I've done phone consults with a holistic vet for 2 1/2 yrs. because there isn't a "true" holistic vet in my area. The first consult is for about an hour. The first consult can range from $120.00 - $140.00 . I have two vets in my area that do acupuncture and I go to them when my holistic vet needs test run or a vet to examine them for a problem. They fax all info to her. My 2 local vets believe they can mix alternative and conventional medicine to work together. I only listen to my holistic vet that I call. but the 2 local vets except holistic methods and never give me a hard time as a matter of fact they are always interested in my holistic vets treatment methods. The reason I call my holistic vet "true" is because she does not use steroids or antibiotics and doesn't like vaccines. She does homeopathy, accupucture,herbs, nutrition,but prefers to use homeopathy.
I have a holistic pet store so I always have people asking for a holistic vet so when a vet in my area says they are holistic I check them out( so many are popping up). I asked my vet how I can tell if they are really holistic. She said first most important question is ask what their vaccine policy is. If they say yearly and all at the same time turn around and walk out the door, they are not close to holistic. Also holistic vets encourage the raw food diets. And they never use steroids and sparingly use antibiotics, unless it's a serious accident and then very little. although my vet would never use steroids. Some "holisitc vets" have steroids hidden in the back room. Also asked who they studied under names like Dr.Cheryl Schwartz, Dr. Pitcairn hold a lot of respect.
My vet will only take clients if they can do three things - #1 stop all drugs,#2 stop kibble and can food and feed a natural diet ( raw but she will accept cooking) #3 educated themselves. Sounds simple but alot of people can not do it, such as if you see your dog itching miserable a steroid shots sounds pretty good for quick relief or if they have a hot spot or sore a antibiotic sounds good for quick relief. Holistic methods take longer but your furbaby will also live longer. My vet also believes we can make the illness in our 4 legged friends by passing on negative energy but we can also speed up the healing process by passing on positive energy to out 4 legged companions
