Western Medicine has many different names…
Conventional medicine, allopathic medicine, mainstream medicine, orthodox, regular and biomedicine. Whatever the terminology, Western Medicine is science based, tends towards a symptomatic approach and is much more standardized than other forms of medicine.
This is by no means a bad thing as Western medicine is extremely helpful in regards to available diagnostics and treatment options. Western medicine shines in emergency situations, for diagnostics and for damage control. At times surgery is unavoidable if not the treatment of choice.
Routine blood work including complete blood count (CBC), chemistry screen, thyroid and urinalysis are great tools for getting a biochemical picture of the body and its organ functions. As well, fecal analysis, cytology, histopathology and skin scrapings are all valuable diagnostic tools. Results are either available in-clinic or with a 24 hour turn around time.
Radiographs, ultrasound, CT scans and MRIs all allow a non-invasive look at the inside of the body. These are all diagnostic procedures that are available on a referral basis.
Vaccinations, titre testing, and the vast array of medications available are important both in treatment options but on a preventive basis as well. For example vaccinations allow us to establish baseline immunity in our pets and titre testing lets us know if and when revaccination is necessary.
More information is always better. It allows us to explore all of the options and thus come up with the most effective treatment plan on an individual basis.
For an integrated veterinary assessment call
Balanced Paws Veterinary Care at (250) 871-4355
or email info@balancedpawsvet.com.
We are located at 2785C Mansfield Drive in Courtenay (across from the Air Park).