Editorial

Alternative Medicine Review,  Sept, 2001  by Kathi Head

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Welcome to the first veterinary medicine supplement of Alternative Medicine Review (AMR). The staff of AMR has worked in concert with the Veterinary Institute of Integrative Medicine (www.viim.org) to bring you a journal I hope you will find useful and instructive. Some of the most experienced and well respected veterinarians in the holistic medical field have lent their expertise to the articles in this issue, offering well-researched solutions to some of the most plaguing chronic illnesses our companion animals face. In addition, they have included important tips from their extensive clinical experiences. In usual AMR style, several in-depth review articles are followed by a monograph, book reviews, and recent relevant MED-LINE abstracts on topics of interest to holistic practitioners.

In this issue you will find a comprehensive article on equine Cushing's-related laminitis, written by equine veterinarians, Joyce Harman and Madalyn Ward. The connection between laminitis, the use of NSAIDS, and impaired gut permeability is fascinating. The article provides an excellent model for a holistic approach to treatment, including determining the underlying cause, removing the obstacles to cure, and addressing all the important issues: feed, hoof-care, nutritional supplementation, environment, stress reduction, etc.

Veterinarian, Susan Wynn, has distilled many of the treatment issues in her concise review of herbal and nutritional approaches to diabetes in small animals. While outlining the available research on nutrients and botanicals for managing blood sugar and preventing complications associated with diabetes, she also notes the shortcomings of the research to date on companion animals and wisely suggests that one not rely solely on alternatives where insulin is indicated.

Nancy Scanlon, a veterinarian in the Los Angeles area, has submitted a comprehensive assessment of detoxification issues in small animal practice. In her article she investigates hepatic antioxidant and metabolite conjugation systems, providing a deeper understanding of the relationship in animals between diet and disease prevention and treatment. A review of current literature and research publications suggests nutritional supplementation can be an effective treatment for animals suffering from increased oxidative stress and toxicity.

Heart disease in a leading cause of death and debility among our canine friends. Veterinarian, Scott Dove, has outlined the most well-researched nutrients for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease in dogs. Among the most promising are coenzyme Q10, vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, and the amino acids L-carnitine and taurine.

Spontaneous renal disease is a common cause of illness and death in dogs, and is one of the more frequently diagnosed conditions in cats. Diseases of the kidney, second only to neoplasias in causing death, may be treated effectively with natural methods. Veterinarian, Susan Pollen, has provided an in-depth review of renal pathology. Following the review is a discussion of the most well-researched nutrients for prevention and treatment, including omega-3 fatty acids and flavonoids.

The veterinary supplement to Alternative Medicine Review has been a long time in coming but we hope you'll agree, well worth the wait.

Kathi Head, ND Senior Editor

COPYRIGHT 2001 Thorne Research Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2001 Gale Group