All the best in health,

Dr Jucy

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Did you ever wonder how the veterinarian treating your pet comes up with treatment recommendations? Today, using AI to seek information is becoming more and more common place in medical diagnoses. In my opinion, it has no place, and is, in fact dangerous in the exam room.

My approach to patients has always been about compiling a thorough medical history, including lifestyle, diet, medications, vaccinations, past trauma, surgery, etc…This is then put together with the discription of symptoms from the guardian, along with my findings on physical exam. I then use my past training and experiences to put together some likely explanations for how the pet is presenting, followed by the development of an initial treatment plan.

This approach uses a multitude of forces, including intellect, intuition, and energetics. This, I believe is how we should be practicing medicine, where all of our senses and skills come together to address the needs of a patient. The situation in many exam rooms, however, is drastically changing with the addition of AI. In this case, the practitioner simply feeds information into the computer, which then spits out an assessment and treatment recommendations. There is very little actual skill required by the practitioner, and virtually no intuition or ‘tuning into’ the patient. There is no building of knowledge or experience, thus the reliance on AI becomes stronger and stronger.

One big shortcoming of AI is that it can only regurgitate information that has already been fed into it. It cannot evaluate patient needs real-time, especially in unusual cases. Depending on where the information is originating, this can lead to mis-diagnoses, and more seriously incorrect or even dangerous treatment plans.

I recently experienced the introduction of AI into the veterinary world when the computerized client software system we use recently added an AI assessment option, which I adamantly refuse to use. I just can’t imagine why on earth I would want an AI assessment of my patient.

There is so much to be lost using an automated assessment in the exam room. Click here to see this chilling episode of CHD TV’s Financial Rebellion demonstrating the us of AI in human medicine.

Healing is an Art, and part of that Art is the connection between the practitioner and patient from physical, emotional and energetic aspects. There is an intuitive gift that healers posess that helps guide them in choosing the best remedy for a patient. Using AI prevents the develpment of this gift, to the detriment of both patient and healer. Furthermore, AI can be programmed to favor certain results. So pharmaceutical options may be offered over more holistic methods in the interest of profit, even if they are not in the best interest of the patient.

This skill of intuition in the patient assessment is developed over many years of practice. This is why we refer to medicine as a practice; it is an ongoing evolution of the the practitioner. If AI is used in the exam room, true healing skills will be lost forever, and not only will our pets suffer, but the veterinarian will never experience the full joy of connecting with and healing his patient.

So next time you are in the vet’s office, I suggest you ask about AI. You may be surprised to learn how widely it is already being used. When interviewing a new veterinarian, ask how much they use AI in their practice. Also ask the technicians and receptionists. Without a doubt, AI can be a valuable tool in some instances, but in my opinion is highly dangerous in patient assessment and treatment.

All the best in Health,

Dr Judy

Listen here

All the best in health,

Dr Judy

In the meantime, Bre has lots of great guests worth a listen on her podcast

All the best in health,

Dr Judy

In a previous post, I wrote about what is wrong with the veterinary profession, with the invasion of private equity companies and their profit-driven model. Do we stand a chance of changing this trend? No, I think not. Though the system may eventually implode due to an unsustainable foundation, we aren’t going to change it. What is needed is a complete paradigm shift into a new model of the veterinary practice.

Or maybe it is back to the old model….when the veterinarian got to know his clients, and was a respected member of the community. When healing was a cherished art, not just a job. Combining these concepts with the addition of some modern technological advances could, indeed, create an amazing new version of the veterinary practice.

For those of you who have commented about how you have found a great veterinarian, then BRAVO!! I do believe that there are many wonderful, compassionate veterinarians out there. This is about changing a trend in the profession where big money and big pharma have gained control, and allowing the individual veterinarian to practice his craft from his heart, not his pocketbook. I do urge you to support those vets who have steered clear of corporate involvement.

At the foundation of this shift is recognizing the basic truth that health is not created by the veterinarian(or anyone else for that matter). Health is the natural state of the body, and aside from occasional genetic anomalies our animals are born perfect by design. Why then would it be necessary to treat a baby animal with vaccines, vitamins, and other pharmaceuticals to get them off to a healthy start in life?

All they really need is the natural care from a healthy momma. This actually worked quite well before the advent of modern veterinary medicine.

Now I know that many will put me in the ‘anti-vaxxer’ category. In truth, I am pro-health and I believe that all of God’s creation is perfect by design. Why, then, is it necessary to intervene with pharmaceuticals as soon as an animal touches the earth?

What is needed most is a different way of looking at animal health, and, quite honestly, to stop outsourcing the basic wellness care of your animals to medical professionals. With proper knowledge about animal care and husbandry, most simple health needs can be solved at home. What is lacking is education.

Now, I am not saying that veterinarians should be eliminated. Not at all - I have been practicing for nearly 40 years myself. I am saying that the role should be re-defined into the following categories:

1. Educating animal guardians on the proper care of their animals without the use of pharmaceuticals.

2. Treating true emergencies that require life-saving measures or surgery. There will always be a need for medical help in these circumstances.

3. Helping animals that are chronically ill due to previous or ongoing pharmaceutial and environmental toxins. This is, indeed, what a good deal of medical care is currently addressing.

4. Performing diagnostics as needed, including bloodwork and imaging.

   

The animal guardian eventually, then, takes over the wellness care. I contend that if animals are fed a species-appropriate diet, and allowed to live a life-style appropriate for their species type, free of ongoing pharmaceutical interventions, then the need for medical intervention will be minimized.

Modern veterinary ‘wellness visits’ are creating more illness than health through the administration of vaccines and other pharmaceuticals. The wellness visit should be about education on nutrition and husbandry so the animal guardian can better care for their animals and prevent illness. It should be about helping animals stay out of the vet’s office, not increasing the number of return visits. With the right information, guardians are empowered to help their animals at home, and if they do need to engage with a veterinarian, they will be educated to make better decisions regarding the care of their pets.

This discussion should revolve around each pet as an individual and not one-size-fits-all protocols. It should include basic wellness principles, modified for each family situation. The hardest shift here is the mindset, and how we approach animal health. The mere fact that animals can be healthy at home without ongoing veterinary intervention may indeed be a novel concept for both guardians and veterinarians. I did not come to this awareness overnight; it has taken me decades to see veterinary practice in a different light.

Proper animal husbandry includes considering how animals live in nature. Yes, dogs are relatives of the wolf and cats of wild felines. There has been no evolution to change their lifestyle needs. Dogs and cats are predatory carnivores and will thrive in an environment that emulates this. Dietary ingredients should come from nature, not a lab. Pets should be allowed adequate time outside or equivalent enrichment if kept indoors. Fresh air and sunshine are as important to pets as they are to us humans. Contact with the earth allows for grounding and exposure healthy soil provides a whole host of beneficial bacteria.

Animals with chronic symptoms need proper nutrition and natural remedies to help rebalance and heal their bodies. I believe it is imperative that all healing aids come from nature. I never recommend products with synthetic or chemical ingredients, no matter how great the marketing claims. I have seen many animals regain an acceptable quality of life or better with this approach. Even serious cases such as cancer patients can live good quality lives if managed correctly.

Let’s walk through a revised version of the veterinary clinic:

The focus of wellness care will be education. Animal guardians will learn how to properly care for their pets to avoid much of the chronic illness that we see today. Communication and community will be encouraged and integrated into the clinic design.

At the entry to the clinic is a greeter to welcome and guide visitors. The atmosphere is calm and welcoming. There are calming music and soothing scents. Off to one side is an education room with literature, photos, and videos on all common health topics. Much can be learned just by absorbing what is avaliable here. There will be a sitting area with coffee, tea, and healthy treats(human and pet). Visitors are welcome to gather and visit with each other during business hours. Finding support from other like-minded humans on this journey is very impoartant. Pets that are social can also interact and play in an outdoor yard. The pace is slow and grounding, not rushed and frantic.

A veterinarian will be avaliable for physical exams and check-ups by appointment. As part of the appointment, a team member will be available to answer questions pertaining to each pet regarding nutrition and other wellness topics. Education and empowerment will be the focus of the well-pet appointment.

Veterinarians will use hands on care and learn from their own experience. Reliance on AI generated assessments would be strictly prohibited. Mentorship from more experienced colleagues will be the prefered training method.

Consultations for chronic illness will also be available. The veterinarian will review past medical history and make a recommended treatment plan specially designed for each pet. Treatment options such as homeopathy, herbal medicine, ozone and mistletoe would be made available. Other modalities such as acupuncture, chiropractic, or massage will be offered by practitioners specializing in these practices.

Pet guardians will be encouraged to accompany their pets during treatments.

Emergency care and imaging may be available onsite, or a relationship with a compatiable facility nearby will be arranged.

Guardians will receive a definitive plan for their pet, whether the care is for wellness or chronic illess. Treatment packages will be available to help make the experience more affordable.

In addition to hands on care, the center will offer educational classes on a regular basis. Guardians can come in to learn about how to properly care for a healthy pet without expensive vet bills. The community atmosphere will allow guardians to share exerieces and learn from each other.

This sort of experience is easy to achieve logistically, it is our current mindset that will be the hardest to change. It is time to envision a future separate from our past experiences. We can do it if we work together to educate and support each other.

What is your vision for the future of veterinary care?

We must dare to dream and have faith in the power of the human spirit.

Our animals are depending on us.

All the best in Health,

Dr Judy

So where to we go from here? While it is important to gain awareness, it is not fruitful to focus on what is wrong. We really need to be creating a better option. But what is that path? I have been writing a followup post with some ideas, but I realized that my perspective is different than those of you relying on your veterinarian for the care of your pets.

So I would like to pose the questions:

What are you looking for when you go to the vet?

What does your ideal experience look like?

What are the things that most need to change?

Looking forward to your comments,

Dr Judy

If you have needed veterinary care lately, you may have noticed that things are somehow different at the vet’s office these days. The energy is different, compassion has diminished, and the bill at checkout is much, much higher. What exactly is going on here?

In this post, I will share my perspective on the changes from a nearly 40 year history in the profession. But we can’t just stay focused on what is wrong; that never fixes anything. The current system is not likely to change its path anytime soon. If we truly want to help our animals, we need a new paradigm in animal care. In my follow up post, I will share my vision for the veterinary clinic of the future and a better path to animal health and well being. Let’s jump in to unpack some things.

I have been a practicing veterinarian for nearly 40 years now, and the decline I see in quality medical care along with the loss of compassion and empathy in the profession has been nothing less than heart breaking. The very profession that is charged with creating health in our animals is now creating chronic disease, and outright murdering them in the name of profit. I don’t make these statements lightly, this has been my direct observation.

So what is going on here? It is easy to point to the vets themselves, but there is more to the picture here. Although the veterinarian is at the forefront, there is an important story from behind the scenes to unveil.

The entire backbone of the veterinary profession has changed in recent decades. I remember reading the books by James Harriet, sharing his memoirs as a rural vet in England, travelling the countryside treating All Creatures Great and Small. Through his entertaining recounts of caring for his patients, these books demonstrated the compassion and devotion that have become characteristic of the ‘animal doctor’.

I noticed a dramatic shift during and after the covid era of curbside drop-offs at veterinary clinics. This somehow seemed to pave the way for a new distance and lack of compassion towards animal patients and their people. The focus no longer seems to be the best care for the animals.

If you have been to the vet, you have felt it. It is a tough situation because you still want to trust your vet, and you desperately need someone to go to when your pet is ill, but now you have begun to question the quality of the care. And the high prices make you wonder if this is more about the money than care for your pet.

So what exactly is behind this?? It actually begins in the veterinary schools. I truly believe that every veterinary student starts out well-intentioned and truly wants to help the animals. Let’s face it, if vets were truly in it just for the money, there are much more lucrative professions that don’t require getting your hands dirty! The problem is that veterinary school is more of a marketing plan for big pharma than an institution that teaches true healing. Students are taught that health is created with vaccines, dewormers, insecticides, antibiotics and ‘prescription’ diets. Aside from the educational piece that teaches anatomy and true emergency care, veterinary school is an indoctrination into the world of selling pharmaceuticals. And it is very, very, effective.

Once out in practice, the programming continues with continuing ‘education’ sponsored by the same corporations that are helping to fund the veterinary schools.

At professional conferences, veterinarians get a refresher course in marketing pharmaceuticals, and how to profit from selling them in their practices.

Now, enter private equity companies. These companies use investments from other vehicles to purchase smaller companies for profit. They are in it for profit, that’s it. Their entire purpose is making money, not creating healthy pets. Why the interest in veterinary clinics? Because people will make big sacrifices to pay for the care of their animals. (For more on private equity companies and how they operate, see Tiffany Cianci’s work at https://x.com/TheVinoMom)

Now consider this. What makes more money for the veterinary clinic, healthy pets, or chronically ill pets? Of course it is the chronically ill pets as they are brought in more often and are often administered pharmaceuticals on an ongoing basis. Why, then, would these companies be concerned if a vaccine or drug has adverse effects? It is more money for them if the pet gets ill.

So what happened to the compassionate veterinarian? Veterinarians working for the private equity-owned clinics are paid on a percentage of production. This is akin to a car dealer working on commission; the more they sell, the more they make. To put further pressure on the vets to sell products and procedures, they are given production quotas to meet, and if they do not meet the quota, the vets may have to pay the clinic to make up for the deficit. Bonuses are based on production and the number of clients seen, not on healthy outcomes.

Many newly graduated veterinarians are enticed into this private equity dominated world of veterinary medicine with the promise of generous salaries and competitive benefits, including insurance, continuing education and paid time off. The smaller, more traditional clinics, if they are hiring, cannot compete with the compensation packages offered by these companies. Newly graduated veterinarians are often saddled with several $100K in student loans, and if they are supporting a family, are understandable attracted to the higher pay. Who could blame them? What the young veterinarian does not realize is the difference in governance of the clinics. The smaller clinics, though they still need to make a profit, are more likely to have the best interest of the patient at heart. When this is the focus of the practice, they work to build relationships with their clients, and often serve multiple generations in a family.

I have worked with many clients that tell me how a clinic changes once it is sold to private equity. The people may be the same, but the environment and energy are completely different. The vets are not given much choice on how to treat a given condition. The protocols are set based on what is most profitable, not necessarily what is best for the patient. This limits the veterinarians ability to think outside the box or learn new treatment modalities. I believe that this contributes greatly to the often observed lack of compassion along with a skyrocketing suicide rate among veterinarians.

You may be wondering why the vets don’t just leave. Where are they to go? Private equity is gobbling up clinics so fast that there are fewer and fewer independent clinics left. Where they do exist, as stated previously, the pay often does not compare.

A few decades ago, many veterinarians struck out on their own, but the problem here is that the majority of veterinarians are not business people. Most of us do not enjoy running a business. The conundrum I have experienced is that in order to practice in a way that feels authentic, I must operate my own business. I can assure you that life as an entrepreneur has afforded many hard lessons along the way. A good deal of burnout comes not from treating pets, but from managing a business.

So what to do? How do we create a system that actually creates healthy animals and supports the veterinarians? I have been watching the current trends, and do not believe they are going away. Profit-driven private equity is not going to sudden stop wanting to earn money. The system is too far gone to fix in my opinion.

What we need instead is a completely new parallel system, a new paradigm of healing. One that allows the veterinarian to express his gifts as a healer while living a properly balanced life and receiving fair compensation. I have a vision for this new system that I believe is a win for vets, animal guardians, and, most importantly, the animals. I will share this in more detail in my next post.

The time is here to stop complaining about the status quo and work towards creating a system that keeps all of our beloved animals in optimal health.

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead

All the best in health,

Dr Judy

Read here

This documentary exposes this omission in data, and explains why this has never come to light. It is a shocking revelation of how we are being fooled by the very profession that should be protecting our health.

As for pets - don’t think for a second that this same scenario does not exist in veterinary medicine, only worse. Why? There are even fewer studies, with fewer participants testing animal vaccinations. The study is done in the real world and our animals are suffering the consequences.

Watch the film HERE.

Dr Judy

Should I use Ivermectin and Fenbendazole?

This is by far the most universal question I am asked these days regarding treatments for pets diagnosed with cancer.

The reporting on these products is ubiquitous, and the claims are stellar, but do they really hold up to these expectations? If a cancer patient improves, how do we pin point just one thing that made the difference? I have never seen a cancer treatment protocol that did not use multiple modalities simultaneously.

Treating pets with cancer has become a specialty for me, and I work with many patients every week. If there is one thing I know for sure - there is no magic bullet when it comes to treating cancer; every patient is a unique case that will respond to a unique set of treatment options.

I am always leery any time I hear one-size-fits-all claims about any product, and especially pharmaceuticals as the downside is potentially much higher when using lab-made products. Many of the claims are also theoretical, and not based on actual real-life evidence.

My short answer to this question is ‘no, I do not recommend them’, and here are the details:

1. These are anti-parasitic drugs, and given on an ongoing basis, I am concerned that they will also damage the healthy bacteria in the gut. I know there are reports to the contrary on this, but considering that there are 10’s of thousands of bacterial species in the body, has the effect really been measured? I don’t believe anyone actually knows the truth on this. I consider proper nutrition and a healthy gut microbiome the most important aspect of any pet’s health, and this is especially important for cancer patients. I simply will not endorse any treatment that may damage the gut in any way.

   For clarification, I am not talking about typical anti-parasitic protocols where once the pet is treated, the administration stops. I am referring to the ongoing use for months and months at a time.

2. These products are pharmaceuticals and my practice philosophy is to treat the body with products that come unaltered from nature, not made in the lab. Lab-created products are chemicals, often untested, and we run a much higher risk of adverse events.

   

3. At the risk of sounding conspiratorial, I do not trust any products that were shunned as unsafe a few years ago and now they are widely accepted both in the human and animal industries.

4. I am seeing increased toxicity in dogs with ivermectin that has not been the case in the past. These products used to be available by prescription only, and are now widely available online. Do you really know what you are buying??

5. Most importantly - I haven’t seen them help my cancer patients. I have worked with many patients taking these products, most often started by the pet parent due to the wide availability. I simply do not see better outcomes in these cases. I have worked with cases where these products are started in addition to my current treatments per client request, and I have never once seen them turn a case around. For those making these claims - how many cancer patients are they actually treating? I never argue with success, and if I were actually seeing benefit to my patients, I would not object to the use of ivm and fenben, but I have yet to see it. Without that personal evidence, I cannot endorse their use.

   There never has been, and never will be a magic bullet treatment for cancer. There is always a combination protocol, with highly individualized outcomes, so how does one say that these products were the ones that worked??

   My objective is to create the best quality of life possible for my patients, without risking harm. Fenben and Ivm, just don’t fit the bill for me.

   

All the best in health,

Dr Judy

I am the first guest, interview starts about 8 min in:

Watch it here

There isn’t anything more warming and nourishing on a cold day that homemade bone broth. It is also a wonderful addition to your pet’s diet as it can help support joint and digestive health. Warm it up an pour it over the food for a delicious treat!

It is also a great way to utilize any leftover bones from chicken, turkey, beef or pork. You can use both cooked or fresh bones, I use a combination. Fresh bones can include poultry feet or wings, oxtails, neck bones, ribs, marrow bones, and, pretty much any others you have access to.

I use a crock pot, and loosely fill it with bones, sprinkle with a natural salt and add 1-2 tablespoons of raw apple cider vinegar. Fill the pot with filtered or spring water and and simmer for 24-36 hours.

I strain any solids out, put it in mason jars and freeze it(be sure to cool the jars in the fridge first to avoid breakage). Thaw as needed and enjoy!

All the best in health,

Dr Judy

Please see my post on When to go to the ER here in the event your pet has a true emergency:

But what if your pet does not appear to have a life-threatening emergency?

Here are some home remedies to keep ready at home:

Hydrogen peroxide

Use for potential toxin ingestion if within 1 hour.

Give 1 tablespoon hydrogen peroxide per 20lb body weight. Repeat every 20 minutes until pet vomits.

Activated charcoal

use for potential toxin ingestion if longer than 1 hour, or after treatment with hydrogen peroxide

There are many products out there. I suggest a liquid or gel rather than a capsule for easier administration.

Yunnan Baiyao capsules

For non-life threatening bleeding of any cause.

This typically comes in capsules with a red pill in the box for excessive bleeding.

For persistent bleeding, take your pet to the ER.

For pets less than 20lb, give 1 capsule every 12 hours; 20-40lb, give 2 capsules; greater than 40lb give 3 capsules. Give until bleeding has stopped.

This can be ordered online, but check the sourcing carefully.

Herbal Tinctures:

1. Slippery Elm - for diarrhea

2. Marshmallow Root - for vomiting or upset stomach

3. Nettles – for allergic reactions or itchy skin

4. Echinacea – will help deactivate snake or insect venom. Give ¼ dropperful every 15

minutes while obtaining medical help.

Use organic human products for tinctures, or homemade. Alcohol-free products will have less taste and are typically better accepted.

Dose as a percentage of body weight, assuming it is based on a 150lb human. For example, a 75lb dog will get ½ the recommended dose for a human.

Homeopathics:

1. APIS 30C - homeopathic for acute allergic reaction.

2. Arsenicum 30C - homeopathic for vomiting/diarrhea, low energy, allergic reactions.

3. Nux vomica 30C – homeopathic for vomiting or lack of appetite

Pellets may be dissolved in a 1-2 oz glass dropper bottle filled with distilled water. Give 1/4-1/2 dropperful as needed

Avoid touching homeopathics directly with your hands

Topicals:

1. Ozonated olive oil- olive oil with ozone infused into it for scrapes, cuts or skin growths.

May be applied directly to an open wound

1. Calendula salve – aids healing and prevents infection. Avoid products with other

additives and choose organic if possible

2. Honey – raw honey especially is very healing for the skin and manuka honey has

additional anti-bacterial properties

Bandage materials:

1. Ace or other elastic bandage

2. Non-stick telfa pads

3. 1 inch medical tape

CBD:

Use tincture for pain, inflammation, anxiety, seizures. See hand out on CBD for more

This list will help you out in a large majority of home first aid needs for you pets, and save the expense of a veterinary visit. Make your shopping list today!

All the best in health,

Dr Judy

Pills or Capsules

1. If your pet is a good eater, then just hiding them in the regular food may work. Most products can be given with food, but it is a good idea to ask if this is the case.

2. If necessary, try hiding them in a special treat such as

grass-fed cheese (https://grasslandbeef.com), healthy hot dogs, tripe, butter or coconut oil.

If none of these work, you can try these commercially made products:

a. Meat Butter: https://www.danubeadornments.com/product-page/farmstead-meat-butter

b. Pill Hiders: https://www.lordjameson.com/collections/pill-hiders (please note that these are not recommended ingredients, so should be used as a last resort):

3. For the more adventurous, you can try this natural nut butter recipe:

Nut Butter Pill Pockets

¼ cup water

¼ cup smooth organic nut butter with no additives (we do not recommend peanut butter)

½ cup almond or coconut flour

1. In a small bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well

2. Line a baking sheet with wax paper

3. Scoop ½ teaspoon into balls and place on paper. Use the back end of a chopstick(or something similar) to form indentations in each ball

4. Store in the fridge for up to 1 week, or the freezer for up to 6 months

Liquid

1. This can be put in the food directly, but may change the flavor so some pets may not tolerate the taste.

2. Giving it directly in the mouth apart from meals is usually the best option so there is no association with the regular food

3. Some products can be diluted to make the flavor more mild, but check with your practitioner on this one.

Powder

1. Mixing in with the food is the easiest option if your pet does not mind the taste. If your pet stops eating, be sure to try a meal without the powder to assure that it is not just the taste of the herb that it doesn’t like.

2. If your pet will not eat the herbs in the food, you can buy empty capsules and then hide in a treat as mentioned

**Here is a great kit to help with capsule filling: https://www.herbaffair.com/collections/bundles