Ask a Vet Q&A 7-31-26

Ask a Vet Q&A 7-31-26

by | HA! Cancer, HA! Digestion, HA! FAQ, HA! Videos

This month’s Ask A Vet Q&A with Dr. Christina and Dr. Jeff Feinman focused on helping pet parents make more confident, holistic medical decisions for pets facing complex health conditions. Through real member case discussions, the doctors explored chronic gastrointestinal disease, dysbiosis, inflammatory conditions, biopsies, anesthesia, mobility concerns, homeopathy, and the importance of treating the whole patient rather than isolated symptoms. The session emphasized thoughtful decision-making, individualized care, and addressing the underlying causes of disease whenever possible.

Click Here to listen to the audio

 Key Takeaways

Look Beyond the Diagnosis

Labels such as colitis, dysbiosis, arthritis, or gastritis are starting points—not final answers. Understanding the underlying imbalance is essential for creating an effective long-term treatment plan.

Treat the Whole Animal

Holistic medicine considers physical symptoms alongside the pet’s history, environment, immune system, emotional well-being, and overall vitality instead of focusing on a single disease.

Carefully Evaluate Invasive Procedures

Biopsies, surgery, and anesthesia each have benefits and risks. Decisions should consider the pet’s age, quality of life, overall health status, and whether the results will meaningfully change treatment.

Gut Health Impacts the Entire Body

Chronic digestive problems can influence inflammation, immune function, energy levels, and many seemingly unrelated health concerns. Supporting gastrointestinal health is often a foundational part of healing.

Individualized Treatment Matters

Every pet responds differently. Homeopathy, nutrition, rehabilitation, conventional medicine, and other therapies should be tailored to the individual rather than applied as one-size-fits-all solutions.

Partnership Creates Better Outcomes

Successful holistic care comes from ongoing communication between pet parents and experienced veterinary professionals, allowing treatment plans to evolve as the pet changes.

Main Topics Covered

  • Chronic gastrointestinal disease, colitis, and dysbiosis
  • Inflammation, immune dysfunction, and systemic health
  • Evaluating biopsies, surgery, and anesthesia risks
  • Growths, masses, and cancer-related decision making
  • Homeopathy and individualized holistic treatment
  • Mobility, arthritis, and quality-of-life considerations
  • Holistic medical decision-making for complex cases

Key Timestamps

02:00 – Severe Colitis Case

04:50 – Virtual Homeopathy Guidance

13:03 – Growths, Lipomas & Biopsies

15:26 – Surgery & Anesthesia Risks

20:01 – Urinary Obstruction Discussion

36:01 – Homeopathic Treatment Approaches

41:30 – Mobility & Quality of Life

47:48 – Cancer & Whole-Body Healing

52:35 – Osteopathy & Rehabilitation Case

57:20 – Integrating Holistic Care

Next Steps for Attendees

Immediate Actions

  • Track your pet’s symptoms, energy, appetite, stool quality, and overall behavior.
  • Review any upcoming procedures with your veterinarian and understand the purpose and expected outcomes.
  • Consider your pet’s overall quality of life when making treatment decisions.

Further Learning

  • Continue learning about gut health and the connection between the microbiome and whole-body wellness.
  • Explore holistic treatment options that complement conventional veterinary care.
  • Participate in future Ask A Vet sessions to deepen your understanding of individualized care.

Special Considerations

  • Remember that every pet’s case is unique, and treatment decisions should always be personalized.
  • Seek guidance before making major changes to medications or treatment plans.
  • Focus on long-term healing rather than only managing symptoms.

Contact Information

Presenters:
Dr. Christina Chambreau, DVM
Dr. Jeff Feinman, CVH

Learn more, ask questions, and join future live discussions through Holistic Actions! Academy:

https://www.holisticactions.com/membership

    Embrace a whole-istic mindset based on vitality, balance, and your pet’s individuality

    Would You Like to Join Our Next Public Q&A Webinar?

    We hold them every LAST Friday of the month.
    Sign up below to get notified about the next session.

    Dr. Christina

    Christina Chambreau, DVM, is an internationally known homeopathic veterinarian and associate editor of the Integrative Veterinary Care Journal, she’s written several books on animal healthcare.

    After opening her own homeopathy veterinary practice in 1983, she founded the Academy Of Veterinary Homeopathy and was on the faculty of the National Center for Homeopathy Summer School for ten years.

    Dr. Christina is also an integrative medicine adjunct faculty liaison for the Maryland Veterinary Technician Program and lectures on a wide array of topics including integrating holistic options into veterinary practices, as well as guidance on how to choose the best approaches to heal animals and sustainability.

    Dr. Jeff

    Jeffrey Feinman, BA, VMD, CVH, graduated in 1985 from the University of Pennsylvania and was Penn’s first veterinary dual-degree University Scholar, holding both molecular biology and veterinary degrees. He is the founder of HolisticActions.com and dedicated to pet parent empowerment.

    Dr. Jeff is devoted to researching about how to harness the innate power of the individual using Vitality and Balance. He and his wonderful wife Amy live with Archie, a rescue pup, and a Rex cat named Tigger.

    Ask a Vet Q&A 7-31-26

    Ask A Vet – Live Q&A 06/26/26

    by | HA! Allergies, HA! Emergencies, HA! FAQ, HA! Fleas, HA! Heart, HA! Skin, HA! Videos

    Have you ever left the vet with more questions than answers? Whether your pet has stopped eating, developed a chronic cough, or keeps experiencing the same health issues, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

    In this month’s Ask A Vet Q&A, Dr. Jeff Feinman and Dr. Christina Chambreau explore real pet health cases submitted by pet parents and share a holistic perspective on healing. Rather than focusing solely on symptoms, they discuss how to identify underlying imbalances, build a trusted holistic healthcare team, and make more confident decisions for your pet’s long-term wellness.

    Click Here to listen to the audio
    Click Here to download the chat

     

    Key Takeaways

    • Build a Holistic Team: Use holisticactions.com/select to find a holistic vet team. This proactive step prevents expensive, crisis-driven conventional care, which is best for emergencies, not chronic issues.
    • Address Root Cause, Not Symptoms: Symptoms (e.g., struvite crystals, enlarged heart) are signs of an underlying energetic imbalance. True healing requires rebalancing the whole animal, not just suppressing symptoms with drugs or prescription diets.
    • Shift Mindset to “Happiness Protocol”: Focus on the animal’s joy and positive behaviors. This mindset shift is a powerful healing tool, demonstrated by a cat whose blood count normalized after two weeks of focused love, with no meds.
    • Utilize Holistic Actions Resources: Members have access to a forum for personalized advice, a resource library (e.g., Fleas Be Gone book), and SAGE AI for instant, resource-linked answers.

    Topics

    Foundational Philosophy: Rebalancing the Energy Field

    • The core principle is that symptoms stem from an underlying energetic imbalance, not isolated problems.
    • True healing involves rebalancing this energy field, which resolves symptoms and builds resilience.
    • Happiness Protocol: A key tool for rebalancing.
      • Shift focus from worry to joy and positive behaviors.
      • Mentally “box” worries for a daily review, allowing for a positive presence with the animal the rest of the time.

    Case Studies: Applying the Philosophy

    • Colleen’s Klee Kai (Post-Illness Anorexia):
      • Problem: After an illness and $800 in diagnostics, the dog refuses commercial food.
      • Solution: Offer fresh “people food” to encourage eating. For short-term illness (1-4 weeks), nutritional balance is secondary to caloric intake.
    • Jean’s Senior Shih Tzu (Mouth & Digestive Issues):
      • Problem: Multiple age-related issues.
      • Solution: As a member, post in the forum for a comprehensive plan. Use the Healthy Dog Journal to track symptoms and the effects of supplements, avoiding unnecessary ones.
    • Galeandra’s Pomeranian (Enlarged Heart & Cough):
      • Problem: Coughing with an enlarged heart diagnosis; vet recommends medication.
      • Solution: The cough may not be heart-related. Track BEAM symptoms (Behavior, Energy, Appetite, Mood) to assess overall quality of life. A holistic vet can explore alternatives to medication.
    • Jacquie’s Brussels Griffon (Pre-Dental Surgery Support):
      • Problem: Tooth extraction scheduled.
      • Solution: Focus on the owner’s mindset (reduce anxiety). Use homeopathic Arnica and Hypericum post-surgery for pain. Accept prescribed pain meds to maintain vet trust, but use them only if needed.
    • Susan’s Border Collie Mix (Struvite Crystals):
      • Problem: Vet recommends a lifelong prescription diet after a UTI and struvite crystals.
      • Solution: The diet is a symptom-management tool. A fresh food diet and holistic care can rebalance the system to prevent crystal formation. Tinkle Tonic is a useful herbal remedy for bladder issues.
    • Rebecca’s Dog (Flea & Tick Infestation):
      • Problem: Heavy infestation after a trip.
      • Solution: As a member, use the forum and SAGE AI. Check “flea dirt” by wetting it (turns red from digested blood). A fresh food diet builds resilience against tick-borne diseases.

    Proactive Wellness & Training

    • Vet Visit Training: Train animals to be comfortable with vet visits to reduce stress and the need for sedatives like Gabapentin.
      • Method: Gradual desensitization with treats (carrier → car → vet parking lot → reception).
      • Alternative: Use familiar blankets or calming scents (catnip, silver vine) on the exam table.
    • Book Recommendation: Ask the Dog by Steve Dale.
      • Purpose: A children’s book teaching how to read dog body language to prevent bites.
      • Significance: Addresses a major public health issue (12,000 bites/day in the US) and promotes responsible pet interaction.

    Next Steps

    • All Participants:
      • Visit holisticactions.com/select to begin building a holistic healthcare team.
    • Non-Members:
      • Consider the VIP membership offer (expires June 28) for a $100 discount and access to SAGE AI.
      • Read The Path to Pet Wellness by Dr. Jeff Feinman.
    • Members:
      • Post specific questions in the forum for detailed, personalized advice.
      • Use SAGE AI for instant answers and resource links.
      • Download the Healthy Dog Journal to track symptoms and progress.
      • Review the Fleas Be Gone book and other resources in the library.

      Embrace a whole-istic mindset based on vitality, balance, and your pet’s individuality

      Would You Like to Join Our Next Public Q&A Webinar?

      We hold them every LAST Friday of the month.
      Sign up below to get notified about the next session.

      Dr. Christina

      Christina Chambreau, DVM, is an internationally known homeopathic veterinarian and associate editor of the Integrative Veterinary Care Journal, she’s written several books on animal healthcare.

      After opening her own homeopathy veterinary practice in 1983, she founded the Academy Of Veterinary Homeopathy and was on the faculty of the National Center for Homeopathy Summer School for ten years.

      Dr. Christina is also an integrative medicine adjunct faculty liaison for the Maryland Veterinary Technician Program and lectures on a wide array of topics including integrating holistic options into veterinary practices, as well as guidance on how to choose the best approaches to heal animals and sustainability.

      Dr. Jeff

      Jeffrey Feinman, BA, VMD, CVH, graduated in 1985 from the University of Pennsylvania and was Penn’s first veterinary dual-degree University Scholar, holding both molecular biology and veterinary degrees. He is the founder of HolisticActions.com and dedicated to pet parent empowerment.

      Dr. Jeff is devoted to researching about how to harness the innate power of the individual using Vitality and Balance. He and his wonderful wife Amy live with Archie, a rescue pup, and a Rex cat named Tigger.

      Ask a Vet Q&A 7-31-26

      Ask A Vet – Live Q&A 05/29/26

      by | HA! Alternative Therapies, HA! Cancer, HA! FAQ, HA! Homeopathy, HA! Videos

      Receiving a difficult diagnosis for your pet can feel overwhelming. Whether it’s cancer, urinary stones, kidney disease, allergies, or another chronic condition, it’s easy to feel like you’ve run out of options.

      In this month’s Ask A Vet Q&A, Dr. Christina Chambreau and Dr. Jeff Feinman answered questions from pet parents navigating some of their biggest health challenges. While the conditions varied, one powerful message emerged throughout the discussion:

      A diagnosis is not a prognosis.

      By looking beyond symptoms and supporting the whole animal, we can often uncover new possibilities for healing, resilience, and long-term wellness. Here are some of the biggest takeaways from this month’s conversation.

      Click Here to listen to the audio

      Key Takeaways

      • Prioritize Eating Over Diet: For sick pets, feed whatever they will eat to maintain strength. A month of non-prescription food will not cause immediate, irreversible harm like stone recurrence.
      • Treat the Whole Animal: Symptoms (e.g., epulis, allergies) are clues to an underlying energetic imbalance, not isolated problems. A holistic vet (homeopathic, Chinese medicine) treats the root cause to prevent recurrence.
      • Build a Holistic Health Team: Proactively assemble a team (virtual homeopath, local chiropractor) using the holisticactions.com/select guide. This ensures expert support is ready when needed.
      • Use Holistic Actions Resources: Members should use the forum for ongoing guidance and SAGE (VIP AI concierge) for quick answers. The free 101 course is the best starting point for non-members.

      Topics

      Urgent Care & Dietary Choices

      • Pomeranian with Oxalate Stones: A 9-year-old Pomeranian refused prescription urinary food post-surgery.
        • Recommendation: Feed whatever the dog will eat (e.g., beef, chicken) for ~1 month to restore strength.
        • Rationale: The risk of immediate stone recurrence is low, and the priority is nutrition for recovery.
        • Long-term: Address the root energetic imbalance with a homeopathic or Chinese medicine vet to prevent future stones.
      • Pancreatic Tumor (Sam’s Dog): A dog recovered quickly from a suspected bleeding pancreatic tumor.
        • Recommendation: Continue fresh food and immune support (e.g., turkey tail mushrooms).
        • Considerations:
          • The quick recovery suggests the bleed clotted, a common pattern for hemangiosarcoma.
          • A second opinion from a homeopath or Chinese medicine vet is recommended if the current vet is not providing a full homeopathic case analysis.
          • Research the Bengston Method (“The Energy Cure”) for tumor healing.
      • Pancreatitis Flare-up (Sharon’s Cat): A 13-year-old cat had a pancreatitis flare-up from stress.
        • Recommendation: Rejoin Holistic Actions to use the forum for ongoing guidance.
        • Rationale: The cat’s quick recovery is a positive sign. The goal is to rebalance the vital force to reduce stress susceptibility, not just manage symptoms.
      • Vaccine Concerns:
        • Recommendation: The best “vaccine detox” is building overall health via fresh food, exercise, and a happy environment.
        • Rabies: Stay current on rabies per local law to avoid legal issues (e.g., mandatory quarantine).
        • Other Vaccines: Leukemia and pneumonia vaccines are generally not recommended.

      Chronic Conditions & Holistic Framework

      • Anaplasmosis Antibodies (Ava’s Dog): A 4-year-old dog tested positive for Anaplasmosis antibodies after a single day of not eating.
        • Recommendation: Do not use doxycycline. The positive test only indicates past exposure and antibody production, not active disease.
        • Action: Post in the HA forum for ongoing guidance.
      • Epulis (Maria’s Dog): A 5-year-old Australian Shepherd has an epulis (benign gum growth).
        • Recommendation: No surgery is needed if the epulis is not interfering with eating.
        • Rationale: The epulis is a clue to an underlying energetic imbalance. The dog’s inability to eat raw meat without diarrhea confirms a gut issue that needs addressing.
        • Action: Use finger-scrubbing for dental hygiene and find a homeopathic vet (e.g., via the International Veterinary Homeopathy Association).
      • Brain Tumor & Kidney Disease (Kathryn’s Cat): A cat with a suspected brain tumor and kidney issues is on a single homeopathic remedy (Phosphorus).
        • Recommendation: Seek a second opinion from a different homeopathic vet.
        • Rationale: A single remedy based on a superficial characteristic (“orange cat”) is insufficient for a complex case. A full case analysis is required.
      • Allergies (Red Eyes & Scratching):
        • Recommendation: The fresh food diet is a great start. Experiment with protein variety and add pureed vegetables.
        • Action: Keep a detailed journal to track triggers. Consider gut support (e.g., Adored Beast probiotics) and energy healing.

      General Holistic Advice

      • Giardia:
        • Recommendation: Do not treat Giardia if the pet is asymptomatic.
        • Rationale: Giardia is often a normal gut flora. Most in-house tests show antibodies (past exposure), not an active infection. A quantitative lab test is needed to confirm a significant parasite load.
      • Worms:
        • Recommendation: Get a stool sample tested to identify the worm type before treating.
        • Rationale: Different worms require different treatments. Roundworm medications (e.g., Pyrantel, Panacur) are generally safe and effective.
      • Dental Health:
        • Recommendation: Use finger-scrubbing for daily dental hygiene.
        • Rationale: This is often as effective as brushing and can be easier to implement. Dental tartar is a sign of an energetic imbalance.
      • Feeding Bowls:
        • Recommendation: Feed pets on flat surfaces, not in bowls.
        • Rationale: Bowls can cause whisker fatigue and are an unnatural way for pets to eat.

      Next Steps

      • Amy:
        • Feed whatever the Pomeranian will eat for ~1 month.
        • Join Holistic Actions (holisticactions.com) and post in the forum.
        • Take the free 101 course.
        • Find a homeopathic or Chinese medicine vet using the holisticactions.com/select guide.
      • Ava:
        • Post in the HA forum for ongoing guidance on the Anaplasmosis antibody test.
        • Find a holistic vet using the holisticactions.com/select guide.
      • Carolyn:
        • Post in the HA forum for guidance on gallbladder sludge.
        • Connect with Evie in San Francisco via the forum.
      • Kathryn:
        • Find a different homeopathic vet for a second opinion using the holisticactions.com/select guide.
      • Maria:
        • Continue finger-scrubbing for dental hygiene.
        • Find a homeopathic vet via the International Veterinary Homeopathy Association.
        • Consider joining Holistic Actions to use the forum.
      • Sam:
        • Continue fresh food and immune support (e.g., turkey tail mushrooms).
        • Consult with Dr. Harmon about a homeopathic treatment plan.
        • Consider a second ultrasound to better define the tumor.
        • Research the Bengston Method (“The Energy Cure”).
      • Sharon:
        • Rejoin Holistic Actions (holisticactions.com) and post in the forum for guidance on the cat’s pancreatitis.
        • Review lesson two of the 101 course on food.
      • All Participants:
        • Save the chat for links and notes.
        • Take the free 101 course (holisticactions.com/101).
        • Build a holistic healthcare team using the holisticactions.com/select guide.
        • Keep a detailed health journal for your pet.

      Embrace a whole-istic mindset based on vitality, balance, and your pet’s individuality

      Would You Like to Join Our Next Public Q&A Webinar?

      We hold them every LAST Friday of the month.
      Sign up below to get notified about the next session.

      Dr. Christina

      Christina Chambreau, DVM, is an internationally known homeopathic veterinarian and associate editor of the Integrative Veterinary Care Journal, she’s written several books on animal healthcare.

      After opening her own homeopathy veterinary practice in 1983, she founded the Academy Of Veterinary Homeopathy and was on the faculty of the National Center for Homeopathy Summer School for ten years.

      Dr. Christina is also an integrative medicine adjunct faculty liaison for the Maryland Veterinary Technician Program and lectures on a wide array of topics including integrating holistic options into veterinary practices, as well as guidance on how to choose the best approaches to heal animals and sustainability.

      Dr. Jeff

      Jeffrey Feinman, BA, VMD, CVH, graduated in 1985 from the University of Pennsylvania and was Penn’s first veterinary dual-degree University Scholar, holding both molecular biology and veterinary degrees. He is the founder of HolisticActions.com and dedicated to pet parent empowerment.

      Dr. Jeff is devoted to researching about how to harness the innate power of the individual using Vitality and Balance. He and his wonderful wife Amy live with Archie, a rescue pup, and a Rex cat named Tigger.