scholarly journals A Questionnaire Study on the Use of Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine for Dogs in Sweden

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 331
Author(s):  
Lisa Sohlberg ◽  
Anna Bergh ◽  
Susanna Sternberg-Lewerin

Complementary and alternative veterinary medicine (CAVM) includes treatment methods that are not part of established veterinary medicine and where there is not as yet sufficient scientific documentation of the proposed effects. The CAVM use in Swedish dogs is largely unknown, and the aim of this study was to explore this use. Electronic questionnaires were distributed to dog owners, small animal veterinary practitioners, and CAVM therapists. A total of 253 dog owners responded. Except for massage, stretching, and laser therapy, more than 75% of the respondents stated that they did not use CAVM for their dogs. Of the 216 responding veterinarians, 39% did not use CAVM. CAVM use was more common among respondents with <10 years of work experience as compared to those with >10 years of work experience (p < 0.05). Almost half of the 124 responding CAVM therapists treated dogs; the most frequently used methods included massage, stretching, and acupressure. A majority of all respondents found the current Swedish regulation of CAVM insufficient. Although CAVM use in Swedish dogs appears to be uncommon, there is a need for scientific assessment of CAVM in dogs as regards safety and effectiveness for different indications.

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 3113
Author(s):  
Karin Gilberg ◽  
Anna Bergh ◽  
Susanna Sternberg-Lewerin

Complementary or alternative veterinary medicine (CAVM) includes treatment methods with limited scientific evidence. Swedish veterinarians are legally obliged to base treatments and recommendations on science or well-documented experience, but most CAVM methods are not well documented in animals. The aim of this study was to explore the use of CAVM in Swedish horses. Electronic questionnaires were distributed to horse owners, equine veterinary practitioners and CAVM therapists. Of the 204 responding horse owners, 83% contacted a veterinarian first in case of lameness, while 15% contacted a CAVM therapist. For back pain, 52% stated a CAVM therapist as their first contact and 45% a veterinarian. Only 10–15% of the respondents did not use any CAVM method for prevention or after injury. Of the 100 veterinarians who responded, more than half did not use CAVM themselves but 55% did refer to people who offer this service. Of the 124 responding CAVM therapists, 72% recommended their clients to seek veterinary advice when needed, 50% received referrals from a veterinarian, and 25% did not collaborate with a veterinarian. The two most common methods used by the respondents in all three categories were stretching and massage. Most veterinarians and therapists were not content with the current lack of CAVM regulation.


2021 ◽  
pp. e20210051
Author(s):  
Andrea J. Kunze ◽  
Christopher Seals

We examined differences in valued Big Five personality traits of small animal veterinarians between members and nonmembers of the veterinary medicine community. Between fall 2019 and spring 2020, data were collected from an online survey sent to eligible persons across a US midwestern state. Eligible persons included veterinary office clients (i.e., pet owners) and persons practicing/training in veterinary medicine. Participants completed demographic questions and 10 Likert scale items about which Big Five personality characteristics they prefer in a veterinarian. Descriptive data were determined and checked for assumptions of linearity and normality. Data for the primary analyses were analyzed using Spearman’s correlations and Kruskal–Wallis H tests. Participants who were members of the veterinary community of practice valued the characteristic openness more than clients but valued emotional stability less than clients. Moreover, tests revealed that young adults (aged 18–24) valued extraversion more than all other age groups but least valued agreeableness. Last, participants aged 55 and older valued agreeableness and emotional stability more than the 18–44 age groups. Findings indicate individuals from different membership and age groups have varying preferences in what personality traits they expect in a veterinarian. Clients care more about their veterinarian being able to handle adversity. Older adults want their veterinarian to be trusting and creative. These findings encourage veterinary medical education to spotlight the development of skills congruent with these desired personality traits. Gaining such skills will be useful for veterinarians who seek to grow or build lasting relationships with clientele and colleagues.


2017 ◽  
Vol 86 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paulina Zielińska ◽  
Maria Soroko ◽  
Anna Zwyrzykowska ◽  
Zdzisław Kiełbowicz

Laser biostimulation involves applying a laser beam to the tissue to facilitate healing and regenerative processes. Laser therapy is one of the most important physical methods used in human physiotherapy. In veterinary medicine, laser therapy is a new and so far poorly examined method. The results of studies conducted so far are very promising, yet the positive effect of laser light, especially that of class IV, has yet to be confirmed. This article presents an overview of the available literature on the effect of laser treatment on the human and animal organism.


2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Wanrong Song ◽  
Haidong Pang ◽  
Jingwen Cui ◽  
Degui Lin ◽  
Jiahao Lin

<b><i>Case Report:</i></b> A 12-year-old castrated male dog with nonambulatory tetraplegia was diagnosed with spinal stenosis at C3–C4 through X-ray examination and with ventral extradural spinal compression at C3–C4 through myelography and computed tomography. The diagnosis of traditional Chinese veterinary medicine was local <i>Qi</i> and blood stagnation, spleen <i>Qi</i>deficiency, blood deficiency, and kidney <i>Yang</i> deficiency. We initiated treatment using a combination of acupuncture and Chinese medicine iontophoresis with laser therapy. After 12 treatment days, there was a significant improvement in the dog’s ambulation function, which was indicated by proper walking and flexible head-turning. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> This indicates that combining acupuncture and Chinese medicine iontophoresis could be a potential treatment for chronic progressive cervical intervertebral disk disease in dogs.


2018 ◽  
Vol 183 (5) ◽  
pp. 167.1-167

Reviewed by final-year vet student Rory Brookes, University of Surrey School of Veterinary Medicine


Author(s):  
José Antonio Soares ◽  
André Luiz Baptista Galvão ◽  
Lucas Vinicius Shigaki de Matos ◽  
Julia Cestari Pierucci ◽  
Katia Denise Saraiva Bresciani ◽  
...  

Purpose Marketing strategies can be used to leverage business in the service sector, specifically in veterinary medicine; among other benefits, it can make a difference in satisfaction and consequent customer loyalty. Marketing should be used with ethics and professionalism due is one administration area that contributes to effective management in the continuous pursuit of quality in the provision of services and demonstrate that veterinary clinics have much to gain if managed with support of marketing strategies. This paper aims to analyze the applicability of marketing strategies in the management of small animal clinics, such as guidelines to the entrepreneurs of this services sector. Design/methodology/approach Marketing literature is plentiful in proposing alternative strategies, whether focused on the achievement and loyalty of customers, whether to raise the competitiveness of an organization or simply to its survival in the market. In this study, some marketing strategies were selected, on secondary data research, in theoretical framework, to investigate their application in the practice of veterinary medicine. This study emphasizes promotional strategy toward communication with the market and construction of organizational image, using public relations as marketing strategy. Findings The use of marketing strategies is recommended in the management of small animal clinical practice, especially with respect to the high customer satisfaction by streamlining the procedures and optimizing veterinary services provision. Originality/value This study is different because it proposes an integrated system of management techniques in veterinary organizations, which will lead to better efficiency of attendance, adding value to the service provided and generating greater profitability for the organization, which positively reflects on the economic point of view and for the image of the company and its professionals, providing a better quality of life for both clients and their pets.


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