Dragonfly Holistic Veterinary Clinic

05/07/2026

Hi Everyone,

Many have reached out since I closed the brick and mortar clinic in Southport, looking for guidance and advice. I do see patients every few weeks as housecalls, so that is an option.

Another option is telehealth consults. This includes homeopathy consults. I am also a Reiki master and am happy to schedule Reiki sessions for anyone, regardless of, location (via distance Reiki), and whether it is for your pet, or you!. ☺️

If any of this would be helpful to you, please feel free to reach out to message me and we can set something up 🐾

04/04/2026

I have never recommended these products because of the ramifications for pets…too many adverse reactions. And administering these oral put them directly into your pet’s blood stream. Pesticides. Into your pet’s bloodstream.

Now, a new study seems to indicate why we are seeing so many neurological reactions to these products.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GcevEd53K/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Scientists have uncovered a potential explanation for why some dogs experience seizures and other neurological issues after taking common flea and tick medications like Bravecto, NexGard, Credelio, Simparica, and Revolution. Real-world reports show that certain dogs, especially puppies, older dogs, or those with genetic vulnerabilities, can develop tremors, seizures, or other nervous system problems. The study suggests that these drugs may reach the brain through a “back door” pathway called centripetal (retrograde) axonal transport, bypassing the usual protective blood brain barrier. Additionally, certain chemical additives in the medications, such as PFAS compounds, may increase this risk by helping the drugs enter nerve cells or acting as neurotoxic agents themselves. Overall, this research highlights a previously underappreciated nerve pathway that could explain why some dogs are more susceptible to neurological side effects from flea and tick treatments.

03/06/2026

Research continues to highlight the importance of the gut microbiome:

“Gut microbiome may influence dogs' odds of surviving cancer.”

“According to Oregon State University, the survival of dogs with cancer may be linked to the microorganisms in their gut. This finding emerged from a clinical trial involving a new form of immunotherapy.

The study, published in Veterinary Oncology, involved 51 dogs treated with a cancer vaccine designed to stimulate their immune systems. Prior to treatment, researchers collected re**al swabs to analyze the dogs' microbiomes.

The research found 11 types of bacteria linked to the dogs' survival rates. Some bacteria were associated with longer survival, while others indicated shorter survival.”

No pet lover wants to hear this, but around 6 million dogs are diagnosed with cancer in the US every year.

09/08/2025

Hi All,

It’s been a while since I posted.

I just discovered this study from May of this year and it blew my mind. I wanted to share because I think this is very important information. I especially felt moved to share after having recently seen a couple of patients who are receiving Librela, despite experiencing neuropathology, neurological signs.

Please, please….ONLY agree to using Librela as a last resort…an absolute last resort. There are plenty of other options for relieving pain and improving mobility before you need to take that route: acupuncture/electroacupuncture, herbal therapy, class IV laser therapy, canine rehab therapy (the legal term for a canine physical therapy), PRP/stem cell therapy, etc.

Of particular note, is this sentence:

“A review of 19 suspected musculoskeletal adverse events (MSAEs) by an 18-member expert panel unanimously concluded a strong suspicion of a causal association between bedinvetmab and accelerated joint destruction.”

18 EXPERTS agreed, UNANIMOUSLY.
It is not often that something like that happens.

The conclusion of the study is as follows :

“Results: The disproportionality analysis did not support the hypotheses. Ligament/tendon injury, polyarthritis, fracture, musculoskeletal neoplasia, and septic arthritis were reported ~9-times more frequently in Librela-treated dogs than the combined total of dogs treated with the comparator drugs. A review of 19 suspected musculoskeletal adverse events (MSAEs) by an 18-member expert panel unanimously concluded a strong suspicion of a causal association between bedinvetmab and accelerated joint destruction.

Conclusion: This study supports recent FDA analyses by demonstrating an increased reporting rate of musculoskeletal adverse events in dogs treated with Librela. Further investigation and close clinical monitoring of treated dogs are warranted.”

ObjectivesTo conduct a specialist-led disproportionality analysis of musculoskeletal adverse event reports (MSAERs) in dogs treated with bedinvetmab (Librela...

02/25/2025

“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.

02/10/2025

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.

🙏🏻

12/28/2024

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

12/18/2024

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).

12/18/2024

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."

10/02/2024

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. ❤️