Dr. Robert Ferran, a holistic veterinary practitioner in South Miami, believes that pets deserve the additional tender, loving care that standard medications alone sometimes may not provide.     

            At Ludlam Dixie Animal Clinic, 8271 S. Dixie Hwy, Ferran offers a “step above” the conventional medication treatments for beloved animals, helping them to regain a certain quality of life.  While prescribing the smallest amount of medication necessary, he said that he prefers to administer natural treatments, including acupuncture.

            “I’ve been a veterinarian for about 20 years”, Ferran said.   I’m a holistic veterinarian.  The focus of  our practice is acupuncture.  I still believe in conventional medicine plus alternative therapies, so we’re not confined.  We have more choices.”

            Ferran said they use various disciplines at Ludlam Dixie Animal Clinic in addition to acupuncture, including Chinese herbs and homeopathy.  He said that unlike other veterinary practices, they can combine the treatments for the benefit of the pets.  He said that his study in  acupuncture(“needling”) began because he wanted first-handed knowledge of the acupuncture treatments he was performing.

            “The main discipline here is acupuncture, although  I practice the other disciplines here,” Ferran said.  “I  became a human acupuncturist because when you want to touch a pet or perform acupuncture on a pet, it’s much easier to explain the effects of “needling” when you can explain what the effects are on yourself.”

            Ferran said that acupuncture is mostly utilized to alleviate pain-related issues, through the secretion of certain chemicals, such as B-endorphins and enkephalins.  He said that four different acupuncture approaches are used at the clinic.

            Aquapuncture, a procedure that is used for birds, is administered through the injection of certain fluids, such as vitamin B12 into the acupuncture points.  Electro acupuncture provides electrical stimulation to the acupuncture points.  It can be administered to a pet that is experiencing paralysis,  Laser acupuncture offers the benefits of acupuncture and rehabilitation, by simulating the muscles.  It is used for arthritic pets with muscle atrophy.

            Ferran said that gold bead implants, an extension of acupuncture, serve as the “hallmark” of his practice.  The most common indications are degenerative joint disease, such as arthritis or hip dysplasia , seizures, and wobblers syndrome, he said.

            The procedure involves the implantation of gold beads or 24 carat gold wire into specified areas.  The surgical procedure requires anesthesia, yet there is no cutting or suturing.  Ferran said the permanent procedure acts as a natural opiate release to address pain.  Although acupuncture is not for every pet, he adds that the benefit of pain management can help pets resume some sense of normalcy.

            “Gold bead implants are a permanent form of acupuncture, in cases where no other alternative therapies exist,” Ferran said.  The major benefit of a gold bead implant  is a permanent acupuncture at the sight.”

            Ferran’s gold beading extends to an acupuncture treatment for seizures, a common condition in dogs.  He said that some oral medications may pose dangers by affecting the liver, or creating other harmful issues.

            “In conventional medicines, there aren’t as many options other than oral medications, in which case, not all pets will get better,” he said.  “With gold bead implants, 60 percent of these pets can be taken off seizure medications and stop seizuring.  Another 20 percent can have their medications lowered, and their seizure frequency will decrease.”

            Ferran said that he also practices herbalism, including Chinese and American herbs, and homeopathy,  another natural modality for treating disease.  Yet, he says he treats animals on an emotional level as well.

            “I’m in the process of becoming a certified Bach Flower practitioner,” he said.  “There are 38 in total, all made of flowers except for Rock Water, which is made of water.  The modality of Bach Flowers addresses solely the emotions.  All natural, they are all used to treat emotional issues.  I use them as sole therapy and sometimes as an adjunct therapy for treating issues of the mind.”

            Ferran is columnist for the Pet Tribune magazine, where he addresses important animal topics.  He has served as a holistic veterinarian from the present location for the past five years, and prior to that he practiced in Miami Beach for nine years.

            Originally a veterinarian from New York, he recently treated search and rescue, and cadaver dogs from the Sept. 11 search and rescue mission there.  He said the dogs had issues that were stress-related and emotional.  He said canines ultimately benefit from the loving touch and natural treatments.

            “For me the focus of my practice is, the less drugs I can give and the more natural I can treat the issues, then maybe I can give some of my pets a few more years,” Ferran said.  “Even dogs with chemotherapy can benefit from acupuncture and Bach Flower remedy to treat the side effects such as pain and the emotional issues related to their illnesses, such as depression.”