Distraught after leaving the local veterinary school and being informed of our dog, Trixie’s need for spinal surgery, we travelled to a local holistic veterinarian’s office. The office was closed, but we peered into the office to see “if there were stars and moons on the walls.” There were no such decorations, but much to our surprise the veterinarian had stopped by to pick up some things and came out to talk with us.

As Trixie sat in my husband’s arms, we explained the situation. We didn’t want Trixie to have surgery and we couldn’t afford the thousands of dollars for the procedure. On the verge of tears, we advised the veterinarian that we hoped she could do something for our beloved little dog.

She invited us into the office and did a complete examination and neurological evaluation. She told us that Trixie had neurological deficits, but she still had sensation and pain recognition.

She was optimistic that she could help her with acupuncture, which was something we never even thought of for use in dogs. We were relieved and agreed to give it a try. How lucky was it that we stopped by at that exact minute and thank God we had not opted for euthanasia because little Trixie took her acupuncture needles and felt better immediately. When the needles were put in, Trixie relaxed and slept deeply for the first time in days. To see her pain relieved made us so happy and hopeful.

Our holistic veterinarian advised us to keep Trixie confined to a little crate and to be careful about moving her about when she was outside the crate. She said we would need to come in weekly for several weeks and follow strict confinement and exercise restrictions. If all went well, we would look for slow, steady neurological improvement. Trixie never looked back and on her recheck visits, she rushed in so quickly that we were afraid she would injure her back. She made a full recovery in far less time that we expected.

We are grateful for finding a veterinarian that does acupuncture and wish that more people were this lucky. We hope that through supporting the AHVM Foundation we can get more veterinarians trained in such techniques. Thanks for all you do!

Marjorie Lewter poses for a photo with one of her patients “Mercy Grace,” a five-year old Border Collie. Photo by Mike Shaw | The Burgs.

Marjorie M. Lewter
Family: A 12-year-old daughter
Holistic Veterinary Consultants
Business started: Blacksburg location opened in 2010.
What they do: Holistic Veterinary Consultants was created to serve the needs of large- and small-animal owners in Blacksburg, Christiansburg and New Castle, and surrounding counties. Basic veterinary home care is offered with an integrated approach to animal health. Acupuncture, botanical medicine and nutritional therapies are available in conjunction with conventional medicine. Lewter’s goal is to offer conventional and alternative medical therapy to her community for pets and livestock. The best possible veterinary care can usually be given in the home environment using all the methods available for preventing illness and enhancing wellness.

Q: How did you get into this business?

A:  I have had the good fortune to practice veterinary medicine in many capacities over the past 30 years. These include academics, rural PA dairy practice, volunteering in Tanzania, working for an animal shelter in NY , running a spay/neuter clinic, racetrack vet, mixed mobile practice, and finally studying acupuncture and herbal medicine for animals in the early 90′s .

Since then, I have integrated these modalities into my mobile mixed practice. As time went by, I found that acupuncture had found a secure place in my daily routine. In order to make these services available to more animals and clients, I decided to open the outpatient clinic in 2010. My vision is to provide the New River Valley these medical options such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, and botanical medicines with multiple practitioners under one roof as an adjunct to conventional care. I really feel that so many animals could benefit from the holistic approach and so few people know that these other modalities are available for animals.

Q: What is your favorite part of this job?

A: My favorite part of my holistic practice is having clients who want to go the extra mile for their animals. They are usually well informed and health conscious individuals who want to investigate all the options available. They are interested in quality of life and how to promote wellness rather than than just treating illness. My clients recognize the unconditional love and faithful guardianship their pets provide and they do their best to help them live the best life possible.

My other favorite thing is to see a walking, wagging dog coming back in the door to see me when it had to be carried in for its first visit. Those really make it all worthwhile.

Q: In what ways does the company give back to the community?

A: Education is a big part of my life. I have mentored students from our Virginia Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, and international vet students from Poland, Germany, The Netherlands, and Japan. I volunteer with the Va Tech Integrative Medicine Club to help our future colleagues become more familiar with integrative therapies. Also, I host a Fourth Monday Study Group here at the office each month, featuring local practitioners of the healing arts. We recently had programs on animal and human hospice care in January and February.

Q: What is your key to success?

A: The key to success in my every day practice is to treat each case as an individual. No two cases are exactly alike! I make every attempt to provide treatments that are do-able. That is, if the owner cannot give pills, we may choose a liquid supplement or a homeopathic medicine that can be put in the water. If an animal wiggles around too much for the acupuncture needles, it may get laser treatment instead. If an animal cannot take certain medications due to liver or kidney issues, I can find safer alternatives. Each herbal prescription is tailored to the individual’s constitution. I feel I have so many more choices available to me for therapy than I have in conventional practice.

In addition, our practice makes a commitment to patient follow-up. Everyone is contacted after their appointment to see how things are going and to answer any questions. I like to get progress reports from owners every week until the case is completely resolved. Our clients really appreciate this extra attention. Much of our success comes from happy clients spreading the word.

Q: What do you like best about having a business in the New River Valley?

A: As strange as it may seem, I like having lots of other vets in the community. It’s so great to have the vet school so close for all their expertise and specialized diagnostics.I enjoy the continuing education opportunities they offer to local practitioners. The 400 or so vet students add so much energy to the vet community, too. I enjoy referrals from other practices and working together on difficult cases. There is a real camaraderie among vets here because I think we are all dedicated to the same goals. We all strive to make life better for our animal patients and their families.

Thanks to our downstairs neighbor at mainstream Music and their lovely African Grey parrot named Cocoa, I learned that peanuts for the larger birds can be problematic.Now, here’s more issues with peanuts.

Animals and owners like to come here! The atmosphere is calm and comforting with no slippery floors or stainless steel tables to get on. Dogs are examined on the floor or on a comfortable bed or even on the sofa with their owner if they prefer. Cats may be examined and treated in a comfortable basket with a warm towel. Aromatherapy scents and healthy treats for you and your pet make the holistic experience something to look forward to!  There are no antiseptic scents, surgical smells, or radiation in the building. There are no distressed pets or barking dogs in the background, just you and your pet will get the doctor’s undivided attention for your appointment.  

We offer healthy supplements, feeding guidelines, wellness examination, and vaccination recommendations for puppies and adults. A healthy lifestyle will prevent illness and allergies from developing later!    When injuries happen, we provide additional products and ideas for pain management and healing that complement your conventional veterinary care you use for emergencies. Dr. Lewter works with your referring veterinarian to formulate the best plan for recovery . (Read more)

Animal hospice care subscribes to the philosophy that pets deserve to pass on with dignity and with the loving care they deserve. After a lifetime of unconditional love for us, it is the least we can do for them. When your companion reaches the end of life, we offer insight and ideas for treating this valued member of your family with dignity to the very end. Dr. Lewter will make home visits so the animal does not have to travel .

There is help for pain, incontinence and immobility. Nutritional management becomes a new challenge, and we are there to help. Patient comfort becomes a primary concern and hospice for animals offers help. If suffering is uncontrollable, sedation and euthanasia may be done right at home. Veterinary hospice offers palliative care for the terminally ill patient, while focusing on quality of life and emotional support for the entire family.

Housecalls are ideal for multipet households, clients who do not drive, or pets that do not travel well. You can have most routine care including vaccinations and blood tests done in your home. We can accomplish your routine health care in a fraction of the time it would take you to transport your animals to a clinic. It is advisable to maintain a relationship with a full service hospital for emergency care and surgery should it be required.

(photos of Chinese herbs)( background of plants)

Acupuncture is used for:

INJURY

INTERVERTEBRAL DISC DISEASE

ARTHRITIS

ALLERGIES

SKIN PROBLEMS

INFERTILITY

NAUSEA

CANCER

IMMUNE SYSTEM DISORDERS

KIDNEY DISEASE

NEUROPATHY

ANOREXIA

LAMINITIS

WEAKNESS

INCONTINENCE