Well...you already know what I'm going to say
We had a Holistic Vet...who is also a Conventional Vet and uses both appropriately. He knows when conventional medicine is necessary, and when to use holistic methods.
Then we moved. We now have a Conventional Farm (Large Animal/Small Animal) Vet. He doesn't know much about Holistic methods but is willing to listen and learn...and work with us if we want to use some Holistic methods. Our former Vet is willing to work with our new Vet too.
It helps that our current Vet (Dr. Insley) has heard of, and admires our former Vet. Dr Carvel Tiekert is his name and he's the founder and President of the AHVMA (American Holistic Veterinary Medical Assn), and was once the President of the association ALL Vets belong to, the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Assn).
Sometimes conventional Vets don't like holistic ideas, and sometimes holistic Vets turn completely away from conventional medicine. Neither is good.
The best of all worlds is to have ONE Vet who believes in and practices both...and if you can't find that, then get two Vets - each of whom is EXCELLENT in their preferred area of medicine - and who are willing to work together.
A Holistic Vet went to conventional Vet school, so does know conventional medicine. But occassionally, you might run into one who will turn his/her back on it..although I'd think that would be unusual.
I'd tend to stay away from anyone who practices or preaches "holistic" methods yet is NOT a Vet nor a member of the AVMA.
A Vet is a Vet...but what's most important is how good is he/she in whichever specialty they choose to dedicate themselves to. To me "bedside manner" isn't as important as ability, expertise, and dedication to animals.
[ 08-05-2005, 10:20 PM: Message edited by: Ardeagold ]