Integrative/Alternative Medicine

Veterinary Cannabis Society Aims to Empower Through Education
The newly formed Veterinary Cannabis Society (VCS) hopes to educate veterinary professionals on issues related to cannabis in veterinary medicine and promote transparency in the marketing of products.
Veterinary Cannabis Society hopes to arm veterinarians with information and resources on the use of cannabis in veterinary medicine.

Hyperbaric and Laser Therapy for Acute Wound Pressure Necrosis
HBOT and HILT were used as components of a plan to treat pressure necrosis in this soft-coated Wheaten terrier.
This case report discusses the use of hyperbaric oxygen and high-intensity laser therapy to reverse the effects of accidental limb constriction from improper bandaging.

Herbal Therapies for Osteoarthritis
Curcumin, boswellia, and cannabis are the 3 most frequently used herbal compounds in veterinary settings.
Given the relatively limited pharmaceutical treatment options for patients with osteoarthritis, herbal therapies and other nonpharmaceutical options are viable alternatives worthy of consideration.

The Endocannabinoid System and Phytocannabinoids
To ensure safety and effectiveness of cannabis use in animals, the challenge lies in education surrounding the endocannabinoid system and cannabis administration.
To use or advise clients about the use of cannabis as medicine, veterinarians must understand how the endocannabinoid system functions and how compounds in cannabis exert physiologic effects through accessing endogenous pathways.

Managing the Pain of Feline Degenerative Joint Disease
Pain caused by DJD can be managed using an amalgamation of drugs and nonpharmaceutical options.
Managing pain in cats with DJD can be challenging; fortunately, several options exist.

TCVM for Treating Autoimmune Skin Diseases
While traditional Chinese veterinary medicine has shown promising anecdotal evidence in alleviating inflammatory skin diseases, more clinical trials are needed to recommend it past an adjunct therapy.
With proper training, traditional Chinese veterinary medicine modalities (specifically acupuncture and Chinese herbal therapy) can be easily implemented in clinical settings to empower Western practice for better patient-centered care.

Canopy Animal Health Continues CBD Product Development
Canopy Animal Health continues in-depth CBD research for recreational and prescription products, currently taking place at Colorado State University.

Manipulative Therapies for Hip and Back Hypomobility in Dogs
Becoming personally certified or having a certified associate is the ideal way to add chiropractic/spinal manipulation services to a veterinary practice, as the training gives practitioners a better understanding of the specific conditions that can best be helped by chiropractic/spinal manipulation.

Diving In: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Veterinary Medicine
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is the therapeutic administration of oxygen administered at a pressure that exceeds that at sea level.This article provides a brief overview of the mechanism of action, veterinary applications and evidence, and general treatment mechanics associated with HBOT administration.