We finally got Cat in to see a holistic veterinarian!

In case you’re unfamiliar (because I mostly was…) Holistic veterinary medicine focuses on the body, mind, and spirit connection of pet. Rooted in ancient practices, it incorporates herbal remedies, supplements, nutritional therapies, acupuncture, massage, & Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM).

While it can be an alternative to conventional treatments, we plan to use it as a complementary approach.

If you’re exploring this option, ensure your practitioner is certified in TCVM. In the Piedmont region of North Carolina, we see Dr. Laura Nelson at Shiloh Animal Hospital. She’s incredibly informative — and patient (especially given my 10,000 rapid-fire questions).

Each dog is unique, so consulting a vet for a personalized treatment plan is imperative — which is to say, as with most details in this blog, this is not what I’m recommending for your dog, per se. I’m only sharing what was prescribed for Cat:

• I’m-Yunity: A medicinal mushroom supplement clinically shown to improve survival time for dogs with hemangiosarcoma (use code “Welcome5” for 5% off). …That doesn’t take the sting out of the cost, but it helps a little. Alternatives like “5 Defenders”  (in pill or powder form) are more affordable. I give “5 Defenders” to Cat’s brother, Wolfy, as a preventative.
• Settle the Yang: An herbal formula that slows the progression of cancer. It can be purchased on Amazon —  affiliate link, if you’re interested https://amzn.to/3CmIy58
• Wei Qi Booster: Fortifies immune system function. Purchased from WellPetDispensary. (use code WELCOME10 for 10% off)
• Pure Encapsulations Liver GI Detox: A supplement supporting liver detoxification and GI health. Also purchased at Amazon: https://amzn.to/3WA6toF
• CoQ10: A heart supplement for underlying cardiac issues like dilated cardiomyopathy (which Cat has). Affiliate link from Amazon: https://amzn.to/4hwi3sY
• Yunnan Baiyao: A go-to herbal supplement for controlling bleeding, especially in hemangiosarcoma patients (I buy 12-packs at a good price here). There is a “red pill” included with every pack — we store these in case of an emergency. Cat’s vet said one is to be given (along with two YBs, given her size) if a bleed is definitely suspected. From all I’ve researched, there is little chance of harm if given and there is no bleed (although, do use discretion because if given too often or in unprescribed amounts, it can do harm, which I delve into in this article). …Seems like a “better-safe-than-sorry, as long as it’s used in the proper scenarios using your vet-informed judgment” kind of thing. See our experience with the red pill and suspected bleeds here.

Later, I started her on another recommended supplement, Stasis Breaker, which is an herbal formula for treating tumors, which I also get from WellPetDispensary.

**New post on dosing here.

Update 1

(Month 2, Post-Surgery)

After spending a month phasing in each supplement one-by-one, I can say that I am using & have been happy with everything listed above.

Update 2

(Month 3, Post-Surgery)

We’ve since added Rx Renal Canine and Proviable for kidney and gut health, respectively, alongside a balanced, vet-approved nutritional regimen that I’ll cover in another post soon.

A special shoutout to Shiloh Animal Hospital for being “Fear-Free Certified.” They address pet stressors by personalizing the experience — like offering to remove white coats for anxious pets. After a tough chemo session, this thoughtful care made a world of difference for both Cat and me.

Holistic medicine isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, but it’s been a game changer for us. Always consult with a professional to craft the right plan for your furry family member!