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A Holistic Alternative to Veterinary Care in Marshall, VA

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Real Estate Agent with Long and Foster Real Estate VA License # 0225089470

A Holistic Alternative to Veterinary Care in Marshall, VA

Dr. Verna giving Gray Kitty accupuncture and Beemer (electromagnetic therapy)

When I first moved to Western Prince William County in 2005, one of the first things we needed to find was a good veterinarian.  At the time, we were referred to Dr. Rebecca Verna's practice, Healthy PAWS, in Haymarket, VA.  We were with Healthy PAWS until Dr. Verna sold the practice and left to start a new venture in holistic veterinary care.

It wasn't until my mom's elder cat, Pearl, required pain therapy for arthritis that we re-discovered Dr. Verna.  My mother, no longer driving, appreciated the house calls for laser therapy.  It definitely improved Pearl's quality of life.

Most recently, our household consulted with Dr. Verna regarding treatment for a small intestinal issue with our cat, Gray Kitty.  He had been losing weight progressively and we had narrowed the diagnosis to small cell lymphoma or inflammatory bowel disease.  As it turns out, the holistic treatment options didn't require a formal diagnosis.  Dr. Verna assumed the worst (cancer) and simply didn't use laser treatment.  Gray Kitty's diet was gone over in detail and changes to more appropriate diets made.  CBD oil and Chinese herbs were brought in as holistic medicines.  Finally, what I think Gray Kitty actually enjoys, acupuncture, electromagnetic therapy and Reiki.   Of course he may just consider that cuddle time with Dr. Verna. 

Gray Kitty gets as relaxed as can be during his treatments

Maintaining her DVM license, Dr. Verna knows traditional approaches as well as holistic.  Her holistic approaches dovetail very well with traditional veterinary medicine.  When a beloved pet is in need, there isn't much we wouldn't do for them.  This is just another component of care.

What I like most about Dr. Verna is how warm and approachable she is to someone she has never met.  I told her a long time ago that I feel like she cares about how the pet parents are doing as much as she cares about the pets.  Years ago, in her Healthy PAWS practice, I cried at a vet appointment, worried sick about my cat. She sat down next to me, put her hand on my knee and told me, "He's going to be just fine. What's going on with you?"  And she sat and listened to the answer, which at the time, relieved a huge burden for me that day.  

If holistic approaches are something you value for yourself, why not for your pet?  Dr. Verna's holistic practice, PAWS for Holistic Pet Care is located at 8381 West Main Street in Marshall.  You can request an appointment by using the link above and going to her website, or by calling 703-395-0795.  

Comments (8)

Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Chris Ann - finding the appropriate provider is a very welcome "find".  Here's to better health for Gray Kitty and the rest of your family regardless of species.

Feb 08, 2019 02:53 PM
Chris Ann Cleland

Thanks Michael Jacobs .  Hope you have a great weekend.

Feb 08, 2019 04:02 PM
Michael Jacobs

You're welcome, Chris Ann.

Feb 08, 2019 05:37 PM
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Well this is a new one on me. I wonder how they know what to do

Feb 08, 2019 03:17 PM
Chris Ann Cleland

William Feela --Same way any vet knows what to do.  By knowing what the symptoms are, possible causes and treatments at their disposal.

Feb 08, 2019 04:03 PM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

Chris Ann Cleland I do believe you have found a kitty angel. Love this

''I feel like she cares about how the pet parents are doing as much as she cares about the pets. " 

Feb 08, 2019 05:17 PM
Chris Ann Cleland

Yes I did Margaret Rome, Baltimore Maryland .

Feb 09, 2019 07:32 AM
Elizabeth Weintraub Sacramento Broker
Elizabeth Anne Weintraub, Broker - Sacramento, CA
Put 40 years of experience to work for you

I don't trust holistic human medicine but that's just me. Did you know we have a choice in medical care in Hawaii? You can see a medical doctor or you can go to a holistic person, I think they call them D.Cs but don't remember what it stands for.

Just because I put my faith in medical doctors who perform surgery and prescribe medications doesn't mean it is right for everybody. And I do see some holistic approaches being adopted in medicine.

Bottom line, I guess, as long it is helping and you're not ignoring medical treatment, it doesn't hurt and it might very well help. You know I want only the best for Gray Kitty. I hope you don't mind me expressing an opinion. If you do, Chris Ann, you can just delete this and I won't be offended.

Feb 08, 2019 09:01 PM
Chris Ann Cleland

Not offended at all Elizabeth Weintraub Sacramento Real Estate Agent, Top 1% of Lyon Agents .  Gray Kitty is has been put on steroids after finding out he has small cell lymphoma in his small intestines.  The traditional vet we see knows we are doing holistic too and said it certainly can't hurt or interfere.  


I'm also not one to forego a medical doctor either, but will try homepathic remedies for small stuff and healthier lifestyle choices to stay away from the doc all together.

Feb 09, 2019 07:35 AM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

Preventative medicine is definitely a thing that should not be overlooked in any way. You can save a lot of time and money most definitely, in my experience.

Feb 08, 2019 10:39 PM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

There are a lot of hocus-pocus cures out there. You do definitely have to be careful in all cases. Elizabeth Weintraub Sacramento Real Estate Agent, Top 1% of Lyon Agents

Feb 08, 2019 10:43 PM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

A good vet is worth their weight in gold.  For several years I had a cat that seemed to limp around a little in its older years.  However, I noticed quite a difference by giving him little doses of glucosomine. He lived to be 17.  

Feb 09, 2019 11:01 AM
Chris Ann Cleland

Myrl Jeffcoat --Laser therapy is great for that stuff too.  We have a couple we give glucosomine to.

Feb 09, 2019 03:28 PM
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Chris Ann,

We had acupuncture for one of our cats.  It helped her for a while.  I have faith in all the various health practices, they all have value, and we have so many choices, which is a blessing.  A

Feb 09, 2019 12:48 PM
Chris Ann Cleland

Ron and Alexandra Seigel --It's worth a shot.  Not like it's going to hurt anything, right?

Feb 09, 2019 03:29 PM