Alternative/natural medicine?

[Amanda]

Does anyone know about holoistic medicine for pets? I am comparing vet medicince to alternative/natural medicine. Are there any good sites to look at? What I'm really looking for is the key points why it is better or worse, just comparison.

[DRD]

It really depends on the kind of pets. You haven't specified what kind of animal.

Rabbits have digestive systems similar to horses. I had an old rabbit with arthritis and the vet had me give him glucosamine and chondroitin. And yes it seemed to help.

Also the same herbs for people are often good for rabbits. Basil for when they are in pain, parsley and cilantro (leafy coriander) are good for them. And chamomile is a mild anti inflammatory. I currently have a rabbit who has a cronic infection of Encephalitozoon Cuniculi (e. cuniculi). He is doing very well, he has recovered from his paralysis, gained his weight back and very happy. I used alot of fresh basil, parsley, cilantro, fresh apple and carrots to keep him going (and some alfalfa hay.)

I know people who use aromatherapy on horses, dogs and rabbits. Just be sure to adjust it for the weight of the animal. And NEVER use aromatherapy on a cat. They can not metabolize it in their livers. The more plants an animal eats, they better their bodies are able to cope with the metabolites and byproducts of the plants. (And cats are nearly strictly carnivores.)

There is a great site dedicated to educating people about aromatherapy and cats.