onc incl. any holistic stuff you were/are doing? Sorry for rambling, but I'm looking for some experienced folks' guidance on my concerns. I also think I'm going to hold off from giving him the supplements until I can talk to the onc on Monday. Michelle, Rufus & Hamlet (dx 01/29/10 tx 02/01/10)