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!