When it comes to treating animals, veterinary schools traditionally use a conventional approach to treatment. However, according to researchers at the Veterinary Institute for Therapeutic Alternatives, CT USA many US veterinary students want to learn more about complementary therapies to be used for animals.

The researchers sent questionnaires to all 27 US veterinary schools. Of the twenty-three responses received, seven of the 27 US veterinary schools already had an educational program in complementary and alternative veterinary medicine (CAVM).

Thirty-six (87%) of the schools believed that acupuncture, nutritional supplements, and physical therapy should be included in the curriculum, 25 (61%) indicated that botanical (herbal) medicine should be included, 25 (61%) believed that chiropractic should be included and 17 (44%) believed that homeopathy should be included.

Currently, only a few of the veterinary schools provided education, training or research into CAVM, however, most of the those who answered the questionnaire believed that CAVM should be offered as elective courses to their trainees.

The report demonstrates that veterinary schools are aware of the growing interest in CAVM and are in the process of developing educational programmes which reflect the changing attitudes in animal healthcare.

Source : J Am Vet Med Assoc 2000 Feb 15;216(4):502-9
Results of a survey on educational and research programs in complementary and alternative veterinary medicine at veterinary medical schools in the United States. Schoen AM
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