For years, Vincenzo de Ioanni, integrative veterinarian and founder of the Equilibrio Veterinary Clinic in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, is a reference in natural nutrition for dogs and cats. His love for animals since he was a child led him to study veterinary medicine and before finishing it, he discovered the concept of integrative medicine. After graduating, he trained in acupuncture and nutrition. He states that he became aware that health implied much more than simply the absence of disease: “in order to speak of health, all the needs of each species must be covered, which encompasses a concept of well-being in which physical aspects enter. and emotional.” Below you have a summary of the conversation we had with Vincenzo de Ioanni. I'm sure you will find his opinions and experience as interesting as they are to us!
You define yourself as an integrative veterinarian, what is a consultation with you like?
I try to cover various aspects of the animal's life, not only the physical ones, but also the emotional ones. Investigate a little about their routines, their emotions and their quality of life. Analyze their diet and see how to improve it, adapt the vaccination plan to each animal, etc. In my case, I make a conventional diagnosis, but when it comes to treatment, I try to use, first of all, phytotherapy, acupuncture and diet.
Diet is the pillar of health and you have advocated the BARF diet for years. We agree, but we also know of cases in which it seems that the transition has not been possible. In your opinion, what could be the reason?
In my experience over the last twelve years, there have actually been very few cases in which an animal has not responded to a dietary change. It must be taken into account that health is the result of genetics plus the environment. That is why in some cases of animals with autoimmune diseases or other serious ailments of genetic cause, it has not been possible to introduce a natural diet.
In the field of phytotherapy, what are the medicinal plants that you consider “wild cards”, that are most useful for common ailments or that can be used to prevent the appearance of certain diseases?
I really like oil oregano For gastric problems, it is a great antibacterial. I also like oil ginger and mint. I have used, above all, these natural products on dogs. For emotional issues, I often use diffusers with essential oils, among others, lavender or bitter orange. In cats, for example, the aromatherapy It has given me very good results. Phytotherapy is a world that I love and I want to learn more.
In our herbalist we offer various options of organic medicinal mushrooms. Do you use mycotherapy in your treatments? If so, which medicinal mushrooms give you the best results?
I use the Lion's mane when I suspect that gastric problems are caused by emotional issues. Emotions always control the gut-brain axis, but in some cases this is even more intense. In cases of anticancer therapy, I often use the cordyceps and if it is angiosarcoma, I use the chaga. Unfortunately, many times the animal reaches my hands already in a very serious condition, hopeless, and mycotherapy fails to produce results as positive as I would like.
We would like to know your opinion, shortly, of three products that are currently in high demand, such as:
CBD: I use it for cognitive dysfunction and pain treatment. Although I am not an expert in CBD, many caregivers tell me that there is a “before and after” in the state, for example, of their dogs after taking CBD.
Artemisia Annua: employment annual mugwort in leishmania treatment with good results. I use the protocols of Rosa Tejada, a fellow veterinarian.
Turmeric: la turmeric and other spices in general, as well as Omega 3 and fermented foods, are daily allies to “season” dog or cat food. For example, my dog suffers from heart ailments and there is not a day that I do not supplement him with turmeric and Omega 3.
Acupuncture is known, above all, for its effect against pain, but it has many other benefits. What is your experience?
Although it is not my specialty, I have trained in acupuncture and I use it, above all, as a symptomatic treatment against pain. It works very well to control pain in cases of osteoarthritis, lameness, etc. I also use it in some cases of gastrointestinal problems.
Do you use natural therapies such as Bach flowers, aromatherapy or zoopharmacognosis, etc.? If so, in what cases?
Although I know the Bach flowers and zoopharmacognosis, and I find them fascinating, now I am not applying them in consultation, but as I have mentioned before, I do frequently use aromatherapy and phytotherapy. Both natural therapies seem very interesting to me.
Many animals have passed through your consultation, but would you like to comment on a specific case of a dog or cat that has especially improved?
Well, I could tell you about great improvements in many dogs that were terminally ill or had chronic problems, which, logically, caused great suffering to their families. For example, I remember that the caretaker of an American Bully couldn't stop crying when she arrived at the consultation and we managed, in a relatively short time, to greatly improve the animal's situation. I have also seen how many dogs that hardly ate began to eat well, making their caregivers happy. I am also very satisfied with the results of fecal transplants, a very useful tool in cases, for example, of atopy, obesity or chronic gastrointestinal problems. I remember an obese cat who, after fecal transplant, managed to lose weight quite quickly.
Finally, what would you say to someone who has just adopted a dog or cat, or is thinking about doing so?
I would tell you to think carefully because it is a very big responsibility to take good care of another living being. I would recommend analyzing our emotional state, if we are okay with ourselves, and if we can provide the animal with a serene environment, good nutrition, and cover any veterinary expenses that may arise.
*You can contact Vincenzo de Ioanni at Balance Clinic, The Gran Canarian palms.
