Dragonfly Holistic Veterinary Clinic

25/02/2025

“Phthalates are a group of chemicals used as solvents and stabilizers in many products, including personal care items like cosmetics and fragrances. Exposure to phthalates is linked to hormone disruption, fertility impacts, low birth weights, obesity, some cancers, delayed brain development and behavioral problems in children, and other health issues. Research suggests that even very low levels of exposure to these chemicals can be harmful.

The testing found levels of phthalates in essential oils ranging from 40 parts per billion (ppb) to 13,029 ppb.”

The essential oils with the highest levels of phthalates included:
Aura Cacia Lavender Pure Essential Oil,
DoTERRA Lavender Essential Oil,
Rocky Mountain Oils Lavender Essential Oil,
Cliganic Organic Peppermint Essential Oil,
DoTERRA Peppermint Essential Oil,
Nature Packaged Peppermint from India Origin 100% Essential Oil,
Revive Peppermint Essential Oil,
Rocky Mountain Oils
Peppermint Essential Oil
Young Living Peppermint Essential Oil.

Phthalates were found in all 22 of the lavender and peppermint essential oils selected for testing, including several organic oils.

10/02/2025

It is with a sad but hopeful heart that I announce that Dragonfly Holistic Veterinary Clinic will no longer be seeing patients as of this month (February). I am moving out of state for an opportunity which presented to me unexpectedly.

The decision to close and leave was not an easy one to make; it took much soul-searching, meditation and contemplation. I am pained and heartbroken, closing this practice and leaving all of you; but I am also hopeful, and certain, that this path will enable me to enhance my skills, so that I may provide even better care for furry family members.

I want to thank all of my patients, their pet parents, and the community for the amazing support you have all provided as I opened this clinic. I have learned so much from each and every one of you, and am eternally grateful to have shared this part of the journey with you.

I am recommending that patients continue care with Wellspring Holistic Vet in Wilmington. I am happy to forward your pet’s medical records to whichever clinic with whom you plan to continue care.

I will be available on an as needed basis, for remote consultations, for patients whom I have seen in the past year. Please email [email protected] should you wish to schedule.

Wishing you all peace and continued good health.

🙏🏻

28/12/2024

There is currently a lot of controversy surrounding the use of Librela in dogs, and of Solensia in cats. Significant neurological issues have been noted, as well as joint locations and death.

Based on what I am currently seeing from veterinary orthopedic specialists, I am even more reticent in utilizing this drug than I previously was…I possessed an already significant level of caution. It should never be used in any patient displaying neurological signs, and it should never be used as a first choice treatment for arthritis pain. It does NOTHING to address the underlying issue…it only blocks pain receptors. There are many other ways to address the pain of osteoarthritis that are very effective….these should be the first line of consideration.

Even more troubling…there WAS a human version of this drug, but it was pulled due to the adverse effects..many of which we are seeing in dogs currently.
“The FDA’s Arthritis Advisory Committee and the Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee voted 19 to one that while clinical data indicates tanezumabcan benefit patients, the associated risk for joint destruction or rapidly progressive osteoarthritis (RPOA) was too great.

Pfizer is currently seeking US approval for the drug, an investigational nerve growth factor (NGF) inhibitor, as a non-opioid treatment for moderate-to-severe OA pain in adults for whom the use of other analgesics is ineffective or inappropriate.”

https://www.pharmaceutical-technology.com/news/fda-pfizer-tanezumab-safety/?cf-view

Also know that there is currently a class action lawsuit against Zoetis for minimizing warnings about Librela:

https://www.classaction.org/news/librela-lawsuit-says-zoetis-failed-to-warn-pet-owners-about-dangers-of-canine-osteoarthritis-drug

Saying that, there is a study being headed by Dr. Curtis Dewey, DVM, MS (at Cornell University) to try to determine the extent and quality of effects (good and bad) of Liberia…ostensibly because Zoetis has perhaps not actually done its true due diligence.

If your dog has been administered Librela, with positive or negative effect, please consider completing this survey to help collect information on effects of Librela in dogs.

https://qualtricsxm6cplyb35y.pdx1.qualtrics.com/jfe/preview/previewId/8efb78a6-698e-4afd-aa72-c2f76a51dd84/SV_4Mya4VkMtLXwVLw?Q_CHL=preview&Q_SurveyVersionID=current

18/12/2024

If your dog has been receiving Librela injections, please see this info from the FDA, released Monday 12/16.

Please note: Librela only reduces pain. It does nothing for the cause of the pain. It should only be utilized when other avenues of pain relief, especially those which address the underlying cause, have failed. Example: for osteoarthritis, therapies involving acupuncture, herbal therapy, PEMF therapy, class IV laser therapy, physical rehab/therapy, Adequan, glucosamine/chondroitin/MSM supplements, CBD, etc., as well as NSAIDs, can all be utilized and should be utilized, prior to jumping to Librela.
***************************************

“The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine has completed an evaluation of adverse events reported in dogs of various ages treated with Librela (bedinvetmab injection). The adverse events identified and analyzed include: ataxia, seizures, other neurologic signs, including but not limited to, paresis, recumbency, urinary incontinence; polyuria, and polydipsia. In some cases, death (including euthanasia) was reported as an outcome of these adverse events.”

The FDA has identified and analyzed adverse events in dogs treated with Librela (bedinvetmab injection).

18/12/2024

We need to rethink the timing of spay/neuter for our pets. Historically, it has been recommended at 6-7 months of age…which is prior to puberty.

However, increasing research is showing this to be detrimental to the health of our pets. The best practice is utilizing ovary-sparing (hysterectomy) and testicle-sparing (vasectomy) techniques, in order to preserve those vital hormones that the body needs for proper function.

Remember no one is arguing the need for sterilization, it's the surgical technique that should be reevaluated. Hysterectomy and vasectomy achieve the same goal but leave important hormones intact according to science.

"The association between gonadectomy and timing of gonadectomy, and the risk of canine cranial cruciate ligament disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract
Objective - To determine if gonadectomy in dogs is associated with the risk of cranial cruciate ligament disease (CrCLD) and to quantify the magnitude of the association.

Study design - Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Sample population - Comparative studies with gonadectomized and entire dogs, with CrCLD as an outcome measure.

Methods - A systematic search of the primary and gray literature was performed. The effect size of the outcome measure was defined as the OR and 95% CI. Subgroup analysis was performed with s*x, breed, and age at gonadectomy. A pooled OR (95% CI) was generated from meta-analysis of relevant studies. Certainty in the body of evidence was rated with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) framework.

Results - The literature search yielded 1398 results and 24 relevant studies were included for synthesis. Gonadectomized female (pooled OR = 2.293, 95% CI = 1.768–2.945) and male (pooled OR = 2.117, 95% CI = 1.665–2.691) dogs were both at increased odds of developing CrCLD in comparison with entire female and male dogs, respectively. Subgroup analysis showed that gonadectomy at 1 year or less was consistently associated with an increase in odds of developing CrCLD in both s*xes. Overall certainty in the evidence was rated as moderate. All included studies were observational and no controlled trials were available.

Conclusion - In data with moderate certainty, gonadectomy is associated with increased odds of developing CrCLD in both s*xes, particularly in dogs gonadectomized at 1 year of age or less.

Clinical significance - This study provides an estimate of the true effect size of gonadectomy on the odds of developing CrCLD, which may be useful for clinical decision making surrounding gonadectomy and the timing of gonadectomy."

02/10/2024

Hi Everyone!!

I just dropped off all of the donations (mostly for pets, but some people items as well!) that everyone so generously provided for those in need in Western NC. Everything is being flown out and will then be distributed to communities in need by the Cajun Navy 💪🏻💪🏻

There are lots of volunteers present and tons of supplies have been collected….including lots of food and such for PETS!! 🐾🩷🐾

One thing they need more of is kitty litter and litter boxes! (And litter scoops! I completely forgot about that!🤯😣) If anyone has the time or inclination to pick some up and drop it off, at one of the donation collection sites, that would be brilliant! 😻

Thank you so much again to everyone who went out of their way to help our animal and human friends survive this terrible disaster, and take first steps towards recovery.

The most wonderful thing that comes from these tragedies is how we all come together to help, no matter who we are or what we do for a living…I wish that it didn’t take such dire situations for people to connect in the solidarity of assistance and care. ❤️

01/10/2024

Little Miss Mallory rested her head on my leg as the needles worked their magic today. Such a sweet girl ❤️

30/09/2024

Good morning! ☀️

I already have an amazing collection of donations that I will be bringing to the transport site in Wilmington tomorrow, Tuesday. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you all are doing to help our animal, and of course human, friends in Western NC.

There is now a collection site available in Brunswick County as well! A friend saw one of my posts about the Wilmington collection site, and organized with her church to serve as a collection site for Brunswick County. They will transport donations up to Wilmington weekly. So if Wilmington is a bit too far for you to drive, this is another option…it’s on Oak Island. Thanks so much to Ocean View Methodist Church!

Here are the 2 collection sites:

In Brunswick County, donations are being collected at:

👉🏻 Ocean View United Methodist Church
• 8400 E. Oak Island Drive, Oak Island.
• Monday 9/29 through Friday 10/4.
• 9am-1pm
You can enter through the double glass doors in their Education Wing.
After this, donations will be collected on a weekly basis until at least October 18 or as further need is assessed.

👉🏻Southport Fire Deoartment is also collecting supplies! See photo below for info!

For those in Wilmington:

👉🏻 Belle Vue Wilmington
•1125 N. 4th Street.
•Monday 9/30, 11-4pm
•Tuesday 10/1, 12-6pm
• Wednesday 10/2, 12-6pm
More times and dates will follow, so keep posted!

***Thanks to everyone’s generosity, my vehicle is full up!! I’ll be driving up tomorrow afternoon with the supplies and will stay a bit to help with boxing/packing. I will share more info once I return. Please bear in mind that this is a developing situation and more and more aid (thankfully) is pouring in to the mountains. We will likely need to pace ourselves because it will be a long time before any type of normalcy returns to the region. 🐾 ***

If you would like to help with sorting and packing supplies for transport, text Ray Baca at 910.297.6526.

I’ll post the general list, mostly for humans, below. The list of needs are specific. Please no clothes, no large bags of dog food or water (unless you want to bring the volunteers gatorade).

For pets, food is primary. Only small or medium bags; larger ones are too heavy to manage. I did get some canned foods (6 & 12 packs so not too bulky or heavy) Saturday and yesterday as well, as I felt that some pets may be too stressed/traumatized to eat kibble, and may be more enticed by canned food.

Treats are good too!

First aid supplies are also important: think bandage material (gauze roll, Vet Wrap type self-adhesive bandage, non-stick gauze pads), antiseptic cleansers (like povodone iodine or chlorhexidine/Hibiclens), triple antibiotic ointments, gauze squares/cotton balls/wool for cleaning wounds).

Other items I think would be helpful:
Food/water bowls
Carriers
Composure or other calming chews to help reduce stress
Feliway/Adaptil pheromone sprays, again, to help reduce stress.

They do not want anything that it’s fabric; it will get wet and mold. This would include old towels, blankets, certain toys, etc.

This list may change as more info flows in, so please stay tuned. And thank you all, for everything you do to help animals, every day. 🐾❤️🐾

28/09/2024

Friends,

I have been heartsick this morning, as I am sure many of you have been, as reports of the devastation of Western NC trickle in. Many of the places decimated have been places of refuge and heart healing for me. Duke and I hiked the area regularly. Finn and I were in Chimney Rock just this past Spring…and the community has been wiped out. 💔 Thinking of the level of destruction and loss of human and animal life…it’s almost unbearable.

There is a collection starting in Wilmington for our Western neighbors, the victims of this storm. Here is info from the post shared by the person spearheading it (his name is Ray Baca) below with info on time/location of collection. Photo is a list of things that can be donated, as well as what is not accepted. If you are able, any little thing will help…all the small things add up when more people help.

Obviously, I am focusing on pet needs: small/medium bags of pet food, small/medium sized bags kitty litter, litter boxes, pet wipes, first aid supplies, shampoo. I’m thinking pet carriers would be helpful as well, but I will confirm. If you would like to contribute, I’ll be at the clinic tomorrow (Sunday 9/28) afternoon 1-2pm, Monday 9/30 afternoon and Tuesday 10/1. There is a transporter who is collecting Monday & Tuesday, so tomorrow or Monday would probably be the better days to bring any donations to the clinic. If I am in with a patient, or you would like to drop off in the morning, please feel free to leave outside the clinic on the chairs.

If you’d like to bring donations up yourself, see below for info.

It’s good to have an outlet to provide aid when one feels helpless in providing care to those in need. 🙏🏻

I appreciate every one of you ❤️

For pets:
*No towels, blankets, etc. He said that fabrics can get wet and mold.*
Small/medium bags of dog/cat food
Small bags of kitty litter & litter boxes
Treats
Food/water bowls
Non-fabric toys - think Kong, but if you get a Kong, send with peanut butter!
First Aid gear…I bought a bunch of ear cleansers, wound gels, bandage material, pet wipes and shampoos.
I also got Composure calming chews and pheromone sprays because those fur babies are likely to be very stressed!
Shampoos
Pet wipes
Leashes/collars
Cat/dog crates!
Cleaning supplies
Latex gloves

*************************************

Collections are starting Monday 9/30 and Tuesday 10/1 at Belle Vue Wilmington, 1125 north 4th.
11-4 both days.
More times and dates will follow!

They are aware that Western NC is currently inaccessible. They will wait until the authorities give the ok so they don’t interfere with rescue efforts.

The list of needs are specific. Please no clothes, large bags of dog food or water (unless you want to bring the volunteers gatorade).

They could use packing boxes as well…only size small or medium please!

They need a few people each day to help with sorting and packing as well.
Text Ray at 910.297.6526

07/09/2024

“By understanding what our adolescent dog is experiencing we gain greater compassion and understanding. When we approach adolescence with patience we create a world that is predictable and gentle so our puppies grow up to be their best adult selves.”

Adolescence occurs between six months and 18 months of age—a time when guardians typically struggle the most with their dogs. Some guardians are so overwhelmed and underprepared for this developmental stage of their dog’s life, they choose to surrender the dog to a local shelter or rescue group. In a recent study published in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science found that the majority of the surrendered dogs (47.7 percent) ) were between 5 months and 3 years of age (M.D. Salman,John G. New, Jr.,Janet M. Scarlett,Philip H. Kass,Rebecca Ruch-Gallie &Suzanne Hetts, 2010)

The neurobiology of adolescence is fascinating, with some key events that alter both the structure and function of the brain.

During canine adolescence, changing s*x hormones effect the animals stress responses. Adolescent dogs have a decreased ability to process information they are receiving from the environment including the presence of dogs, vehicles, people, or really anything around them. They behave in ways that might feel frustrating or upsetting for the dog’s person.

The connectivity between the frontal cortex (responsible for decision making) and amygdala (responsible for emotional processing) decreases, resulting in less behavioral control. We see increased risk taking and more sensitivity to fear.

So what does this mean? This could mean that what was once no big deal to the dog now feels scary; what was once easy to do is now stressful; what once made sense is now confusing. At times, the world can feel like ‘too much’ for the adolescent dog.

As your puppy undergoes this transition into adulthood their inner world is intense, even chaotic. Many pet owners experience an increase in undesirable behavior and find themselves becoming increasingly frustrated. In turn, our own frustration and impatience can cause us to act unpredictably. This adds to our puppy’s inner turmoil. When the inside and the outside are both unpredictable it can be difficult for our dogs to adjust.

If you have an adolescent dog, what can you do? You can give your dog the time and space to observe what is going on around them when on leash at a distance away from the activity when possible. You can give your dog long walks to sniff and explore in nature, giving their brain time to decompress. You can offer your dog a quiet space to sleep so that they can consolidate memories effectively. You can continue training various skills, breaking them down into easier steps that can be generously reinforced.

By understanding what our adolescent dog is experiencing we gain greater compassion and understanding. When we approach adolescence with patience we create a world that is predictable and gentle so our puppies grow up to be their best adult selves.

31/08/2024

Flea afflictions seem to be much more common this year than in previous years. They thrive in our warm, humid climate and can be difficult to eradicate once they grab a foothold.

I understand how frustrating it can be when your pet picks up these nasty little unwanted guests. As a veterinarian who chooses to practice by looking at the “whole” pet, and healing without harm, I do not advocate for, nor do I recommend, regular use of the those pesticides known more benignly (and perhaps surreptitiously) as “flea and tick control.”

There have been several documented reports of neurotoxicity and dermatological adverse effects. A recent independent study showed that these adverse effects occur far more frequently than reported. Most vets do not discuss this with you.

Startlingly, I recently came across this study detailing adverse emotional and cognitive effects of fipronil (in Frontline, etc.) on dogs. Even more reason to avoid these toxic products that have not received truly adequate study regarding effects on our beloved pets. As I always say: If I have to avoid touching a product, and wash copiously if I do touch it, why on earth would I apply it to my fur kids?

See Comments for link to study…

30/07/2024

Have you ever wondered why we continually vaccinate our pets, every year, while we humans receive vaccines in childhood, then none until perhaps others are recommended as we age?

At the very least, your vet should be performing a risk assessment to determine whether certain vaccines might benefit your pet based on lifestyle. The days of administering every vaccine available to pets, regardless of lifestyle and risk, should be in the past. If your vet is still recommending all vaccines for your pet, then a/ge is not on par with current recommendations. Sadly, I feel that there is a lot of fear-mongering and almost bullying when it comes to vaccinating pets, and knowledge of the true immune response has been forgotten.

Have you ever wondered about options for vaccination? What about accumulation of natural immunity? If you are familiar with James Herriot, MVB and his books, you might remember one of his stories which commented that the children of the man who ran the local abattoir, who played amongst the bones and whatnot of the carcasses (yes, not very hygienic, and a bit toe-curl inducing, I know) were the healthiest in the county. Why? Natural immunity.

Natural immunity provides the proper pathway and therefore exposure of a pathogen to the immune system; most vaccines forego the traditional immune gateways in the body. And I believe that over vaccination of our pets is contributing to an epidemic of chronic disease.

I share the following article for those interested in this subject and in an alternative view. Dr. Cooney is a faculty member of the Pitcairn Institute of Veterinary Homeopathy and he has great experience and success with nosodes. Read further here:

Homeopathic nosodes are a potent, safe and effective way to help dogs build specific immunity to many major diseases

10/07/2024

Dragonfly Holistic Veterinary Ckinic will be closed July 9 through July 15.
Any messages left will receive a reply after Tuesday July 16, by Friday the 19th.
Thanks and have a great week!

29/06/2024

This article is very interesting…it led me to even more deeply consider the adverse effects of spaying our feline and canine family members…I can’t imagine the effects would be dissimilar to the human version.

“The analysis included data from more than 1,000 females over the age of 50 in the US. Participants who had both ovaries removed before the age of 40 showed reduced white matter in several parts of their brain compared to 907 females under the age of 50 who had not undergone the same procedure.

Participants who had both ovaries removed after age 40 also showed reduced white matter integrity, but significantly less so than those who underwent the surgery younger.

The observed changes resembled vascular brain disease more closely than Alzheimer's, the researchers note, but it's also true that these are "early, preclinical features of [Alzheimer's disease] pathology."

Recent research has found that patients who've had both of their ovaries removed before they hit menopause face a higher risk of cognitive impairment and dementia later in life. But this is one of the first studies to try and figure out why….

While testosterone is often thought of as a male hormone, it is also produced by the ovaries, and it plays a critical role in the female body. The hormone is also linked to white matter integrity in the brain.

If the ovaries are taken out of the body before menopause, the sudden loss of testosterone could have negative effects on the brain's development….

If both ovaries are removed during a person's reproductive years, the body can enter early menopause, and this increases the risk of severe chronic health conditions that include bone density loss, impaired s*xual health, cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment, sleep apnea, and arthritis.”

The ovaries are involved in far more than just reproduction.

18/06/2024

Tonight, (June 25th) at Paws-Ability’s monthly meeting, I will provide a short presentation regarding natural first aid options for pets. 🐾

For those not familiar with Paws-Ability, they are a 100% volunteer group who raise money to aid local animal rescues in Brunswick and New Hanover counties. They also created a program to assist financially challenged pet owners fund emergent pet situations, and partnered with our local domestic violence shelter to build climate-controlled kennels at the shelter (many women refuse to leave a violence situation for fear of harm coming to pets left behind). They do lots of good in our county (and New Hanover). They always welcome volunteers, and I have to say, I have had heartily enjoyed every event I have given time to. Volunteers are fun and dedicated to helping animals and preserving/uplifting the human-animal bond. Even if you aren’t interested in natural pet first-aid, come on out to the meeting to meet some possible future friends who love animals as much as you do!

See comments for their website ☺️🐾