Integrative veterinary care combines conventional veterinary medicine with complementary and alternative therapies. This approach takes into account the whole animal, including physical, emotional, and environmental factors, to provide comprehensive healthcare.

Integrative veterinary care may include a range of modalities such as acupuncture, chiropractic adjustments, herbal medicine, homeopathy, nutritional therapy, massage therapy, physical therapy, and more. The goal is to use the most appropriate treatments from both conventional and alternative medicine to optimize the health and well-being of the pet.

This approach recognizes that different individuals may respond differently to various treatments, and that no single approach is suitable in every case. Dr. Kassell works closely with her clients to develop personalized treatment plans tailored to the specific needs of their pets. Here in Philadelphia, we are fortunate to have access to veterinarians trained in many different areas of veterinary medicine. Dr. Kassell sometimes refers clients to other veterinarians who practice physical therapy, acupuncture, and homeopathy, as well as a wide array of conventional specialties to ensure that her patients receive the most comprehensive care possible.

Dr. Kassell examines each patient as an individual. For preventive health care, Dr. Kassell takes into account the patient’s age, breed, and lifestyle and makes specific recommendations regarding nutrition, vaccines, flea/tick and heartworm prevention, amount and type of exercise, stress management, etc. For instance, a senior French Bulldog will have very different needs than a young Labrador, as will an indoor versus an indoor/outdoor cat. In caring for her patients, Dr. Kassell does use vaccines, flea/tick and heartworm medications. Her goal is to use them mindfully and minimally. 

When treating specific health conditions, Dr. Kassell relies on nutrition and an assortment of nutraceuticals and supplements that support the various organ systems. When indicated, she also reaches for conventional medications such as dewormers, antibiotics, antifungals, antihistamines, steroids, and thyroid hormone. For example, recommendations for a dog or cat with severe skin allergies may be treatment with one or more of the following: a raw or home-prepared diet, omega fatty acids, probiotics, supplements containing specific vitamins and minerals, shampoo containing a plant-based moisturizer and/or antiseptic, antihistamines, and occasionally prescription diets or stronger medications such as steroids, Apoquel, or Atopica.

You can get additional information about integrative veterinary care at the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association’s website.

Best practices for diet

There are many options for feeding pets, ranging from kibble to canned to home-cooked to raw.  Dr. Kassell prefers that clients feed their pets diets based on whole, fresh foods in their naturals forms whenever possible, including raw meaty bones, muscle meat, organs, and vegetables. However, she recognizes that for reasons ranging from health to logistical to financial, raw feeding is not for every dog or cat, at least not for every meal. Dr. Kassell’s goal is to share information about feeding options with her clients and to help them establish nutritional plans that are best suited to them and their pets.

Additional options

If Dr. Kassell feels it would be in your pet’s best interest, she may recommend that you make an appointment with a veterinarian who specializes in specific fields or alternative therapies. Examples of alternative therapies include acupuncture, homeopathy, and rehabilitation. Examples of “conventional” specialists include oncology, dermatology, orthopedics, cardiology, behavior, and internal medicine.