A Holistic Alternative to Veterinary Care in Marshall, VA
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.
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.
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