6.3 Using a Holistic Veterinary Approach
Delaine Quaresma and Katie Steneroden
Oxford Languages defines holistic medicine as “the treatment of the whole person, taking into account mental and social factors, rather than just the symptoms of an illness.” Holistic medicine translates well into veterinary medicine. For example, a farm may be experiencing a higher-than-average rate of retained placentas in their fresh cows. The veterinarian or farmer could just treat the symptoms of a retained placenta or provide care to help expel the placenta. However, a holistic approach by the veterinarian would include looking into why this farm has a higher-than-average rate of retained placentas in their fresh cows. Illness could result from infectious causes, but looking into the lifestyle and nutrition of the animals is also warranted. These additional considerations to the whole of a person, animal, group, entity, or problem also apply in advisory roles.
A holistic approach to health can bridge the perspective gap with O/A clients, “An advisory-oriented role in herd health management requires a holistic farm approach of advisors and farmers” (Duval et al., 2016). This is especially important given that many O/A producers choose their way of farming for holistic reasons. Using an approach aligned with their philosophies makes reaching common ground and mutual understanding more likely. The pyramid below outlines a holistic approach to farming used by some O/A producers. More specifically, it indicates a layered and building block approach to keeping animals and their environment healthy. Starting with soil life and balance, then pasture and grazing management, water, genetics and breeding considerations, housing, equipment, and medications. Veterinarians can provide input and learn from O/A livestock producers on each level.
“In the days of James Herriot, the role of a veterinarian appeared rather straightforward to their clients. There was an understanding that if an animal were sick or injured, the veterinarian would be called. Today, the farmer or herd manager can and will often treat the animal or administer vaccines and other preventatives. From personal experience growing up on a dairy farm, I recall watching our veterinarian perform displaced abomasum (DA) surgeries. As I got older and into vet school, our veterinarian was rarely called out to the farm for that as our herd manager could treat them by roll & toggle technique. In addition, changing nutrition on the farm has significantly reduced the number of DAs and treatments. The role of our vet changed. That role continues to change as the needs of the farm and animals’ change. Originally, our veterinarian played more of a treatment-oriented role and has transitioned into an advisory-oriented role.”
–Delaine Quaresma, DVM, MPH
On O/A farms, veterinarians can play either or both roles depending on the situation. Given the nature and requirements of O/A farming, the veterinarian’s role will likely skew heavily to an advisory- role. Charges for veterinary services the veterinarian or technician provides must be made according to the time spent or service rendered, whether treatment or consultant based. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has resources to help with pricing strategies and business plans.
Consider integrating common natural or botanical treatments into your practice based on what you learn from your O/A clients or organic and alternative treatment resources and published literature. Use your knowledge of animal health and your veterinary skills to assess animal health and safety. Another way to satisfy the need for scientifically backed practices and holistic approaches is to cross-reference older textbook information and treatments before conventional therapies with current science-based studies (AABP). Some additional information and ideas can be found in the Treatments and Modalities chapter and at the link below:
