FAQ

Our practice combines innovative, modern veterinary medicine with holistic approaches in an integrative concept. We unite conventional medicine with complementary methods, including Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), supported by more than 40 years of professional experience.

The 5-E™ Health System, developed by veterinarian Thomas Backhaus, is based on five essential pillars and enables an individual, holistic treatment plan for every animal.

What makes us unique:

• Compassionate, gentle handling of every animal
• Sufficient time for thorough examinations and consultations
• Active involvement of pet owners in the healing process
• Advanced diagnostic and therapeutic methods from modern medicine
• Individual therapies and support – regardless of the animal’s health status

We are the only veterinary practice in Germany following this unique integrative approach. Every animal – no matter how ill – receives a treatment or support plan tailored to its specific needs.

Many illnesses have underlying causes that cannot be treated with medication alone. In veterinary medicine, a standardised approach is often used: problem A automatically leads to solution B – but the body doesn’t work that way.

Our compassionate, integrative veterinary medicine goes beyond treating symptoms. We look at the animal as a whole and consider all influencing factors to identify the true causes of disease and address them sustainably. We also take deliberate time for essential areas such as nutritional medicine and micronutrients – aspects often overlooked in conventional veterinary care.

Benefits of holistic veterinary medicine:

• Holistic identification of root causes instead of pure symptom treatment
• Individual therapy concepts for every animal
• Consideration of nutrition, environmental factors and lifestyle

The 5-E™ Veterinary Practice of Dr. Thomas Backhaus is a specialist clinic for holistic veterinary medicine. We focus on complex, chronic, or previously unsuccessful cases that require in-depth diagnostics and individual therapeutic approaches.

Examples of our core areas:

• Chronic itching or recurring ear infections in dogs
• Gastrointestinal issues such as IBD or sensitive digestion
• Osteoarthritis, joint diseases & specialised surgeries such as hip dysplasia operations
• Integrative oncological support during cancer treatment
• Fitness support & regeneration
• Kidney, liver or pancreatic diseases

What we do not offer:

• Emergency medicine & acute care (e.g., poisoning, severe injuries, emergency surgeries)
• Vaccinations & routine treatments for new patients that your regular veterinarian can perform
  (we only provide these for existing patients or puppies)
• Treatment of minor injuries (e.g., torn nails)

If your animal needs long-term support for a chronic condition or a holistic assessment of its health problems, you are in the right place with us.

For acute emergencies or routine treatments, we recommend contacting your primary veterinarian or an emergency clinic.

Yes! We place great importance on creating a stress-free and calming environment for dogs that are anxious or insecure.

• Gentle examination methods & compassionate handling – calm voices, careful touch and plenty of patience
• Comfortable atmosphere instead of a sterile clinic feel – pleasant scents, no harsh lighting or loud noises
• Flexible waiting options – indoors or outdoors, depending on your dog’s needs

If your dog is particularly anxious, please let us know in advance – we will tailor the appointment to ensure it is as relaxed and stress-free as possible.

Our practice is specialised in the treatment of dogs and cats.

Our practice offers a comprehensive range of medical services that combines conventional veterinary medicine with innovative, holistic approaches.

Conventional & Holistic Diagnostics

• General veterinary examinations

• Laboratory diagnostics (blood analysis, organ parameters, inflammation markers)

• X-ray, ultrasound, cardiac ultrasound

Surgery & Modern Surgical Techniques

• PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) – regenerative therapy for joints & tendons

• Modern osteoarthritis treatment with laser therapy

• Hip dysplasia surgery (HD surgery) developed by veterinarian Thomas Backhaus – an individual surgical concept

• Tumour removal & surgical procedures for skin and soft-tissue tumours

• Additional surgical procedures on request

Specialised Areas

• Vital blood analysis – holistic blood diagnostics

• Integrative oncological support

• Musculoskeletal system: osteopathy, physiotherapy & pain management

• Gastrointestinal diseases (e.g., IBD) & chronic skin problems (e.g., itching, allergies)

Naturopathic & Integrative Therapy Methods

• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), bioresonance, ozone therapy & infusions

• Laser and light therapy for pain reduction & cellular regeneration

• Phytotherapy & homeopathy

• Individual nutritional counselling & feeding concepts

A vital blood analysis (also called dark-field microscopy or live blood analysis) is an alternative diagnostic method in which a drop of freshly collected blood is examined under a special microscope (usually a dark-field microscope). The aim is to gain insights into the overall health status of the organism.

How a vital blood analysis works

• A drop of capillary blood (usually from the finger or earlobe) is placed on a microscope slide.

• The blood is not stained or fixed, but observed live under a dark-field or phase-contrast microscope.

• The analysis takes place immediately to preserve natural movements and structures.

What is observed?

• Shape and mobility of red blood cells (erythrocytes)

• Condition of white blood cells (leukocytes)

• Blood platelets (thrombocytes)

• Indicators of acidosis, fibrin formation, parasites, bacterial fragments, cell aggregation (e.g., rouleaux formation)

• Clues to metabolic disorders, inflammation, and immune system stress

In holistic therapies such as gut restoration, detoxification, homeopathy or osteopathy, animals may experience what is known as an initial aggravation during the first few days of treatment. This means that old symptoms may briefly reappear or existing complaints may intensify slightly. Fatigue, changes in stool, or temporary restlessness can also occur.

• This reaction indicates that the body is beginning to regulate and detoxify – it is normal and usually subsides within 1–3 days.

As we are a specialist practice and take sufficient time for each patient, we work exclusively with appointments. It is not possible to visit us spontaneously without an appointment.

There are various ways to make an appointment:

• Use the contact form: If you have specific questions about a treatment or a particular problem with your pet, you can use our contact form. Our team will get back to you as soon as possible.
• Make an appointment by phone: You can reach us during office hours at 06504 7433863 to make an appointment or get advice. If we are currently on the phone or with a patient, please leave a message and we will call you back.
• Email inquiry: You can also contact us by email at info@5-e-tierarztpraxis.de. Please include your pet's name, a brief description of the problem, and your contact details so that we can schedule the appointment that works best for you.

1. Preparation at home:
   Fill out the questionnaire in advance and upload any existing medical findings.
2. Initial consultation & examination:
   Every dog additionally receives the 5-E Energy Scan to identify tension and blockages.
3. Diagnostics & therapy plan:
   If necessary, we perform further diagnostic tests. Afterwards, we create an individual nutrition and therapy plan tailored to your animal.

Please bring: Vaccination record, previous medical reports, current diet and medications.

If online support is desired, this can be provided through DGT MEDICAL.

• 1–4 times the rate according to the Veterinary Fee Regulation (GOT)
• Alternative therapies are billed as individual services based on time required

As a specialist practice, we intentionally take a great deal of time for each patient. At the same time, we value fair pricing and only carry out examinations and treatments that are truly necessary and meaningful.
You are welcome to request a cost estimate before we begin any treatment.

Which payment options are available?

• Payment by debit card (EC card) or invoice on site
• Cash payments are not possible

Veterinarian Thomas Backhaus has limited availability and cannot personally treat every case. He focuses on particularly complex or challenging patients.

However, our veterinarians are trained by him on a daily basis and benefit from regular case discussions within the team. No matter which of our veterinarians you have an appointment with, our entire team consists of highly qualified professionals with empathy, expertise and strong diagnostic skills.

Your animal is in the best hands with us – regardless of which veterinarian provides the treatment.

Yes, we work closely together as a team. As the chief veterinarian, he is regularly involved in special or complex cases and supports our team with his many years of experience and expertise. Whether online or on-site at the practice, he is available as a point of contact for all veterinarians on our team.

Through this continuous professional exchange, all patients benefit from his expertise.

Our practice has its own holiday apartment, which we are happy to offer to our clients. If you are interested, feel free to send us an inquiry.

Hotels & Guesthouses in and around Thalfang

Landhaus Gräfendhron
A lovingly run country house with rural charm and a warm atmosphere – ideal for relaxing in the middle of nature.
Tel. 06504 954990
info@landhaus-graefendhron.de

Landhaus Berghof
A charming, traditionally styled guesthouse – perfect for a peaceful and restorative stay.

Rosenhill Bed & Breakfast
A cosy accommodation with a personal touch and warm hospitality.

Bahnhof Thalfang GmbH
Stay in a historic train station building: this special hotel offers comfortable rooms and warm hospitality.
More information: hunde-urlaub.net

Holiday Home in the Himmelberg Holiday Park
75 m² of living space on a spacious 600 m² plot – perfect for guests with dogs.
Bookable via: fewo-direkt.de

Our Tip: A Trip to the Moselle Region
The Moselle region is only about a 20-minute drive from Thalfang. Picturesque wine villages such as Longuich, Trittenheim or Leiwen offer relaxation combined with culinary delights.
The Roman city of Trier is also nearby and invites you to discover its many cultural highlights.

Restaurants & Cafés in Thalfang

In Thalfang, you’ll find a small but charming selection of restaurants and cafés – ranging from healthy cuisine to regional specialities:

Bistro at the Swimming Pool
Healthy dishes with daily specials – highly recommended after a visit to the pool.
Kurparkstraße 7, 54424 Thalfang

Wu's Wok
Freshly prepared Thai dishes with vegetarian options.
Bahnhofstraße 17, 54424 Thalfang

Thalfang Kebap House
Classic takeaway with döner, kebab and falafel – available for dine-in or takeaway.
Bernkasteler Straße 3, 54424 Thalfang

Restaurant Am Weiher
A cosy restaurant offering traditional German cuisine in a quiet and relaxing setting.
Am Weiher 1, 54424 Thalfang

Landgasthof Rauland
Rustic atmosphere with regional specialities from the Hunsrück cuisine.
Raulandstraße 1, 54424 Thalfang