Flemish equine veterinarians' perceptions on the use of and client communication about complementary and alternative veterinary medicine.
Authors: Keller Pia, Hudders Liselot, Decloedt Annelies
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
Keller and colleagues surveyed Flemish equine veterinarians to understand their attitudes towards complementary and alternative veterinary medicine (CAVM), their own usage patterns, and how they communicate with clients about these therapies—a critical issue given CAVM's rising popularity and potential for both benefit and harm. Telephone interviews with ambulatory practitioners revealed that 83% incorporated CAVM into their practice when herbal therapies were included, 98% had discussed CAVM with horse owners, and 81% felt comfortable initiating these conversations; however, a striking 95% acknowledged that owners sometimes use CAVM without informing their veterinarian. Communication occurred frequently (40% weekly, 22% daily), predominantly during in-person consultations, with roughly half of discussions initiated by owners themselves and half by veterinarians—typically positioning CAVM as an adjunctive option rather than primary treatment. The practical significance lies in recognising that despite widespread engagement with CAVM, substantial gaps exist in disclosure and informed decision-making; veterinary professionals should therefore establish proactive systems for routinely asking clients about CAVM use during clinical history-taking and cultivate consultations that explore owners' motivations and expectations around complementary therapies. This Flemish cohort's generally positive stance towards CAVM (modality-dependent) alongside the prevalence of unmonitored use underscores the importance of creating a culture where open dialogue becomes standard practice rather than exception, enabling truly collaborative clinical decisions and risk management.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Expect that most equine veterinarians use CAVM modalities and are willing to discuss them; proactively communicate about any CAVM your horse is receiving to ensure coordinated care and identify potential interactions
- •Veterinarian-initiated CAVM conversations typically present it as an adjunct to conventional treatment; ask questions if unclear about safety, efficacy, or compatibility with other therapies
- •Recognize that CAVM usage by horse owners often occurs without veterinary knowledge; establish open dialogue with your veterinarian about all treatments and supplements your horse receives
Key Findings
- •83% of equine veterinarians applied CAVM when herbs were included as a modality
- •98% of veterinarians had communicated with horse owners about CAVM, with 81% open to discussing it
- •95% of veterinarians agreed that CAVM usage sometimes occurs without disclosure to the veterinarian
- •Majority of CAVM discussions occurred weekly (40%) or daily (22%), most often in person (99%) or by phone (32%)