What is integrative medicine?

Veterinary integrative medicine combines conventional veterinary care with complementary therapies, such as herbal medicine, nutrition, and acupuncture. It aims to treat the whole animal—body, mind, and environment—by using evidence-based approaches to enhance healing, manage chronic conditions, and improve overall well-being. 

The beginning of integrative medicine at Extra Care

After over 20 years of working in general practice and emergency medicine, she re-enrolled in school, at Chi University.  She has already begun to implement what she has learned, and our staff has been in awe of the positive impact herbals and acupuncture have had on our patients' health.

What do herbals really do?

Dr. Buckweitz uses herbals that are formulated to treat various conditions using Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) principles. They help manage chronic issues like arthritis, skin problems, digestive disorders, and anxiety. These formulas are high-quality , made specifically for animals, and can be safely used alongside conventional treatments under a TCVM-trained veterinarian’s guidance.
They can help treat:

• Skin conditions  
• Gastrointestinal Disorders
• Renal disease
• Hepatobiliary disease
• Cystitis 
• Cancer 
• Immune disease ( IMHA, ITP, polyarthropathy, bowel disease)

• Neurological disturbances such as seizures, herniated discs
• Endocrine disease
• Behavioral disease
• Resistant bacterial infections anywhere 
• Geriatric care (arthritis, urinary and fecal incontinence)
• Pain management

Are herbals the only approach Dr. Buckweitz uses?

No! She has begun finding and making food recipes for dogs and cats. Integrative food recipes use natural, nutrient-rich ingredients to support pets' health. They can help manage chronic conditions, aid recovery, boost immunity, and improve digestive health. These recipes complement traditional treatments, promoting overall well-being in pets. She has also started providing acupuncture to patients. Veterinary acupuncture has numerous benefits for pets. Read more below to learn about the acupuncture Dr. Buckweitz offers!

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Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an amazing and effective medical approach to treating and helping numerous symptoms in pets. It has a scientific basis and background and can be used in conjunction with traditional medicine or alone. Fine needles are placed at specific points in order to achieve a desired response. It can be used as a treatment option  for pain when steroids or non- steroidal medication need to be avoided.

What can acupuncture help?

• Pain management
• Allergies
• Cancer
• Gastro-intestinal issues
• Behavioral issues
• Respiratory issues
• Auto immune diseases
• Varies organ diseases