 At Plano Animal Clinic (PAC), we use both conventional and alternative therapies. When alternative therapy is recommended for our patients, it is because Dr. Ward believes it to have a significant benefit over the conventional therapy for a particular disease condition. For instance, in the case of viral disease, there is no conventional therapy other than supportive care. The alternative therapy might be more effective, safer, less expensive, less traumatic, less invasive, or all of the above. On the other hand, when conventional therapy is safe, effective, and reasonably priced, we do not hesitate to recommend it for our patients. Dr. Ward endeavors to use what works to heal the patient. A number of the alternative therapies used at PAC were designed all or in part by Dr. Ward and are so noted.
PAC makes no claim that our methods are superior to those used by other veterinary clinics and hospitals, but only that they have worked well for us. As we use both conventional and alternative methods of treatment, PAC would not be classified as exclusively “holistic,” though many of our therapies are holistic in nature. Our aim is to treat the whole patient with an immune enhancing approach to heal the patient from the inside out, as opposed to relying solely on pharmaceuticals for symptomatic relief. However, as with any form of medical therapy, conventional or alternative, there is no stated or implied guarantee of success.
Healing from Within
(updated May 2011)
It has been my experience that improving a patient's immune system frequently enables that patient to recover from physical diseases. Variables that can affect treatment outcome are duration of illness, patient's age and genetic make-up, nature of the illness, etc. While specific drug therapy may also be necessary, treatment methods that help the patient's own immune system recognize and respond to the illness seem to be the most effective.
The treatment methods that have been the most beneficial for our patients over the past few years include:
- Immune modulation
- VOM spinal adjustments
- Low level laser therapy (also known as cold laser therapy)
- LED light-point acupuncture
Each method promotes healing from within, though they do it in different ways.
Immune modulating therapy, when successful, signals the immune system to "kick in" and respond to the specific disease process affecting the patient. We endeavor to accomplish this at PAC by using a variety of agents and protocols from complexed antioxident, amino acid, and fatty acid formulations to patient specific immunotherapy and homeopathics. Lately (2011) we have had some real breakthroughs in treating allergies, allergic dermatitis, and certain autoimmune diseases using a proprietary combination of immune modulating techniques.
VOM (Veterinary Orthopedic Manipulation) is a non-painful, harmless, instrument-based technique of adjusting the spine. VOM effectively puts the body back into communication with itself, while reducing pain and muscle spasms that hold the injury in place. Combining VOM with Erchonia cold laser therapy, and LED light-point acupuncture into a treatment modality unique to PAC (PAC Back and Spine Protocol™) has produced results that amaze even us. We have helped many acutely paralyzed and partially paralyzed dogs walk, run, and play again using these non-invasive, painless techniques. We have also helped many cats with moderate to severe back pain (feline hyperesthesia) fully recover.
This PAC Back and Spine Protocol™ also increases blood flow and improves nerve condition to all parts of the body. Consequently, this form of therapy can also benefit such diverse conditions as liver or kidney disease, megaesophegus (ballooning esophegus) in dogs, and megacolon (ballooning colon) in cats. The last two have responded very will to our combination of VOM cold laser, and LED acupuncture which gives us insight into the real cause behind these maladies.
The Erchonia cold laser, utilized in our back and spine protocol, has many other usesas well. It has thousands of available frequencies allowing it to be programmed for specific tissues and disease conditions. This focused pure-red light energy increases the chemical energy production of each individual cell, enhancing each ones ability to repair and maintain itself, which in turn promotes a healing response in the tissues, organd, and ultimately in the whole body.
Our greatest gains in patient care in thirty years of practice have come in the last several years by using the above mentioned techniques and methods. These methods benefit the entire patient - cells, tissues, muscles, organs, joints, spine, and nerves. Most patients benefit markedly when these areas are improved.
Note: The preceding article represents Dr. Ward's personal opinion based on his research of the medical literature and his clinical experience. As with any conventional or alternative medical therapy, there is no stated or implied guarantee of success with any of our treatment protocols. We do not advocate these methods as a cure or treatment for cancer. By law, we are prohibited from consulting with the owners of pets we have not personally examined. Your understanding in this matter is appreciated.
Brief Descriptions of PAC Alternative Therapies
Allergies
 The Plano Animal Clinic (PAC) allergy protocol was developed at PAC
 by Dr. Alan Ward (winter/spring 2011) and has shown great promise in
treating allergic skin disorders.
Allergy symptoms include itching, scratching, face rubbing, foot licking,
etc..
Conventional therapy frequently relies on steroids (cortisone) to suppress
the symptoms. While often initially successful, the effectiveness of
steroids decreases over time and may produce undesirable side effects.
These side effects may include frequent urination, increased water
consumption, increased appetite, and increased risk of infection.
The PAC allergy protocol uses the patients own DNA to produce a
patient-specific therapy that modulates, rather than suppresses, the
immune system. When successful, the patients itchiness and
accompanying symptoms are significantly reduced. Additionally, the
patients tend to be less reactive to allergens and more resistant to
infections.
Approximately 80% of patients treated with the PAC allergy protocol
have responded favorably, though individual patient response may vary.
Note: Many pets with allergies also have secondary infections that require treatment. As with any allergy control method, treatment with the PAC protocol is ongoing. Allergies are managed rather than cured. Other sources of itchiness include flea infestations and food sensitivities, and these must also be addressed.
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Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) High Dose Infusion
Technique involves giving very high doses of vitamin C intravenously through
an indwelling catheter over a 24 - 72 hour period.
Requires hospitalization.
Very effective as an aid in treating acute poisoning, life-threatening sepsis
and acute viral infections.
Acts as a broad spectrum antitoxin, antibacterial and antiviral.
“Vitamin C is arguably the most important therapy that most
infected patients should receive, regardless of the diagnosis
and whether other therapies and medications have already
been started.”
Thomas Levy, M.D., JD
Vitamin C, Infectious Diseases, and Toxins
2002
“Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) is the safest and most valuable
substance available to the physician.”
Frederick Klenner, M.D.
1974
At PAC, our first step in treating most acutely ill patients is the
installation of an I.V. catheter and the initiation of a high dose
vitamin C infusion along with intravenous fluids.
Patient response is often dramatic though individual response may vary.
In our hands, this technique has been life-saving for many acutely
ill patients.
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Antiviral Therapy
The PAC antiviral protocol, developed by Dr. Alan Ward, utilizes immune
modulating techniques to treat a variety of viral diseases.
Dogs
Distemper
Parvovirus
Kennel Cough
Influenza - like illness
Hepatitis |
Cats
Rhinotracheitis
Calicivirus
Panleukopenia
FELV/FIV
FIP (dry form) |
Ferrets
Distemper |
Ultra low-dose interferon plays an integral role in the PAC treatment
protocol. A study by Weiss, Cummins, and Richards regarding the use
of low dose interferon to treat feline leukemia virus (JAVMA,
November 15, 1991) provided the foundation for the antiviral protocol used
at PAC.
Our overall success rate for treating viral disease has been very good,
though individual response may vary.
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“Painless” Vaccinations
Origin of technique unknown
Significantly reduces tissue reaction and soreness following vaccination
Uses cold laser (LED) at vaccination site following injection
No additional cost to owner
Results: Puppies, kittens, dogs, and cats rarely experience body aches
and pain following vaccinations when cold laser is used. Very positive
owner feedback.
Happier pets.
NOTE: Does not prevent anaphylactic reactions from occurring, though
these are rare.
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“Painless” Injections
See “painless” vaccinations
Origin of technique unknown
Results: Significant pain reduction after deep
injections, etc. Positive owner feedback.
Happier pets.
No additional cost to owner
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VOM Spinal Adjustment / Cold Laser Acupuncture
Protocol developed all or in part by Dr. Bill Inman
Marvelous method of treating wide variety of musculoskeletal injuries and
related conditions.
Whole body therapy
Painless, safe, non-invasive
Great for older pets with chronic aches and pains
Significantly less expensive than surgery
Safe as adjunctive therapy for heart patients, kidney patients, etc.
Good for young and old alike
NOTE: Surgical intervention by qualified veterinary surgeon is standard of
care for acute paralysis and other serious musculoskeletal injuries. VOM
spinal adjustment / cold laser acupuncture is alternative if surgery not
possible for owner due to age
of patient, expense of surgery, availability, etc.
Overall success rate high, though individual patient outcome may vary
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Heartworm Disease
Protocol developed all or in part by Dr. Alan Ward
Painless, low risk, low cost alternative to conventional heartworm treatment
Approximately 1/3 the cost of conventional therapy
No arsenic derivatives or toxic drugs used
No painful back injections. In fact, no injections at all.
Heartworms die gradually, minimizing cardiovascular stress on patient
NOTE: Dogs will test negative on direct test shortly after beginning therapy.
The antigen test will take longer to test negative than will conventional
therapy because the adult heartworms die more gradually. However, the
more gradual death of the heartworm adds to the safety of the PAC
alternative heartworm protocol.
Overall success rate very high, though individual patient outcome may vary
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Glaucoma
Protocol developed all or in part by Dr. Alan Ward
Nutrient based approach that lowers eye pressure naturally
Success of therapy determined by subsequent eye pressure measurement
using Tonovet digital tonometer and patient response (reduced pain and
lowered pressure)
NOTE: Standard of care for patients with visibly swollen eyes or markedly
elevated
pressures are examination and treatment by veterinary
ophthalmologist, often with surgery to follow. Untreated glaucoma causes
pain and blindness. Treating glaucoma
can reduce or eliminate the pain
and reduce the rate of blindness. PAC alternative therapy may be
considered when exam and surgical intervention by veterinary
ophthalmologist not possible due to availability, expense, lack of
access, etc.
Overall success rate good, though individual patient outcome may vary
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High Triglycerides / Cholesterol (Hyperlipemia, Hyperlipidemia)
Protocol developed all or in part by Dr. Alan Ward
High blood fats (triglycerides / cholesterol) most common in Miniature
Schnauzers, though any breed may be affected
Symptoms may include seizures, pancreatitis, abdominal pain, lethargy,
vomiting, etc.
PAC alternative therapy uses certain nutrients, nutraceuticals, and diet
modification. Has been consistently effective in lowering blood fats into
normal or near normal range.
Symptoms generally significantly reduced or eliminated
Overall success rate high, though individual patient outcome may vary
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Feline Mouth and Gum Disease (Stomatitis, Periodontitis, Gingivitis)
Protocol developed all or in part by Dr. Alan Ward
Moderate to severe pain caused from inflammation of the gum and inside
surface of mouth and throat
Common symptoms: bad breath, salivation, difficulty chewing, or
declining health.
PAC protocol: low risk, relatively easy to administer, and generally low cost,
though
may vary with patient
Significant improvements in most cases. Activity and attitude often noticeably
improved
and bad breath diminished.
Overall success rate high, though individual patient outcome may vary
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Feline Bladder Disease (Interstitial Cystitis, FUS, FLUTD, etc.)
Protocol developed all or in part by Dr. Alan Ward
Painful condition of bladder afflicting many cats with discomfort, urinary
urgency, and
inappropriate urination
Frustrating condition affecting many cat owners, resulting in soiled carpets
and furniture, smelly house, and expensive replacements
Problem attacked from different angles simultaneously with PAC alternative
therapy
Safe for patient
Relatively easy to administer
Moderate expense (cheap, though, compared to replacing carpets,
rugs, furniture, wood floors, etc.)
NOTE: Feline bladder disease is a complex problem with no simple
solutions. Not every case is resolvable.
Overall success rate good, though individual patient outcome may vary
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Feline Sinusitis (Chronic Sinus Infection)
Protocol developed all or in part by Dr. Alan Ward
Treatment similar to that of feline mouth and gum disease (stomatitis,
gingivitis, periodontitis)
Generally effective, low risk, relatively low cost
Overall success rate good, though individual patient outcome may vary
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Feline Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
PAC alternative therapy and conventional therapy
Anti-inflammatories, antioxidants, enzymes, etc. used initially. Attempt
made to wean off anti-inflammatories.
Condition manageable
Moderate success in weaning off pharmaceuticals
Overall success rate good, though individual patient outcome may vary
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Feline Asthma
PAC alternative therapy and conventional therapy
Treatment similar to that used for other inflammatory conditions
Condition manageable
Overall success rate good, though individual patient outcome may vary
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Cancer
At this time, conventional therapy recommended through veterinary oncologist
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