Mobile veterinarian treats with alternative medicine
Animal acupuncture, nutrition and massage therapy are just a few of the advances Sussex County veterinarian Dr. Christina Abramawicz says she learned after finishing her traditional education in veterinary medicine and moving on to holistic studies.
After studying ecology and western animal medicine at schools around the world, Abramowicz said she used alternative Chinese healing techniques to cope with her own chronic conditions, then decided to study similar treatments for animals and enrich her veterinary practice.
A Delaware native, the doctor said she went on to study acupuncture, and dietary and Chinese massage therapies before she returned to Sussex County last fall to build her practice of alternative veterinary medicine.
"Western medicine is still important; it still has its place and its strengths," Abramowicz said. “Traditional Chinese medicine combines herbs based on meridians, patterns and organ systems.”
The veterinarian said she does not perform surgeries in her mobile practice that spans Delaware and Maryland. Instead, she uses a holistic approach of alternative care for companion animals, birds, exotic pets and livestock that is typically most effective for treating chronic but non-life-threatening illness.
This includes animal acupuncture, herbal therapies, dietary guidance and Chinese manipulative therapy, or Tui-Na. To date, Abramowicz said she's having success with acupuncture and dietary treatments in her growing practice.
Client Molly Horeis said she contacted Abramowicz for her 28-year-old gelding, Sporto. Sporto has a form of equine asthma called heaves that typically flares up in the spring and fall, Horeis said.
Recently, she called the vet for acupuncture treatments for Sporto at her property near Harrington. Although her horse has only had one treatment, Horeis said she’s already noticed a difference in Sporto’s energy level with the acupuncture therapy, massage and and dietary guidance Abramowicz offered.
“We are trying to prevent him from having breathing problems this spring,” Horeis said. “Acupuncture is not something you get once and it’s better, but I have seen a difference in his energy levels. He’s a little perkier now.”
Lewes resident Barbara Donelin said the acupuncture and herbal treatments Abramowicz has given her cat, TK, have helped the cat with chronic stomach sickness. Instead of Western medicines for stomach sickness, the vet prescribed herbs and dietary changes with acupuncture. Overall, Donelin said, the herbs act as supplements for nourishment.
She said she was impressed with the way the holistic veterinarian was able to examine all the symptoms and design a treatment plan to address the root problem of her cat’s dietary issues.
“Acupuncture stimulates the body to do its own healing,” Horeis said. “She’s fabulous with the animals; she can interpret their body language very well and give them the proper therapies.”
For more information about Dr. Christina Abramowicz’ mobile alternative veterinary services, visit www.vetAltcare.com or call 302-228-8646.
