Cardiovascular issues — Holistic Vet Care

What we treat > Cardiovascular issues

Holistic Treatment for Cardiovascular Health

Cardiovascular conditions can be worrying for pet owners, as they can significantly affect quality of life and, in some cases, be life-threatening. At Holistic Vet Care, our fully qualified vets are here to support both you and your pet, guiding you every step of the way. Through gentle, whole-body therapies and personalised care, we aim to help maintain heart health and improve your pet’s overall wellbeing.

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch to discuss whether holistic support may be appropriate for your pet.

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    Why your pet’s cardiovascular health matters

    Your pet’s cardiovascular system, made up of the heart and blood vessels, plays a vital role in overall health. It delivers oxygen and nutrients to every cell in the body, supporting healthy organ function and helping your pet maintain energy and stamina.

    When circulation is poor, pets may tire easily, develop breathing difficulties, experience episodes of collapse (syncope) etc. Heart disease can also negatively impact organs such as the lungs, brain, and kidneys. If left unmanaged, cardiovascular disease can become serious and potentially life-threatening.

    What we treat:

    Please be advised that this list is not exhaustive. If your pet’s ailment has not been listed, it is still likely that we can help. Please do not hesitate to reach out!

    Conditions that affect the structure or function of the heart, making it harder to pump blood efficiently around the body. This can lead to fatigue, breathing difficulties, coughing, or exercise intolerance.

    Conditions that affect the blood, including its ability to carry oxygen, clot properly, or flow normally through the body. These problems can lead to reduced energy levels and place extra strain on the heart and other organs.

    Sudden disruptions to blood flow in the brain or spinal cord, which can cause rapid changes in movement, balance, or behaviour. These events can be frightening to witness and require prompt veterinary care.

    How we support your pet’s cardiovascular health

    Please be advised that conventional treatment is provided by your regular veterinarian, as we do not offer surgical or conventional medical interventions at Holistic Vet Care.

    Traditional Chinese Medicine

    Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a gentle, holistic approach to supporting pets with cardiovascular issues. By combining carefully selected Chinese herbal remedies with acupuncture, these therapies aim to support overall heart health, help manage associated clinical signs (e.g. coughing or breathing difficulties), and promote comfort and wellbeing.

    TCM is highly individualised, allowing our qualified vets to create personalised herbal and acupuncture plans tailored to your pet’s unique needs. When used alongside conventional care, these therapies can help optimise overall health while minimising potential side effects from medications, making it a safe and supportive option for your pet.

    Food therapy

    Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food.

    — Hippocrates

    With Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), we believe that food is one of the most powerful tools for supporting your pet’s overall health. An appropriate diet is fundamental to effective treatment.

    Processed foods, such as kibble, may contribute to inflammation and worsen symptoms. With food therapy for cardiovascular issues, we aim to support energetic balance, nourish the heart, and help maintain healthy fluid balance.

    By understanding how different foods affect your pet’s body, our fully qualified vets can create a personalised dietary plan tailored to their unique needs. This helps your pet feel comfortable, energetic, and well-nourished.

    Claiming insurance

    Many pet insurance providers now offer cover for complementary and holistic therapies, including herbal medicine, acupuncture, and laser therapy. However, we recommend checking what is included in your plan as cover varies between policies. Please bear in mind that all consultations, treatments, and herbal prescriptions must be paid for at the time. We will then help you claim back from your insurer.

    Frequently asked questions

    Must I leave my current vets to seek treatment at Holistic Vet Care?

    No – we work alongside your conventional vet. We don’t replace conventional or emergency treatment. Our aim is to support your pet’s whole body and to help you feel informed, supported, and confident in their care.

    Many complementary therapies are used alongside conventional treatments to improve patient welfare and can help improve prognosis. While adverse herbal-drug interactions (HDIs) can occur, they are uncommon when therapies are prescribed appropriately and monitored carefully.

    When interactions do occur, the most common scenario is the herb enhancing the effect of the drug – which may allow conventional treatment plans to be adjusted by the prescribing vet.

    We always encourage open communication between you, your primary vet, and our team to ensure your pet receives safe, balanced, and well-coordinated care.

    Please don’t hesitate to get in touch to discuss whether holistic support may be appropriate for your pet.

    Can I fully replace conventional treatment with holistic treatment?

    No, holistic treatment should not replace conventional diagnosis or medical care.

    At Holistic Vet Care, we work alongside your regular veterinarian. Conventional treatment is essential for diagnosing the condition, assessing severity, and managing emergencies or complications. Our role is to support your pet’s comfort, overall health, resilience, recovery and long-term wellbeing.

    We always encourage open communication between you, your primary vet, and our team to ensure your pet receives safe, balanced, and well-coordinated care.

    Do I need a referral from my vets?

    Yes – your primary vet signs the “Vet Care Agreement” and sends your pet’s history to us. This ensures your pet receives safe, coordinated care before your first appointment.

    How Long Does Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Take to Show Results?

    The rate and degree of improvement depend on your pet and the severity of disease. Some animals show marked improvement in a matter of weeks, whilst others may need months. With TCM, improvement is steady and sustained, so patience is required.

    Are There Any Risks with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?

    TCM is generally safe when prescribed by a qualified person. Certain herbs may have side-effects and may have the ability to interact with conventional medications. Therefore, it is imperative that TCM is only used under professional guidance.

    Will acupuncture hurt my pet?

    It is unlikely. We find that most patients tolerate acupuncture very well, many end up falling asleep! Some points can be painful on some patients, but we take steps to minimise discomfort in these cases.

    Can holistic treatments help older pets?

    Absolutely! We see many geriatric patients, and they often demonstrate notable improvements (it may require several treatments before the benefits can be obviously appreciated). Some clients report that their older animals appear brighter, more comfortable, or more engaged again.

    How do I know which holistic treatments are suitable for my pet?

    Talk to your vet before trialling any new treatments.

    Once registered with us, you can also ask our holistic vet.

    Can I claim through my insurance?

    Most insurance companies will cover/contribute towards our services. However, we always advise checking with your insurance company regarding your individual policy.

    Get in touch

      Where are we located?

      Suite A, Blisworth Marina, Blisworth, Northampton, NN7 3FG.

      We are located just outside of Blisworth, between Northampton and Towcester. Our clinic is at the Blisworth Marina, providing a peaceful, relaxing setting, with ample parking.

      Find us on Google Maps.

      Kind words from our clients

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      mick smalley profile picture
      mick smalley
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      I took my 19 year old cat to Rinnert, who is treating her for IBD at the moment, as always I found the session very helpful and professional.
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      Claudia Crawley profile picture
      Claudia Crawley
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      The hour-long trip was well worth it. Both the diagnosis and the treatment were explained simply and clearly, and Simba was handled with such love and care that his stress level dropped noticeably. When sensitive areas were touched, he didn't lash out with the aggression he'd shown other regular vets. He even stayed quiet the whole way home. I don't know what you did to him, Catherine, but driving him back was a breeze. Thanks a million to Holistic Vet Care.
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      yvonne varley profile picture
      yvonne varley
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      Holistic all the way. kinder to our pets and they treat the cause ,Dr Rinnert and Catherine are amazing I trust them 110% brilliant
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      Karen Powell profile picture
      Karen Powell
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      I have found the service to be incredibly caring and compassionate. From Alison on reception to seeing Dr Rinnet. There is a very calming influence and our initial appointment didn't feel rushed. Dr Rinnet took time to listen and understand the complex history of my dog. He showed good knowledge and advice upon suspected diagnosis. It was very interesting to see disease from an alternative perspective (TVCM), which so much of it made sense given my dogs symptoms. Reassurance was provided that help could be given to treat my dog. I am not naive to think that all dogs can be "fixed" but for once I am truly hopeful. Living with and managing a dog with multiple allergies/intolerances to both food and the environment is challenging. But I feel hopeful that a combination of chinese herbs with acupuncture could finally work, particularly as my dog is unable to tolerate traditional western medication. I love that Dr Rinnet tries hard to fix the root cause, rather than mask symptoms. Its early days, but fingers crossed there may actually be light at the end of the tunnel. My advise would be if you are sceptical or unsure, just do it, you have nothing to lose, it may just be what your animal needs.
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      chris lad profile picture
      chris lad
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      I have been visiting Holistic Vet Care and Rinnert for many years now with numerous cats and dogs. Cases have involved brain tumours, cardiomyopathy, vestibular disease, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, arthritis and many more. Whilst we are lucky enough to have animals within our family I envisage continuing to visit Rinnert. There is always a palpable difference in the quality of life after the animals visit Rinnert. Rinnert has a tremendous knowledge and his kindness, empathy and total commitment to the animals is quite unique. We will always be forever in his debt. I cannot recommend Holistic Vet Care highly enough. THANK YOU I!!!
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      Carl Kelly profile picture
      Carl Kelly
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      Great experience glad i went should of gone couple of years ago ..8 year old epileptic dog on high meds .went yesterday for accupunture my dog has more movement more alert more cheeky today .Hopefully good sign of things to come
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      Marcin Gasztych profile picture
      Marcin Gasztych
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      I wholeheartedly recommend Holistic Vet Care. Thanks to their individual approach, acupuncture, and carefully selected herbal treatment, my dog Otis got back on his feet and is now living a normal, happy life again. The care, professionalism, and genuine compassion shown throughout his treatment have been exceptional. It's wonderful to find a place that truly looks at the whole animal, not just the symptoms. Thank you so much for everything!
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      Sohnia Freeman profile picture
      Sohnia Freeman
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      As Otis my cockapoo needs long term care with his spine, we see Rinnert on a regular basis for acupuncture. It makes a huge difference to Otis's mobility and he is able to live his life to the full without any stiffness. Rinnert is also very good at checking the overall health of Otis and picks up things straight away if he is suffering with any other ailments. I would highly recommend Rinnert to those that are looking for more holistic practices.
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      Susannah Jordan profile picture
      Susannah Jordan
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      My boy Dylan is an 11 yr old labrador that has had elbow dysphsia since the age of 2. He has had different operations and medication since then but I positively believe more in holistic therapies than drugs. He has been 3 times now for acupuncture and associated herbs and is responding positively and seems much happier in himself. I would really recommend Holistic Vet Care rather than drugs that mask pain which don't get to the source of the problem. HVC really care about the quality of life of my Dylan.