Need homeopathic-holistic vet- West Valley/Center pref. (Mesa, Scottsdale: insurance, college)

[LagunaMom]

We've got a situation with our 7-year-old Maltipoo and would prefer to get him opted-out of his rabies shot by a vet, which is permissable in Maricopa County. (His specialist in Connecticut does not want him to have it.)
Max developed diabetes a year after he had a very bad (and rare) case of Babesiosis, a tick fever that's normally in the Southeast. For most dogs, it causes minimum problems. We nearly lost ours, so there's a concern that there could be an underlying autoimmune problem or that the shot could bring one on. After he was well from the tick fever, he developed terrible skin infections from weed/grass allergies, much worse than the year before. Could be another red flag.
The specialist who cares for his diabetes isn't an holistic vet and doesn't see a problem.
Another holistic vet with whom we also consult long-distance for our other special needs pets agrees there's no reason to take a chance with him. Max rarely goes anywhere. He could be OK getting the shot, but God forbid if anything were to happen after 2 vets warned us, I'd never forgive myself.
BTW: The vets we consult with are THE tops in their field. known worldwide. The other day, one called me from his conference in Vienna.
Any recommendations for a good vet that doesn't adhere to allopathic veterinary practices entirely, but rather considers alternative medicine when needed?
Thank you.

[AZgarden]

Can't you just say "no" to the shot and be done with it? Its your dog and your choice, as I see it. I take my dogs to the clinic they hold at Petclub and Petco, so how would the vet know whether you got the shot or not? I certainly would not put my dog in danger if getting the shot could do so. His life is in your hands, not some vet who sees hundreds of animals every month. Good luck to you.

[sandy6879]

I don't know of any but to answer, I believe the problem comes if you have licensed your pet in the past and do not send in the license renewal with the rabies vax certification. OP, try calling some of the holistic health centers in the area. Chances are, if the people who work there are conscious of holistic healing they will have contacts who are veterinarians who are as well.

[LBTRS]

Have you registered the dog in Maricopa County already? The only reason you would be forced to get a rabies vaccine is if you're trying to register the dog with the county or you're trying to board the dog. Otherwise, who is going to know if it has been vaccinated? I've never had anyone check other than the county and our boarding place.

[LagunaMom]

Long story, but he's our grandpuppy. He's been registered to our son, but he's lived with us for the past 3 years and will remain so. If the paperwork is signed to say it's no longer his dog, then the county may ask for Max's whereabouts. Vets always ask when they've last had their shots and whether they're current. We may have to take him with us on vacation now (new problem: trying to find a sitter who'll take him without shots and can give him insulin), and we do stay at a campground, but it's along the beach in SoCal, and hopefully, it wouldn't be problematic. We took our greyhound there many years ago, and he came back with fleas-- something I've never seen in all my years in AZ.

The other problem with this situation is that we've had insurance with Banfield, and it's been company policy that they won't care for any animal other than in the examining room if the animal has not had shots. Clearly, with diabetes, he's always going to be under a vet's care. Of course, there's always the fear that something will happen to him without the shot.

I'm under the care of an MD (our former cardiologist) who now teaches at the American Medical College of Homeopathy. She said a homeopathic remedy might do the trick with him, but the thing with shots is that you're triggering the immune system to have a reaction. If there's an underlying autoimmune problem, it could be like throwing gas on a fire. No way to tell. However, it would be a good idea to call the college and ask if they could recommend any vets. Thanks for your help.

[Jkgourmet]

Dwight Benish, VMD, Chandler Small Animal Hospital believes in and practices standard, conventional animal medicine along with holistic methods. He's very, very good.

This prior posts discusses the same topic: https://www.city-data.com/forum/phoen...cottsdale.html

[LagunaMom]

I've read both good and very bad about him.
One does not know what to do...
Since I last posted, he broke out with bumps and open sores from weeds. Because his stomach had been upset, we'd taken away the Beta-Thym (natural cortisone) and Omega 3 oil--both used to control inflammation--for a few days in hopes of tracking down the cause of the upset. What I feared would happen, did...and it didn't take long.

[caryberry]

From our experience over the past 8 years, 7 rescue pets, and everything from diabetes to 1-in-a-bzillion afflicitions - Scottsdale Vet Clinic is the one. Scottsdale Veterinary Clinic - Grooming - Boarding - Training | Dr Langhofer - Scottsdale, AZ Arizona Good luck to you.

[need4Trees]

I absolutely know this is East Valley however I would love to suggest to you and any others who may be interested in a kind hearted , truly compassionate soul that takes the extra time and care with you and your pet, Dr Betsy King at Power Road Animal Hospital in East Mesa, Power and Baseline.
Dr King is the definition of what I consider a vet to be- truly caring about the animals and their well being first and foremost. She has never been pushy, never showing that she is just out to make money. She has always taken the time to explain things to me and answer my many inquiries. Unfortunately there are just not enough of her kind out there. So peaceful and gentle.

[Jkgourmet]

Originally Posted by need4Trees

I absolutely know this is East Valley however I would love to suggest to you and any others who may be interested in a kind hearted , truly compassionate soul that takes the extra time and care with you and your pet, Dr Betsy King at Power Road Animal Hospital in East Mesa, Power and Baseline.
Dr King is the definition of what I consider a vet to be- truly caring about the animals and their well being first and foremost. She has never been pushy, never showing that she is just out to make money. She has always taken the time to explain things to me and answer my many inquiries. Unfortunately there are just not enough of her kind out there. So peaceful and gentle.

After we left Dr. Benish, we went to several vets that we were unhappy with. Ironically, it was Dr. Landreth at Power Road Animal Hospital who changed that. She was terrific - and the entire staff there was outstanding. Probably the best overall experience I've ever had with a vet and we were sad to leave them when we moved to NC.

That said, they were NOT into holistic treatment at all, which is what the OP asked for. And if that's what you are looking for, I'd still say Benish is a very good vet (regardless of the online reviews which seem to be more concerned about his personal religious choices than his ability to practice traditional and holistic veterinary care).