The inclusion of a discussion on complementary and alternative veterinary medicine (CAVM) is designed to ensure that this web site is comprehensive and meets the needs of the progressive practicing veterinarian. In theory, in oncology where we attempt to judge therapies using the tenants of evidence-based medicine, this document should not exist. Rather, therapies should be identified as effective, investigational, or ineffective. In reality, more and more people, physicians, and veterinarians recognize CAVM as a unique discipline. People are using complementary therapies for their dogs and cats and themselves despite limited data on efficacy and toxicity. People around the world use the words “complementary,” “alternative,” “integrative,” or “holistic” interchangeably to mean non–Western style therapies. While many Westerners remain skeptical about some of these therapies, it is useful to keep in mind that approximately 4 billion people—80% of the world’s population—use at least one form of CAVM and many of these people seek this type of care for their pets when they become ill.Conservative estimates indicate that one-third of all Americans routinely use alternative and complementary therapies, especially as a supplement to conventional healthcare methods. In fact, Americans visit alternative practitioners more often than they visit their physicians, at a cost of more than $14 billion per year. Total out-of-pocket (i.e., not covered by insurance) expenditures related to alternative therapies were estimated at $27 billion, which was comparable to the projected out-of-pocket expenditures for all physician services.
Another marker that documents that CAVM has become mainstream is the establishment of official research programs such as at the ShipleyNaturalHealingCenterat ColoradoStateUniversityand the Center for Alternative Medicine Research in Cancer at the University of Texas–Houston Health Science Center. Additionally, the National Cancer Institute has established a link with the National Institutes of Health National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. In 1999, the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Cancer Society hosted their first symposium on CAVM.16 Several large drug companies have developed herbal and nutraceutical products obtainable over the counter; some of these are promoted specifically for the prevention of cancer.
The interest in CAVM is increasing dramatically in veterinary healthcare. There is a growing demand among people for complementary medical treatments for their pets. This is true especially in the treatment of cancer patients for whom traditional options are rarely curative and potentially toxic. Until recently, there have been few Western-style studies to document the efficacy of CAVM as a useful adjunct for treating the cancer patient. Scientists have undertaken and published studies using traditional research methods to discover the efficacy of certain treatments. With the results of each new study, the comfort level of some veterinarians in using some of these treatments grows. Despite the increased use of complementary or alternative medical treatments, however, none have ever been documented to cure a cancer patient. The potential place of CAVM in canine and feline oncology and medicine is to support the patient.
In order to be a knowledgeable, progressive practitioner, it is important to first know the definition of these alternative modalities so as to be at least conversant with interested people. Second, clinicians should be aware that while little is known about the efficacy and toxicity of complementary therapies in canine and feline medicine, there are some documented efficacies and toxicities in other species. We have noted some of these studies, particularly those that are relevant to cancer treatment, in this chapter.
The veterinary healthcare team should understand that confrontation over or complete rejection of complementary therapy may alienate some people and prevent their pets from receiving appropriate and comprehensive care. On the other hand, the team and the client must clearly understand the strengths and the limitations of this care. Few can disagree that CAVM is becoming an important aspect of palliative and supportive cancer care, but there is not a single complementary intervention that has been demonstrated to constitute an effective cure for cancer. Therefore, it seems prudent to state that it is unethical to promote CAVM as a cancer cure in canine and feline medicine. False promotion of CAVM can misguide people into giving up effective conventional treatments, it can raise false hopes of people and caregivers alike, and it can financially exploit caring people who seek any kind of help for their dog with cancer.
Despite the limitations of CAVM and the scarcity of data on this type of care, there is little doubt that patients can be helped in the palliative and supportive setting. CAVM in palliative/supportive care is directed to provide comfort and increase the quality of life of dogs and cats with cancer. Goals include, but are not limited to, promoting relaxation; decreasing fear, anxiety, and stress; relieving pain and nausea; enhancing appetite; and improving sleep. The end goal is improving quality of life through comprehensive, compassionate care.
The objectives of this section are simply to introduce and define some complementary therapeutics that have been used in the treatment of cancer and other diseases in animals and humans. Due to space limitations, readers are encouraged to seek additional information in the references provided on this website.
More in-depth information on the different types of CAVM treatments are listed below in the related articles section of this page.
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Chiropractic science is a healing method that concerns itself with the relationship between structure and function. The structure of the spine and the function of the nervous system are the primary areas of interest in chiropractic therapy.
Massage therapy is the manipulation of soft body parts to a state of normalcy.This modality incorporates the use of fixed or movable pressure, rubbing, stroking, tapping, or kneading the body with a view toward treating physical or emotional conditions. This ancient healing art affects the musculoskeletal, circulatory, lymphatic, and nervous systems. Healing by touch in massage therapy involves vis medicatrix naturae (helping the body heal itself). When massage therapy is performed by a highly trained and experienced therapist, there is no ...
A 1999 article in JAVMA noted that “More inquiries and complaints are directed to the American Veterinary Medical Association about alternative and complementary therapies than any other issue.” Credibility of the practitioner was a major concern. The authors of the JAVMA article reinforced that the practitioner using complementary therapies should be a licensed doctor of veterinary medicine who is specifically trained and experienced in his or her complementary discipline. In the article, the AVMA stated, “The veterinary profession wants to
Acupuncture involves the stimulation of specific anatomic points on the body for therapeutic purposes with needles, heat, pressure, friction, suction, or impulses of electromagnetic energy. This ancient healing art is generally well accepted and widely used by human and veterinary healthcare professionals to treat a wide variety of ailments, including discomfort, nausea, and xerostomia.
