Karen Shaw Becker, DVM, NMD

FOR LICENSED WILDLIFE REHABILITATORS ONLY

INTRODUCTION

Holistic medicine is a comprehensive approach to medicine that diagnoses and treats disease in the context of the whole patient. The techniques used are gentle, minimally invasive and incorporate the goal of patient well-being and stress reduction. Because wild animals are more natural, grounded and in tune with their bodies, they respond amazingly well to alternative modalities which stimulate their own curative processes. Holistic modalities often work faster and more efficiently on wildlife than our domestic patients. There has been no suppression of previous disease, fewer inherited diseases and no chronic nutritional diseases or drug abuse to contend with.

WHAT MODALITY TO USE

Whether you treat an orphaned opossum with diarrhea, a robin with a wing fracture or a red-tailed hawk with a traumatic eye injury, there are several approaches that may be successful. Deciding exactly what healing technique to use depends on your comfort level and the injury.

Acupuncture

When an animal gets sick, the body is unbalanced. Acupuncture works by re-balancing the bird’s system which, in turn, encourages healing and promotes wellness.

Western vs. Eastern Medicine

Both types of medicine have an enormous amount of time-tested information. Both follow their own logic and thought process. Western medicine diagnoses and treats the effect of disease on the body. Eastern medicine diagnoses and acts on the energy that creates the diseased state.

How does it work?

Acupuncture works by circulating what the Chinese call “Qi” (pronounced “Chi”). Western physicians prefer to call this energy “bioelecticity.” This microcurrent of energy circulates along pathways called channels that are connected to organs, muscles, joints, glands and the nervous system. We know that disease causes an impairment of this circulatory pattern. By placing conductive metal needles in certain points, we can redirect this electrical current and cause organs and tissues to receive more bloodflow, decrease inflammation and reduce pain.

Aquapuncture is placing blips of fluid (sterile water or vitamin B12) under the skin at acupuncture points. This technique is most often used in birds. Acupuncture or acupressure must be performed by a licensed animal acupuncturist.

Acupuncture is used to treat a variety of ailments including musculoskeletal pain and damage, neurological, hormonal and autoimmune diseases as well as degenerative and organ problems. Acute injuries that may respond to acupuncture include shock, blood loss, head trauma, and inflammation. I recommend you have formal training in acupuncture before starting. But acupressure (applying light pressure on the acupuncture points) can be very beneficial. Some of the more useful points include:

Homeopathy

Homeopathy was discovered about 200 years ago by a German medical doctor named Samuel Hahnemann. He found that organic substances could be used to stimulate people’s natural defenses. When certain natural substances (known to have specific side effects in healthy people) were given to people suffering from diseases with those same symptoms, they were cured.

Homeopathy is only used to stimulate the body’s own healing mechanisms, therefore, a carefully selected remedy is given and the animal’s response to the medicine is closely observed. The medicine should not be repeated until the bird’s system has been given an opportunity to respond. After each remedy is given, a brief evaluation of the animal’s response should be made. Over a period of time, different remedies may be necessary to complete the healing process. Because each bird responds to disease uniquely, it is vital that each bird be considered as an individual. Using a “shotgun” approach by giving combination remedies (tinctures or pills with many different remedies) does not take into account each animal’s unique symptoms and should be avoided. Some animals have incurable structural changes in their vital organs that are incapable of responding to homeopathy.

The beneficial effects of homeopathy are curbed when combined with other types of treatments that stimulate the life force (mainly acupuncture and strong herbs). It also cannot be used with drugs (including steroids, antibiotics, etc.). Homeopathy can also “dig up” old symptoms that have been suppressed by allopathic treatment.

There are several remedies I use over and over for wildlife. They are used so frequently at my hospital that I keep them out and ready for the next acute trauma that arrives. I almost exclusively use 6X and 30C potencies. Occasionally animals will require higher potencies for certain conditions. I do not recommend or use combination remedies for wildlife. Because homeopathy is based on the repertorization of the individual animal, it is important to access each case independently. Some remedies to have on hand include:

Although administering the pellets orally or as a tincture is optimal, I have had some success in putting the remedies on the animals’ food.

Commonly used herbs and botanicals

DMG (Dimethylglycine)

DMG is naturally produced in the body and is an intermediary metabolite in cell metabolism. Neurotransmitters, enzymes, hormones and antibodies all require DMG for their synthesis and supplementation can benefit all of these processes. It is also useful in neurologic patients, including those with cranial nerve deficits and seizures. Because it boosts both cellular and humoral immunity, consider using it for all birds fighting infection.


Milk thistle

Also called Silymarin , this flavonoid stimulates hepatocyte regeneration. Used for birds that have ingested hepatotoxins, have fatty liver disease or psittacosis. Hepatoprotective and hepatorestorative.


Dandelion

A natural diurectic. Useful in toxic birds. Dandelion has hypoglycemic effects, so it can be useful in some cases of diabetes. Has also been documented to inhibit yeast. Often used in combination with milk thistle.


Spirulina

This bluegreen superfood is wonderful for mixing with oral fluids and tube feeding weak or emaciated birds. A great blood builder. Terrific source of amino acids and trace minerals. Loaded with antioxidants, including S.O.D., catalase and glutathione peroxidase.


Slippery Elm

Gastrointestinal anti-inflammatory and protectant. Great for controlling diarrhea and G.I. upset.


Enzymes

I like using enzymes for muscle strains and inflammation. I use a product that combines proteolytic enzymes with other muscle supportive supplements like Tumeric, Bromelain and Corydalis.


Calendula

Cream or tincture. A wonderful topical for cuts, abrasions or sores.


Plant Sterols/Sterolins

Natural sterols extracted from plants that are potent immune modulators. Studies show molecules significantly enhance T helper cell activity. Currently used in human cancer studies. Also therapeutic for reducing allergic responses.


Proanthocyanidins

Extracts from plant material (usually grapeseed or pine bark) that have several therapeutic applications, including potent antioxidant activity (20 times stronger than vitamin C), inhibition of allergic responses, and enhancement of neutrophil and macrophage activity (Berg and Daniel, 1994). Consider Pycnogenol for allergy induced feather picking and chronic recurring respiratory infections (aspergillosis).

OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER

The most stressful event in any wild animal’s life is to be approached and handled by people. Don’t exacerbate the stress by handling the animal excessively or exposing it to other animals. Be respectful of the animals’ condition and situation.