ALTERNATVE TH ERAP ES

摘要

Imagine, fora moment, that your horse has a sore back. He could be treated with conventional veterinary medicine—first a diagnosis via radiographs or bone scans, then rest and a regimen of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications scientifically proven to relieve the type of pain he is feeling. Or, he could be treated with an "alternative therapy" such as acupuncture, chiropractic or massage. But could his treatment incorporate both? I, for one, don't see why not. I've spent the past 22 years caring for elite sport horses. The way I treat horses is, and always will be, rooted in the principles 1 learned in veterinary school. I turn to the scientifically proven diagnostics, medicines and therapies first. But over the years, I've also learned that,to do what's best for my equine patients, I sometimes must think outside the box and consider using alternative therapies to complement the conventional approach. When I'm sure it won't harm the horse or delay a standard treatment, I'm willing to try the unproven, untested and even downright unusual. And I've seen horse after horse benefit as a result.