Integrative veterinary medicine: an emerging trend in veterinary practice.

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Integrative veterinary medicine: an emerging trend in veterinary practice.
Authors: Memon MA; Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA., Xie H; Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Veterinary Teaching Hospitals, Chi University, Reddick, FL.
Source: American journal of veterinary research [Am J Vet Res] 2025 Oct 10; Vol. 86 (12). Date of Electronic Publication: 2025 Oct 10 (Print Publication: 2025).
Publication Type: Journal Article; Review
Language: English
Journal Info: Publisher: American Veterinary Medical Association Country of Publication: United States NLM ID: 0375011 Publication Model: Electronic-Print Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1943-5681 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 00029645 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Am J Vet Res Subsets: MEDLINE
Imprint Name(s): Publication: Schaumburg, Ill. : American Veterinary Medical Association
Original Publication: Chicago : American Veterinary Medical Assn.
MeSH Terms: Veterinary Medicine*/trends , Veterinary Medicine*/methods , Complementary Therapies*/veterinary , Integrative Medicine*/trends , Integrative Medicine*/methods, Animals
Abstract: The American Veterinary Medical Association's (AVMA) House of Delegates recently adopted a revised policy on Complementary, Alternative, and Integrative Veterinary Medicine (IVM), reflecting a growing clinical and academic interest in complementary therapies. IVM is defined as "a comprehensive approach to animal health care that combines conventional veterinary practices with complementary and alternative therapies, such as acupuncture and chiropractic care." While the utilization of IVM is increasing, a critical knowledge gap remains regarding its evidence-based integration into mainstream veterinary practice. This article provides an overview of the purpose, scope, and potential clinical contribution of commonly used modalities, including acupuncture, physical rehabilitation, manual and massage therapies, herbal medicine, and integrative nutrition. Each modality is briefly examined in terms of proposed mechanisms, therapeutic indications, and current research support. The goal is to clarify the role of IVM within veterinary clinical decision-making and promote a balanced, science-informed framework for its application. Acupuncture, a core IVM modality, uses fine needles to stimulate the body's natural healing mechanisms. Physical rehabilitation targets neurological and musculoskeletal conditions, providing multidimensional care. Manual therapies apply hands-on techniques to soft tissues, joints, and nerves to promote relaxation, pain relief, and mobility. Integrative nutrition emphasizes personalized dietary plans that support overall health. Botanical medicine leverages the therapeutic properties of plants and their derivatives as part of a holistic treatment strategy. The takeaway emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, ensuring safety, and ethical practice in offering integrative veterinary care.
Contributed Indexing: Keywords: acupuncture; complementary; integrative; rehabilitation; veterinary
Entry Date(s): Date Created: 20251010 Date Completed: 20251201 Latest Revision: 20251201
Update Code: 20251202
DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.25.07.0262
PMID: 41072471
Database: MEDLINE
Description
Abstract:The American Veterinary Medical Association's (AVMA) House of Delegates recently adopted a revised policy on Complementary, Alternative, and Integrative Veterinary Medicine (IVM), reflecting a growing clinical and academic interest in complementary therapies. IVM is defined as "a comprehensive approach to animal health care that combines conventional veterinary practices with complementary and alternative therapies, such as acupuncture and chiropractic care." While the utilization of IVM is increasing, a critical knowledge gap remains regarding its evidence-based integration into mainstream veterinary practice. This article provides an overview of the purpose, scope, and potential clinical contribution of commonly used modalities, including acupuncture, physical rehabilitation, manual and massage therapies, herbal medicine, and integrative nutrition. Each modality is briefly examined in terms of proposed mechanisms, therapeutic indications, and current research support. The goal is to clarify the role of IVM within veterinary clinical decision-making and promote a balanced, science-informed framework for its application. Acupuncture, a core IVM modality, uses fine needles to stimulate the body's natural healing mechanisms. Physical rehabilitation targets neurological and musculoskeletal conditions, providing multidimensional care. Manual therapies apply hands-on techniques to soft tissues, joints, and nerves to promote relaxation, pain relief, and mobility. Integrative nutrition emphasizes personalized dietary plans that support overall health. Botanical medicine leverages the therapeutic properties of plants and their derivatives as part of a holistic treatment strategy. The takeaway emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, ensuring safety, and ethical practice in offering integrative veterinary care.
ISSN:1943-5681
DOI:10.2460/ajvr.25.07.0262