Behavior problems constitute one of the most urgent and controversial areas of veterinary medicine. Experts in behavior estimate that unresolved behavior problems are the number one cause of death in pet animals. The most common approaches to behavioral issues are training and drug therapy. Training is prolonged and demands a great commitment in time and effort. Many well-intentioned pet owners find that they are unable to develop the training skills necessary to effect behavioral changes. Drug therapy tends to reduce the problems to an attempt to manipulate a single neurotransmitter- usually serotonin. The central nervous system is one of the most complex in nature and does not yield to reductionistic manipulation. The other major problem with drug therapy is that it is usually necessary to medicate the pet for life.
Functional medicine emphasizes the biochemical uniqueness of each individual as well the the web-like interconnectedness of the body. A functional approach recognizes the necessity for analysing central nervous biochemistry in order to understand how the system functions. Urinary testing of neurotransmitters allows assessment of imbalances in many neurotransmitters. This increases the liklihood of successful resolution of symptoms and optimazation of function. Correcting multiple imbalances also increases the chances that permanent change can be effected.
John B. Smith, DVM ♦ "The Dog Doctor" ♦ 734-213-7447 ♦1954 S. Industrial Ann Arbor, Mi 48104