How would you define “Complementary & Alternative Medicine?”
Heterogenous group of philosophies & practices with theoretical bases/techniques that may differ from what is taught in North American vet med school, current scientific knowledge, or BOTH.
What is holistic medicine?
Healthcare approach that looks at the “whole picture of the patient” and develops treatment protocol using a wide range of therapies (both conventional & alternative)
Acupuncture, massage, herbal remedies, & nutritional supplements are considered “_____ medicine” → they do not use any artificial chemicals.
Natural medicine
What are the medical standards for CAVM? Be specific.
Same as conventional → validation of safety & efficacy + use of scientific method
What historical modes of medicine were developed by the Chinese & Japanese thousands of years ago?
acupuncture & herbal medicines
What is the Homeopathy, and what is its efficacy?
Alternative medicine based on “like cures like” or substances that “cause” can cure
→ Efficacy = NO evidence of positive effect, some evidence of danger
What is another name for “orthomolecular medicine?”
nutraceuticals, or dietary supplements
Dietary supplements can be beneficial as long as they are _____.
they are taken & used appropriately.
T/F? Nutraceuticals are highly regulated by the FDA.
False!
Minimally regulated, and treated like food additives.
What types of nutraceuticals are commonly used in vet med?
- chondroprotective agents (minimize cartilage degradation)
- antioxidants
- vitamins/vitamin-like
- minerals
- fatty acids
- fiber
- amino acids
- probiotics
What are the 2 main groups of herbal medicine recognized in vet med?
- Chinese herbal
- Western herbal
T/F? Herbal remedies are never toxic because they use substances that are less concentrated.
False!
Can be toxic to different species, if using an incorrect route, or possibly adulterated with another substance.
What is acupuncture?
traditional Chinese medicine using thin needles to puncture specific points, typically nerves & muscles
How does acupuncture work? What are its mechanisms of action?
releases endogenous chemicals (endorphins, hormones, prostaglandins, etc) → causes muscles to relax → improves blood flow → makes you feel better
What things can acupuncture help with?
PAIN, dermatopathies, behavior disorders/anxiety, GI disorders, reproductive disorders
When would you NOT want to use acupuncture therapy?
- if there’s unexplained weakness
- presence of wounds
- tumors
- in abdomen or lumber if pregnant → prostaglandins release can cause early labor
- electroacupunture → if known seizures & pacemakers
What is the common name for Spinal Manipulative Therapy?
chiropractor
T/F? Tellington “T” touch therapy is proven to be very effective.
False!
It is very questionable → no diagnosis, no prescription, no need to understand anatomy
_____ therapy is used to treat “knots” that occur due to muscle injury or overuse.
You can relieve these knots with acupuncture needles, ____ injections, or direct heavy _____.
- Trigger Point therapy
- intralesional injections
- direct heavy pressure
____ is a practice that uses “energy healing” to reduce stress & improve healing.
Reiki
Why is detoxification considered one of the better practices in CAVM? How is this process altered from the body’s normal processes?
- it uses normal body processes → waste/toxin produced, then eliminated through liver, kidneys, or GI
- altered with fasting & supplements (herbs, vitamins, cofactors)
What are the indications for aroma therapy?
muscle disorders, relaxation, fleas, & other conditions
What are the 10 most common volatile plant oils used in aroma therapy?
- clary sage
- eucalyptus
- geranium
- lavender
- lemon
- peppermint
- roman chamomile
- rosemary
- tea tree
- ylang ylang
T/F? Medical marijuana & CBD oils can contain up to 30% THC.
False!
CBD oil can’t have more than 0.3% THC.
-
Restraint & Handling28
-
Animal Management Ethology19
-
Blood Transfusion Medicine77
-
Wound Healing & Management46
-
Bandaging14
-
Preventative Medical Nursing44
-
Clinical Microbiology43
-
Veterinary Medical Records12
-
Fluid Therapy68
-
Neonatal Care24
-
Advanced Patient Monitoring115
-
Physical Rehab54
-
Complementary & Alternative Med24
-
SA Surgical Nursing36
-
SA Medical Nursing85
-
LA Medical Nursing48
-
Pain Management27
-
Oncology39
-
Geriatric Nursing22
-
End-of-Life & Euthanasia16
-
Physiology of Pain16
