VTMED 6739 - Overview of Complementary Therapies in Veterinary Medicine

Spring. 0.5 credits (may be repeated for credit). S/U grades only.

Enrollment limited to: third-year veterinary students.

M. Smith.

This course will introduce the veterinary student to numerous complementary and alternative modalities currently being offered by veterinarians or requested by clients. Concerns and controversies will be discussed for each modality, along with how training can be acquired. Topics will include acupuncture, chiropractic, herbal medicine, rehabilitation and physical therapy, philosophies of energy medicine, homeopathy, integrative nutrition and nutraceuticals. Critical evaluation of the evidence for efficacy of these treatments will be emphasized, along with the current understanding of the contribution of the placebo effect to apparent response to treatment.