Why does “traditional” medicine (i.e., the medicine most doctors practice), work well in one but not so well in the other?

This was the question that puzzled me after graduating in 1981 from the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary School, as my practice grew and the number of my patients multiplied.I came to realize that more and more of my patients were not getting better, (and some were getting worse!), despite all the training, all the “new” wonder drugs that were coming out and all the seminars I attended etc. My schooling had prepared me for all sorts of emergencies, surgeries, acute illnesses etc, but bottom line, when it came to chronic diseases, all we really had was: 1. Antibiotics, 2. Steroids, and 3. Chemotherapy.

Now we all know (even us doctors) that chronic use of antibiotics, steroids and chemotherapy is inherently not good for the body.BUT, lacking any “real” way to treat chronic diseases at their source, that’s’ basically all we have!Yet we continue to feed poor quality foods, continue vaccinating (even chronically ill and cancer animals!!!), and keep throwing variations of the same 3 classes of drugs at our pets in hopes that “something” will work!

Now, don’t get me wrong.I still DO use antibiotics, steroids and chemotherapy.They are wonderful and even life saving drugs when used properly.I have saved many a pet with them.However, when my patient is still having problems month after month and year after year, there comes a point when we all have to recognize that “hey, maybe drugs aren’t the way to go anymore!”

This realization launched my career in alternative medicine.And, to be clear, these treatments don’t work in all pets either.But, a SIGNIFICANT number of pets not only respond, but also often are able to get better! And many can eliminate their drug dependency altogether!Chiropractic, acupuncture, homeopathy, herbs and laser therapy to name a few, are therapies that can often replace drugs and relieve pain and illness.

This is the mission of Newkirk Family Veterinarians: to be more than “just another” veterinary hospital.To show you that there IS hope for pets that are chronically ill, or suffer with allergies, or are always sore or lame.Please explore our websites and feel free to ask questions. With the Alternative Care Center, the Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy Center, The Cat House (a place for cats only!), and of course the hospitals for traditional medicine and surgery, these are some of the most unique places for pets in Southern New Jersey!

Visit us on the web at www.newkirkfamilyveterinarians.com or at www.alternativevet.com , or stop by and say hello to us at one of our 3 locations:

Margate 609 823 3031 | EggHarbor Twp 609 645 2120 | Mays Landing 609 625 9700

We are your 2nd opinion doctors!

Dr Mark Newkirk, dedicated to the pets of South Jersey for over a quarter century.

Also located at the EHT center is ...

The Cat House

Dr Newkirk’s’ dream of having a CATS ONLY pet hospital! No wet cold doggy noses scaring your kitty!With oriental rugs, no cold stainless steel tables and comfortable cozy exam rooms, this clinic offers true CATS ONLY care. Featuring “Kitty Condo” boarding, we take special care of all kitties!Call 813 CATS

With the recent pet food recall scare, Newkirk Family Veterinarians was way ahead of the curve. We have been a long advocate of diets without preservatives, fillers, by products, high grains (which makes the food CHEAP) and we stock and recommend several high quality pet diets, including raw prepared food..........which carnivores should be eating!For more information, visit www.alternativevet.com  for a discussion of pet foods and names of foods that the doctors recommend. You’ll be surprised at what you read!