Integrative veterinary medicine: an emerging trend in veterinary practice

Abstract The American Veterinary Medical Association's (AVMA) House of Delegates recently adopted a revised policy on Complementary, Alternative, and Integrative Veterinary Medicine (IVM), reflecting a growing clinical and academic interest in complementary therapies. IVM is defined as “a comprehensive approach to animal health care that combines conventional veterinary practices with complementary and alternative therapies, such as acupuncture and chiropractic care.” While the utilization of IVM is increasing, a critical knowledge gap remains regarding its evidence-based integration into mainstream veterinary practice. This article provides an overview of the purpose, scope, and potential clinical contribution of commonly used modalities, including acupuncture, physical rehabilitation, manual and massage therapies, herbal medicine, and integrative nutrition. Each modality is briefly examined in terms of proposed mechanisms, therapeutic indications, and current research support. The goal is to clarify the role of IVM within veterinary clinical decision-making and promote a balanced, science-informed framework for its application. Acupuncture, a core IVM modality, uses fine needles to stimulate the body's natural healing mechanisms. Physical rehabilitation targets neurological and musculoskeletal conditions, providing multidimensional care. Manual therapies apply hands-on techniques to soft tissues, joints, and nerves to promote relaxation, pain relief, and mobility. Integrative nutrition emphasizes personalized dietary plans that support overall health. Botanical medicine leverages the therapeutic properties of plants and their derivatives as part of a holistic treatment strategy. The takeaway emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, ensuring safety, and ethical practice in offering integrative veterinary care.