Human and veterinary medicine are closely linked. Drs. Holt and Bader pave the way to unifying human and pet nutritional sciences. This book is novel, and new in bridging the gap between natural medicine in humans and animals. It describes the thoughtful application of "human natural medicine" with nutraceuticals for pets. The word "nutraceutical" implies that nutrients (or natural products) have potential treatment properties. Accepting that advances in conventional medicine with drugs and surgery have contributed greatly to the treatment of disease in our pets, a new move exists to examine alternative, medical approaches. In the absence of a life threatening illness or medical emergency, many people have sought a natural medical option, before resorting to drugs or surgery. Humankind now sees the value of this approach for their cherished pets.
Not so long ago, there was "one" type of doctor. This doctor treated all creatures. The disciplines of human and veterinary medicine became well established in the 20th century, with the clear recognition of the special needs of various animal species. Not only did human and veterinary medicine split, but also specialized branches of medicine developed within these disciplines. Currently, there is a move back to the idea that there is "one type of medicine", but this type of medicine must be all embracing (eclectic).
The advent of a "blended" form of human and animal medicine was reported in the December issue (2000) of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. The lead, news article in this journal reported on a pivotal veterinary medical symposium entitled "The Bridge Between Veterinary Medicine and Human Health" (held in October 2000). This symposium was designed to bring together education and research from veterinary and human medicine. Clearly, there is great portability between animal and human health issues.
Whilst the vet is the obvious choice for overseeing pet health, a lot can be learned by transfer of knowledge from human medicine to veterinary medicine and vice versa. Given modern concepts of "unity of body function", it seems logical that we should now seek "unity" of medical knowledge. Dr. Holt is a physician with treatment experience limited to human medicine, where safety and efficacy issues are very challenging. Dr. Dean Bader is a holistic veterinarian who practices with a pluralistic approach involving conventional veterinary science. The authors are appropriately cautious to advise against "self-medication" by pet owners. They emphasize consistently that pet owners seek the advice of a licensed veterinarian. Our former quest for the "super specialist" in medicine has been replaced by our recognition of the importance of "holistic" care. These issues border on both conventional and alternative medical treatments — a circumstance that Dr. Holt describes as "medical pluralism" (or pluralistic medicine).
This book has been focused on "nutraceuticals" and it does not claim to be a complete account of animal health. However, it addresses many of the commonest, simple disorders that affect dogs, cats and horses. It does not contain advice to manage serious disease, which Drs. Holt and Bader demand be treated only by a veterinarian. What makes this book so refreshing and new is their pioneering attempt to bring advances in human natural medical therapies to our beloved pets, with the expert advice of a skilled, experienced veterinarian.
Dr. Stephen Holt is a physician, researcher and author par excellence. With eloquence, he describes the development of "nutraceuticals" (food or dietary supplements) for the care or adjunctive benefit of pets. Drawing upon their encyclopedic knowledge of medicine (animal and human), Drs. Holt and Bader describe the practical application of vital nutrients, herbs and botanicals in the management of wellness in pets. The benefits that exist in nature for animal and human well-being are obvious. They are intimately joined for application to humans and their companion animals.
Thomas V. Taylor, M.D.
Professor, Baylor College of Medicine
Professor, University of Texas
February 2001