Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Canine Orthopedic Medicine

Area of Science:

• Veterinary medicine
• Pain management
• Canine osteoarthritis

Background:

• Complementary and alternative veterinary medicine (CAVM) use is increasing for chronic pain in dogs.
• Canine osteoarthritis is a common condition often requiring multimodal pain management.
• Comorbidities or lack of response to conventional therapy drive CAVM interest.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the evidence for CAVM in managing canine osteoarthritis pain.
• To identify safe and effective complementary approaches for canine osteoarthritis.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of veterinary studies on CAVM for canine osteoarthritis.
• Assessment of evidence for acupuncture, herbal supplements, and chiropractic.

Main Results:

• Acupuncture and certain herbal supplements show growing evidence for efficacy in canine osteoarthritis.
• Chiropractic evidence is primarily from equine and human studies, with limited veterinary data.
• CAVM can be a safe and effective adjunct to conventional pain management.

Conclusions:

• Evidence-based CAVM, particularly acupuncture and herbal supplements, can be valuable in managing canine osteoarthritis.
• Further research is needed to solidify the evidence base for all CAVM modalities in veterinary pain management.