Mushtaq Memon
Washington State University
USA
Title: Integrative medicine: An upcoming trend in veterinary medicine
Biography
Biography: Mushtaq Memon
Abstract
With the increasing interest in integrative therapies in human, animal owners are seeking similar therapies for their pets. Many private veterinary practices and some veterinary teaching hospitals are offering Integrative Veterinary Medicine (IVM) modalities as an adjunct to the Western therapies. The results of a recently published retrospective analysis of 5,195 integrative patient treatment sessions suggest that acupuncture, laser therapy and hydrotherapy were utilized in more than 50% of the patients. To make IVM as an integral part of veterinary practice, efforts need to be made during veterinary education of the future veterinarians. Appropriate IVM curriculum would include basic concepts of IVM, acupuncture, manual therapies, botanical medicine, integrative nutrition and physical rehabilitation. Joint efforts between IVM-related organizations are needed to assist veterinary students in learning IVM, helping veterinary faculty to become certified in IVM modalities and to increase public awareness of the IVM benefits.