Veterinary Chinese Herbal Medical Text

Review of Clinical Handbook of Chinese Veterinary Herbal Medicine

Sep 19, 2008

This well organized reference book provides valuable insight into using Traditional Chinese Medicine in the veterinary practice as an adjunct to western animal medicine.

Authored by two veterinarians and two Doctors of Oriental Medicine (DOM), the Clinical Handbook of Chinese Veterinary Herbal Medicine takes the reader through Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) from theory to the actual use of Chinese herbal formulas in the treatment of animals.

Creating a text that makes the complexities of Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine more accessible is an admirable accomplishment. While the authors are very clear when they state that much more study is needed to completely grasp the concepts behind this ancient medical system, they very capably guide the reader through the basics of TCM.

Getting Started in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Herbal Medicine

The first chapter reviews much of the theory behind Chinese herbal medicine in very clear, concise terms, giving those new to TCM a background in thinking about medical issues from a Chinese herbal medicine perspective.

Next the reader is taken through a complete TCM examination where more is learned about TCM methods for evaluating an animal’s health. In addition, a glossary at the back aids in further understanding Chinese medical terminology, which can be confusing to neophytes.

The Formulary

Much of this book is devoted to the actual Chinese herbal formulas regularly used in veterinary cases. Cross referenced from western diagnosis and Traditional Chinese medical assessment viewpoints, the text offers multiple treatment options with further insight into the decision making process.

The authors also address concerns about contamination of herbal products imported from China. What they fail to make clear is that several companies in the United States and Europe produce traditional formulas under much more controlled conditions. It would be valuable to the average reader to be steered in the direction of the safest sources of TCM formulas.

While the book is complete enough for a veterinarian to begin utilizing Chinese herbal formulas in practice, the authors are very clear in their concerns that further study will be essential to providing the most effective Traditional Chinese herbal care for veterinary patients.

Useful Reference for Veterinarians and Pet Owners

Veterinary clinicians considering expanding their practice to include Traditional Chinese Medicine would be well served by beginning with this book before investing in more intensive coursework in TCM.

Even in those veterinary clinics that do not incorporate Chinese herbal medicine into their practice, the understanding gained from this book will aid in discussing this alternative medicine option with interested clients.

And, while the book is aimed at those in the veterinary profession, pet owners interested in Chinese herbal medicine for their animals will benefit from the early explanatory chapters as well. The formulary information can be used much as a Veterinary Pharmaceutical and Biologicals (the veterinary version of the Physicians Desk Reference) by clients wishing to gain greater understanding of the uses, cautions and contraindications of each formula that might be prescribed for their pet.

The copyright of the article Veterinary Chinese Herbal Medical Text in Chinese Medicine is owned by Dawn M. Smith. Permission to republish Veterinary Chinese Herbal Medical Text in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.