I saw this headline earlier this week and it touched a nerve!

The Competition & Markets Authority regulator has launched a review into the veterinary sector. This is amid concerns that us pet owners may not be getting a good deal or receiving the information we need to make good choices for our pets. 

My cat has been suffering with serious behavioural changes over the past 7 months and after vet visits, blood tests, a behaviourist and hair strand testing, I was at a loss how to help her. She was anxious, depressed and had taken to hiding herself away, defecating in strange places and only coming out for food. She seemed scared and had no quality of life. I was seriously considering whether euthanasia would be the kindest option for Mo. 

My insurance company had refused to honour her claim as it was due to a pre-existing skin condition (disputed by the behaviourist). That’s a whole, other story! 

Thankfully I’m studying the microbiome as part of my Advanced Canine Nutriton course… cue lightbulb moment! Mo’s issues sounded exactly the sort of thing that could be affected by an imbalance in the gut. I sent off her fecal sample to Biome4Pets.  The results were fascinating and showed her microbiome was completely out of whack! She was to have a specific blend of prebiotics, which weren’t expensive and after 4 weeks I have got my cat back… and then some! She’s so happy, playful and part of the family again. I can’t tell you what a relief it is and how ecstatic I am, it’s been life changing. 

I see pets everyday at work who are sick. They are in a constant cycle of having their symptoms treated, gaining some short relief and so it starts again… round and round they go, constantly fire fighting. All the while they’re getting sicker and sicker and owners are getting frustrated and poorer. I believe we have a huge problem with the veterinary industry and insurance companies and our pets are suffering as a result.

Veterinary treatment is expensive and I have no issue with paying for my pets care, I think vets are amazing and worth every penny. I do, however take issue with the fact they generally treat symptoms and not the cause of your pets problem. If I hadn’t found my own solution my poor cat may possibly not be here today. 

All is not lost…there are things we can do! Thankfully we have the internet, never have we had so much information available to us, although I know this can be a blessing as well as a curse at times! There are so many amazing, talented pet professionals and services available, such as nutritionists, osteopaths, acupuncturists, faecal sample testing… the list goes on. If I wanted dietary advice or had a muscular issue, I would be seeking the help of a specialist, not my GP, the same applies for our pets. These specialists are not used instead of veterinary care but in conjunction with and offer you the option of being able to hopefully avoid unnecessary pharmaceuticals and treat the cause rather than just the symptoms. 

Please research alternatives, ask around. There are often other solutions 💚

Tina Clyde LCGI