Abstract
It appears that complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is used increasingly often in horses for the assessment and treatment of suspected orthopaedic problems, especially back problems. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of CAM use for the management of orthopaedic problems in a defined population of Swiss Warmblood horses. A total of 239 owners and caretakers of horses from a pre‐defined database were called by a veterinarian to participate in the survey. A standardized questionnaire was designed to determine, for each orthopaedic case, where the localization of the problem was (limb or back) and if conventional medicine or CAM was used for consultation and treatment. When CAM was employed, the CAM discipline and administrator (veterinarian or alternative therapist) was defined. A total of 222 cases in 170 horses with orthopaedic problems were identified. Sixty‐two horses were identified with a back problem, 96 horses with a lameness involving one or more limbs and 12 horses with a combined back problem and lameness. CAM was used commonly in this population (73.9%, 164 of 222) for both diagnostic workup and treatment of suspected orthopaedic problems, but was rarely administered by a veterinarian (12%, 27 of 222). In general, if a back problem was suspected by the owner, CAM was more frequently applied for diagnosis and treatment than in cases where a lameness was suspected; (91.9%, 68 of 74) vs. (64.9%, 96 of 148) (P < 0.001), respectively. Osteopathy was the most frequently applied CAM discipline. CAM was frequently used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in Swiss Warmblood horses with suspected orthopaedic problems. CAM practitioners were consulted predominantly if a back problem was suspected, and the majority of CAM practitioners were not veterinarians.
Highlights
A healthy musculoskeletal apparatus is critical for success in equestrian sports
Complementary and alternative medicine was used to treat orthopaedic problems in nearly 75% of the examined cases. These survey results are comparable with results of a previous survey on the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in horses competing in equestrian disciplines in New Zealand (Meredith et al 2011)
62% of the 110 participants confirmed that their horses were treated with CAM to address a suspected back problem in 32% and lameness in 25% of the cases
Summary
A healthy musculoskeletal apparatus is critical for success in equestrian sports. Sport horses both at international and amateur levels are known to be assessed and treated by Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) practitioners in order to maintain a sound level of fitness or to address suspected problems resulting from athletic activity.The American Veterinary Medical Association defines Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine as a ‘heterogeneous group of preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic philosophies and practices.’ Common therapies include aroma therapy, phytotherapy, magnetic field therapy, orthomolecular therapy, energy therapy, low-energy photon therapy, acupuncture, homoeopathy, nutraceutical therapy, Bach flower remedy therapy and manual or manipulative therapy (https://www.avma.org/About/ Governance/Documents/2014W_2013W_Resolution3 _Attch2.pdf [accessed 28 Jan, 2016]). A healthy musculoskeletal apparatus is critical for success in equestrian sports. Sport horses both at international and amateur levels are known to be assessed and treated by Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) practitioners in order to maintain a sound level of fitness or to address suspected problems resulting from athletic activity. Common therapies include aroma therapy, phytotherapy, magnetic field therapy, orthomolecular therapy, energy therapy, low-energy photon therapy, acupuncture, homoeopathy, nutraceutical therapy, Bach flower remedy therapy and manual or manipulative therapy (https://www.avma.org/About/ Governance/Documents/2014W_2013W_Resolution3 _Attch2.pdf [accessed 28 Jan, 2016]). Studies have investigated the effectiveness and success of CAM treatment methods in horses (Faber et al 2003; Gomez Alvarez et al 2008; Sullivan et al 2008) but to the authors’ knowledge, the extent of the demand for CAM investigations and treatments remains unknown
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