Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Aka “Chronic Enteropathy”)
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) can take a real toll on your pet’s digestion, appetite, and overall well-being — we understand how worrying and exhausting that can be. At Holistic Vet Care, our fully qualified vets are here to support both you and your pet every step of the way. Our aim is to support your pet’s whole body; while helping you feel informed, supported, and confident in their care.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch to discuss whether holistic support may be appropriate for your pet.
Book your free introductory consult
Not sure if we can help? Book a free 15min introductory consult with one of our holistic vets!
It’s a chance to get to know us, ask questions, and decide if you want to use our services with zero obligation.
Introductory consults can be in person or via Teams. Terms and Conditions apply.
What is inflammatory bowel disease?
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an umbrella term used to describe chronic inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The cause is not always known, and there are likely to be multiple factors involved, such as: genetics, environment, and immunity. The various forms of IBD are categorized according to the cell types involved, and the anatomical location of inflammation.
Holistic treatment
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can be a valuable part of supporting the health and recovery of pets with IBD, alongside their conventional treatment plans.
With acupuncture and carefully selected Chinese herbal medicine, we aim to support pets with IBD in the following ways:
- Support the reduction of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
- Help alleviate abdominal pain
- Help support the reduction of gastrointestinal inflammation
- Support healthy digestive functions
- Support healthy energy levels and vitality.
- Help minimise side-effects from long-term medications, such as steroids.
Through these approaches, our qualified vets aim to support your pet throughout their treatment journey to help alleviate symptoms, improve their comfort and quality of life.
Food therapy
Please note that not all forms of IBD are responsive to dietary management as it depends on the cause. Even when a pet responds well, dietary management alone is not considered curative. Instead, the goal is to support the healing and function of the gastrointestinal system.
From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, food therapy is foundational in addressing underlying “patterns of disharmony” (the way disease presents within the individual).
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) damages the gut lining, which makes it difficult for your pet to absorb what they need from their food. Therefore, the goals of food therapy for IBD are as follows:
- Promoting normal intestinal motility – i.e. not too fast (diarrhea), and not too slow (constipation)
- Promoting a healthy gut biome
- Supporting the immune system
- Reducing inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract
- Healing damaged intestinal lining
Overall, we aim to support the body’s natural balance with tailored whole-food diets, rather than heavily processed pet foods which can contribute to inflammation.
Every pet is unique, however, and our goal is to tailor dietary recommendations to your pet’s individual TCM diagnosis, stage of disease, and overall constitution. Specific guidance can be discussed with one of our qualified vets during your consultation.
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
What are common clinical signs of IBD?
Please note that in the context of IBD, clinical signs can be persistent for long periods (chronic, >3 weeks) or may come and go (cyclic/intermittent).
- Weight loss
- Inappetence
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
How is IBD typically treated by conventional vets?
Please be advised that conventional treatment is provided by your regular vet, as we do not offer surgical or medical interventions at Holistic Vet Care.
Seeing as the clinical signs of IBD are non-specific (meaning that many different things could be the cause), your vet is likely to use a sequence of treatment trials, such as:
- Change in diet
- Antibiotics/probiotics
- Steroids (anti-inflammatory dose)
If a cause for the IBD can be identified, then treatment focuses on eradicating/controlling this cause. Unfortunately, a definitive cause is not ascertained in most cases of IBD. In these instances, the focus of treatment is to reduce the severity of clinical signs.
Please note that there can be many factors involved in the disease process of IBD, and treatment is on a case-by-case basis. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you discuss treatment options with your vet for your pet’s particular case.
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, healing, 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.
