Biological veterinary medicine: Holistic approaches for animals
Biological medicine (also known as biological veterinary medicine or Complementary medicineHolistic medicine is a holistic approach in human and veterinary medicine. The organism is viewed as a unit, and its self-healing powers are to be activated. In veterinary medicine, it is frequently used alongside conventional medicine, especially in cases of chronic, functional, or therapy-resistant diseases.
Basic principles of biological veterinary medicine
- Holistic approach: The entire organism – including environment, posture, nutrition and psyche – is taken into account.
- Regulation instead of suppression: The goal is to normalize the disrupted regulation of the body (e.g., immune system, metabolism).
- Stimulation of self-healing powers: Through natural stimuli such as plant substances, microorganisms, or stimulation therapies.
- Individualized therapy: Each treatment is individually tailored to the animal.
Therapeutic methods in biological veterinary medicine (selection)
- Phytotherapy: Use of medicinal plants (e.g. milk thistle, echinacea, arnica)
- Homeopathy: Stimuli from potentized substances to reactivate self-healing
- Autologous blood therapy: Stimulation and regulation therapy, sometimes enriched with naturopathic ampoule preparations
- Mycotherapy: Treatment with medicinal mushrooms
- Microbiological therapy: Administration of probiotics/autovaccines for intestinal regulation
- Biophoton/soft laser treatment
- Acupuncture / TCM: Energy regulation via meridians and needles
- Neural therapy: Injection of local anesthetics to eliminate interference fields
- Bioresonance: Use of electromagnetic oscillations for diagnosis and therapy
- Mistletoe therapy: Especially in the case of tumor diseases
Areas of application in veterinary medicine
- Chronic illnesses: Skin problems, osteoarthritis, allergies, autoimmune diseases
- Metabolic disorders: Liver and kidney problems, digestive disorders
- Immunomodulation: Susceptibility to infection, vaccine damage
- Behavioral disorders: Anxiety, restlessness (often combined with behavioral therapy)
- Postoperative recovery: Supporting the healing process
Criticism & Review
- Many methods lack sufficient scientific evidence – especially homeopathy and bioresonance.
- When used correctly, they can improve quality of life, reduce side effects and meaningfully complement conventional medical therapies.
- Important: Sound veterinary training and experience are necessary to recognize contraindications and avoid the dangers of incorrect indications.
Examples of biological therapies
Mistletoe therapy for tumor diseases
The Mistletoe therapy It is an established procedure in biological and anthroposophic medicine. It is used as an adjunct in cancer patients – also in veterinary medicine (especially in dogs, cats, and horses). Its aims are:
- to reduce the side effects of conventional therapies
- Strengthening the immune system
- Use when surgery and/or chemotherapy are not possible
Mechanisms of action:
- Lectins They have a cytotoxic (tumor-inhibiting) effect and activate the immune system.
- Viscotoxins: Directly damaging to tumor cells
- Flavonoids & Polysaccharides: Antioxidant, immunomodulating
Main effects:
- Tumor growth inhibition
- Improving the quality of life
- Increased appetite
- Pain relief
- Immune stimulation
- Partial reduction of side effects during chemotherapy/radiation therapy
Application in veterinary medicine:
- Indication: Solid tumors (e.g., breast, spleen, mast cell tumors, lymphomas), postoperatively or in the case of inoperable tumors
- Application: subcutaneous injection (2–3 times per week), possibly also intratumoral
- Duration: Long-term therapy lasting weeks to months, individual dose adjustment
- Compatibility: Very good, can be used as a complement to conventional medicine
Notes:
- Not a substitute for primary surgical or oncological therapy
- Local reactions are possible (redness, swelling).
- Only conditionally effective as monotherapy for very aggressive tumors
Mycotherapy – Medicinal mushrooms in biological veterinary medicine
The Mycotherapy uses medically effective vital or medicinal mushrooms to support the treatment of many diseases, both in humans and animals.
Basics:
Medicinal mushrooms contain a variety of bioactive substances:
- Polysaccharides (especially beta-glucans)
- Triterpenes
- sterols
- Enzymes
- Minerals, trace elements, vitamins
These have an effect:
- immunomodulating
- anti-inflammatory
- antiviral, antibacterial
- detoxifying
- tumor-inhibiting
- adaptogenic (stress-regulating)
Applications in veterinary medicine – examples:
| indication | Examples of mushrooms |
|---|---|
| Cancer | Reishi, Agaricus blazei, Maitake, Shiitake |
| Allergies/Skin problems | Reishi, Hericium |
| Liver diseases | Maitake, Reishi, Cordyceps |
| Renal insufficiency | Cordyceps |
| Immunodeficiency/chronic infections | Coriolus, Shiitake, Agaricus |
| Stress/Anxiety/Behavior | Hericium, Reishi |
| Gastrointestinal disorders | Hericium, Coriolus |
| Osteoarthritis/Inflammation | Shiitake, Reishi |
Advantages of mycotherapy
- Well tolerated by animals
- Can be given long-term
- Can be combined with conventional medicine
Important instructions:
- The quality of medicinal mushrooms is crucial – controlled cultivation, ideally from Germany.
- The choice of mushroom should be made on an individual basis (clinical picture, constitution, organ involvement)
- Note the contraindications: e.g. in immunosuppressed animals or during simultaneous chemotherapy
- Interactions: e.g. with antiepileptic drugs, insulin, thyroid hormones
- Onset of effect delayed – usually for weeks
Conclusion:
Mycotherapy is an integral part of biological medicine. It is increasingly used in veterinary medicine, especially for chronic or complex conditions. It is a scientifically recognized complementary method and combines well with other treatments.
Conclusion: Natural healing methods in modern veterinary practice
According to Dr. Horst-Dieter Krause (Arndt Small Animal Clinic, Karlsruhe-Durlach), naturopathic treatments should be an integral part of modern veterinary practice. They support almost every conventional medical treatment and can mitigate potential side effects.
Important:
If a veterinary practice offers naturopathic treatments, these should only be performed by specially trained veterinarians. Contraindications and interactions must be strictly observed and must be managed by a veterinarian.
Author:
Dr. Horst-Dieter Krause
Arndt Small Animal Center, Karlsruhe-Durlach