Flemish equine veterinarians' perceptions on the use of and client communication about complementary and alternative veterinary medicine.

BACKGROUND: Complementary and alternative veterinary medicine (CAVM) is increasingly popular in horses. As CAVM usage could have risks, client-veterinarian communication about CAVM is crucial. OBJECTIVES: Evaluating equine veterinarians' attitude towards CAVM, their CAVM usage and veterinarian-client communication about CAVM. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHOD: A telephone survey was conducted among equine veterinarians providing ambulatory care on a daily or weekly basis. The first section of the survey included questions about the veterinarians' attitude towards CAVM and their CAVM usage. The second section focused on veterinary-client communication about CAVM. RESULTS: When herbs are included as CAVM modality, 83% of the participants applied CAVM. Nighty-eight percent had already communicated with horse owners about CAVM and 81% agreed to be open to talk about CAVM. However, 95% agreed that sometimes CAVM usage takes place without disclosure to the veterinarian. The majority of participants communicated about CAVM on a weekly (40%) or daily (22%) basis, most often in person during consultations (99%) or via phone (32%). The median percentage of conversations about CAVM initiated by the owner was 50% (range 50%-80%). When the veterinarian initiated the conversation, this was usually by mentioning it as a treatment option, mostly in addition to conventional treatments. Some participants directly asked about CAVM use in the information-gathering phase. MAIN LIMITATIONS: A convenience sample was used due to lack of data on the number of equine veterinarians in Flanders. Potential favourability bias with higher participation of veterinarians interested in CAVM. CONCLUSION: Equine veterinarians generally had a positive attitude towards CAVM use, although this depended on the specific modality. Veterinarian-client communication about CAVM occurs frequently in ambulatory care. An open dialogue with horse owners about CAVM is important to provide information about CAVM and thus enable them to make informed decisions concerning CAVM usage, together with their veterinarian.

INTRODUCTION/CONTEXTE: La médecine complémentaire et alternative (CAVM) est de plus en plus populaire chez les équins. Comme l'utilisation de la CAVM peut entrainer des risques, la communication entre le vétérinaire et le client à propros de la CAVM est cruciale. OBJECTIFS: Évaluer l'attitude des vétérinaires équins par rapport à la CAVM, leur utilisation de la CAVM et leur communication aux clients en lien avec la CAVM. TYPE D'ÉTUDE: Étude transversale. MÉTHODES: Un sondage téléphonique des vétérinaires équins fournissant un service ambulatoire journalier ou hebdomadaire a été fait. La première partie du sondage incluait l'attitude des vétérinaires vis­à­vis la CAVM et leur usage de la CAVM. La seconde partie se concentrait sur la communication vétérinaire­client à propos de la CAVM. RÉSULTATS: Lorsque les herbes étaient incluses en tant que modalités de la CAVM, 83% des participants appliquaient la CAVM. Quatre­vingt­dix­huit pourcents avaient déjà parlé de la CAVM avec des propriétaires de chevaux et 81% étaient ouvert à l'idée d'en parler à leur client. Par contre, 95% étaient d'accord pour dire que la CAVM est parfois utilisée sans le mentionner au client. La majorité des participants parlaient de la CAVM sur une base hebdomadaire (40%) ou journalière (22%), le plus souvent durant les rendez­vous (99%) ou par téléphone (32%). Le pourcentage médian de conversations initiées par les propriétaires, à propos de la CAVM était de 50% (étendu 50­80%). Lorsque le vétérinaire initiait la conversation à ce sujet, c'était le plus souvent en mentionnant la CAVM comme option de traitement, plus particulièrement comme étant un ajout aux traitements conventionnels. Certains participants ont demandé de l'information directement à propos de la CAVM durant la phase de récolte de l'information. LIMITES PRINCIPALES: Un échantillon de convenance a été utilisé en raison du manque de données par rapport au nombre de vétérinaires équins dans les Flandres. Biais favorable possible en cas de participation plus élevée des vétérinaires intéressés par la CAVM. CONCLUSIONS: Les vétérinaires équins ont généralement une attitude positive par rapport à la CAVM, parfois dépendant spécifiquement de la modalité de traitement. Les communications vétérinaire­client à propos de la CAVM se produisent très fréquemment en pratique ambulatoire. Un discours ouvert avec les propriétaires de chevaux à propos de la CAVM est important afin de fournir de l'information sur la CAVM et de ce fait, leur permettre de faire une décision éclairée en ce qui à trait à l'utilisation de la CAVM, en accord avec leur vétérinaire.

Balancing generalism and specialism: what can the vet profession learn from human medicine?

Cleodie Swire and Honoria Brown argue that the current trends of promoting generalism in human medicine to provide holistic care to patients should prompt the veterinary profession to do the same and create a rewarding career pathway for GP vets.

Surveying dog owners' use and understanding of, and communication with veterinarians about, complementary and alternative veterinary medicine.

BACKGROUND: Complementary and alternative veterinary medicine (CAVM) seems to be gaining acceptance by pet owners. Client-veterinarian communication about CAVM is important to explore client perceptions and facilitate open exchange of ideas between owners and veterinarians. METHODS: This study includes an online, cross-sectional survey of dog owners to evaluate CAVM use and client-veterinarian communication about CAVM. Based on the extended theory of planned behaviour, factors influencing the intention to use CAVM were evaluated. RESULTS: Past CAVM use was reported by 45.3% clients based on 1000 valid surveys. The attitude towards CAVM was generally positive. Perceived knowledge about CAVM positively predicted perceived behavioural control and attitude towards CAVM. Both were the strongest predictors of future CAVM use. Around 45.7% of clients had already talked to their veterinarian about CAVM. This conversation was mainly initiated by the owner (66.3%). Owners expected the veterinarian to have knowledge about CAVM (91.5%) and offer referral (71.5%). LIMITATIONS: The limitation is difficulty in classifying and defining CAVM modalities. CONCLUSIONS: Owners' perceived behavioural control and attitude towards CAVM predict CAVM use. Failure to engage in a conversation about CAVM hampers clients to partner with veterinarians to discuss the treatment approach and maximise patient outcome. The veterinarian plays an essential role in providing objective accurate information about CAVM.

Uso da homeopatia em animais oncológicos / Use of homeopathy in animals oncological

O câncer é um dos maiores problemas de saúde nos animais e uma das principais causas de morte em cães e gatos, tornando-se cada vez mais frequente na clínica médica, principalmente em pacientes geriátricos. Tratamentos com menos efeitos adversos, objetivando melhor qualidade de vida e bem-estar físico e emocional, fazem com que o atendimento integrativo e complementar ao câncer cresça a cada dia, incluindo a homeopatia. Na oncologia, a homeopatia é usada de forma única ou complementar aos tratamentos convencionais, com inúmeros benefícios aos animais, contribuindo para redução dos efeitos colaterais dos antineoplásicos e dos sinais clínicos da doença. Além disso é um método de tratamento com pouco ou nenhum efeito colateral, seguro e eficaz, não é invasivo, a forma de administração é simples, altamente palatável, aumentando sua aceitação. Tem boa relação custo-benefício e a falta de um diagnóstico preciso, não representa um impedimento para iniciar o tratamento com os medicamentos homeopáticos. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho é explorar as evidências através de análise bibliográfica, dos benefícios da homeopatia na oncologia veterinária.

Cancer is one of the biggest health problems in animals and one of the main causes of death in dogs and cats, becoming increasingly common in clinical medicine, especially in geriatric patients. Treatments with fewer adverse effects, aiming at better quality of life and physical and emotional well-being, make integrative and complementary care for cancer grow every day, including homeopathy. In oncology, homeopathy is used alone or as a complement to traditional treatments, with many benefits to animals, hoping to reduce the side effects of antineoplastic drugs and the clinical signs of the disease. In addition, it is a treatment method with little or no side effects, safe and effective, it is not invasive, the form of administration is simple, highly palatable, increasing its acceptance. It has a good cost-benefit ratio and the lack of an accurate diagnosis does not represent an impediment to starting treatment with homeopathic medicines. Thus, the objective of this work is to explore, as proven through bibliographical analysis, the benefits of homeopathy in veterinary oncology.

Homeopatia e espiritismo: de Hanemman a Kardec / Homeopathy and spiritism: from Hanemman to Kardec

No Brasil, a partir de 1979 a homeopatia passou a constar no Conselho de Especialidades Médicas da Associação Médica Brasileira e em 1980, do rol de especialidades do Conselho Federal de Medicina, deixando de fazer parte das medicinas alternativas e passando a constituir parte do que hoje se chama medicina integrativa. Na Medicina Veterinária foi a primeira especialidade a ser reconhecida pelo conselho Federal no ano de 2000. Porém, existe uma ligação da homeopatia com a doutrina espírita. Assim, a presente pesquisa possui como proposta compreender como se deu a evolução da doutrina espírita e das bases da homeopatia convencional e Veterinária como terapia alternativa de tratamento. Para isso possui como objetivo geral analisar a homeopatia e sua ligação com o espiritismo e a fé versus ciência, conceituar brevemente terapias alternativas e homeopatia, analisar o espiritismo de Kardec da França ao Brasil.Sugerir que o uso da Homeopatia é realmente eficiente no tratamento de patologias , usando para isso exemplos da Medicina Veterinária .Se usou de metodologia de revisão bibliográfica sobre o tema da homeopatia e sua ligação com o espiritismo, com abordagem qualitativa e procedimentos descritivos.

In Brazil, from 1979 onwards, homeopathy became part of the Council of Medical Specialties of the Brazilian Medical Association and, in 1980, of the list of specialties of the Federal Council of Medicine, ceasing to be part of alternative medicine and becoming part of what today It's called integrative medicine. In Veterinary Medicine, it was the first specialty to be recognized by the Federal Council in 2000. However, there is a connection between homeopathy and the spiritist doctrine. Thus, the present research proposes to understand how the evolution of the spiritist doctrine and the bases of conventional homeopathy and Veterinary medicine as an alternative treatment therapy took place. For this, it has the general objective of analyzing homeopathy and its connection with spiritism and faith versus science, briefly conceptualizing alternative therapies and homeopathy, analyzing Kardec's spiritism from France to Brazil. Demonstrating that the use of Homeopathy is really efficient in the treatment of pathologies, using examples from Veterinary Medicine. A bibliographic review methodology was used on the subject of homeopathy and its connection with spiritism, with a qualitative approach and descriptive procedures.

The impact of COVID-19 on access to canine integrative medical care in Michigan, USA, and Ontario and British Columbia, Canada.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of the COVID-19 associated restrictions on the ability of owners in Michigan (MI), USA versus Ontario (ON) and British Columbia (BC), Canada, to obtain care for their chronically painful dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. POPULATION: A total of 90 owners met the inclusion criteria for the study. METHODS: An anonymous electronic survey was distributed to owners at four veterinary integrative medicine (IM) clinics during July and August 2020. Two clinics in MI and one each in ON and BC were recruited. Owners were asked about availability of IM care preceding and during COVID-19 restrictions and their opinions of the impact of COVID-19 on their dog's health. The survey asked where owners sought care for their dogs, types of chronic conditions treated, therapeutic modalities used, and if owners had a medical background. Comparisons were made within and between groups. Thematic analysis, Fisher's exact test, chi-square analyses, McNemar's and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests for paired comparisons were performed (p < 0.05). RESULTS: During COVID-19 restrictions, access to IM care was better for dogs in ON and BC than in MI (p < 0.001). The negative effect of the pandemic restrictions to IM care on quality of life was perceived greater by owners in MI than those in ON and BC (p < 0.001). The owners' medical backgrounds had no effect on attempts to access care during this time (p = 0.76). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The results suggest that a widespread disease in humans had an adverse impact on animal welfare. Providers of veterinary care should use this experience to establish protocols to ensure continuity of care for chronically painful animals in the event of a similar situation in the future.

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Canine Orthopedic Medicine.

The use of complementary and alternative veterinary medicine (CAVM) continues to become more widespread, especially for the management of chronic pain conditions such as canine osteoarthritis. Many patients have comorbidities that preclude traditional medical options, have not adequately responded to conventional therapies, or have owners interested in pursuing a complementary approach. Evidence-based CAVM can serve as a safe and effective adjunct to manage chronic pain conditions. There is growing evidence in the veterinary literature for the use of acupuncture and some herbal supplements in the multimodal management of canine osteoarthritis. The majority of evidence supporting chiropractic is limited to equine and human literature.

Application of veterinary naturopathy and complementary medicine in small animal medicine-A survey among German veterinary practitioners.

BACKGROUND: The international use of and interest in veterinary naturopathy and complementary medicine are increasing. There are diverse modes of treatment, and owners seem to be well informed. However, there is a lack of data that describes the state of naturopathic or complementary veterinary medicine in Germany. This study aims to address the issue by mapping the currently used treatment modalities, indications, existing qualifications, and information pathways. In order to map the ongoing controversy, this study records the advantages and disadvantages of these medicines as experienced by veterinarians. Demographic influences are investigated to describe distributional impacts on using veterinary naturopathy and complementary medicine. METHODS: A standardised questionnaire was used for the cross-sectional survey. It was distributed throughout Germany in a written and digital format from September 2016 to January 2018. Because of the open nature of data collection, the return rate of questionnaires could not be calculated. To establish a feasible timeframe, active data collection stopped when the previously calculated limit of 1061 questionnaires was reached. With the included incoming questionnaires of that day a total of 1087 questionnaires were collected. Completely blank questionnaires and those where participants did not meet the inclusion criteria (were not included, leaving 870 out of 1087 questionnaires to be evaluated. A literature review and the first test run of the questionnaire identified the following treatment modalities: homoeopathy, phytotherapy, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), biophysical treatments, manual treatments, Bach Flower Remedies, neural therapy, homotoxicology, organotherapy, and hirudotherapy which were included in the questionnaire. Categorical items were processed using descriptive statistics in absolute and relative numbers based on the population of completed answers provided for each item. Multiple choices were possible. Metric data were not normally distributed (Shapiro Wilk Test); hence the median, minimum, and maximum were used for description. The impact of demographic data on the implementation of veterinary naturopathy and complementary techniques was calculated using the Mann-Whitney-U-Test for metric data and the exact Fisher-Test for categorical data. RESULTS: Overall 85.4% (n = 679 of total 795 non-blank data sets) of all the questionnaire participants used naturopathy and complementary medicine. The treatments most commonly used were complex homoeopathy (70.4%, n = 478), phytotherapy (60.2%, n = 409), classic homoeopathy (44.3%, n = 301) and biophysical treatments (40.1%, n = 272). The most common indications were orthopedic (n = 1798), geriatric (n = 1428) and metabolic diseases (n = 1124). Over the last five years, owner demand for naturopathy and complementary treatments was rated as growing by 57.9% of respondents (n = 457 of total 789). Veterinarians most commonly used scientific journals and publications as sources for information about naturopathic and complementary contents (60.8%, n = 479 of total 788). These were followed by advanced training acknowledged by the ATF (Academy for Veterinary Continuing Education, an organisation that certifies independent veterinary continuing education in Germany) (48.6%, n = 383). The current information about naturopathy and complementary medicine was rated as adequate or nearly adequate by a plurality (39.5%, n = 308) of the respondents of this question. Further, 27.7% (n = 216) of participants chose the option that they were not confident to answer this question and 91 answers were left blank. The most commonly named advantages in using veterinary naturopathy and complementary medicine were the expansion of treatment modalities (73.5%, n = 566 of total 770), customer satisfaction (70.8%, n = 545) and lower side effects (63.2%, n = 487). The ambiguity of studies, as well as the unclear evidence of mode of action and effectiveness (62.1%, n = 483) and high expectations of owners (50.5%, n = 393) were the disadvantages mentioned most frequently. Classic homoeopathy, in particular, has been named in this context (78.4%, n = 333 of total 425). Age, gender, and type of employment showed a statistically significant impact on the use of naturopathy and complementary medicine by veterinarians (p < 0.001). The university of final graduation showed a weaker but still statistically significant impact (p = 0.027). Users of veterinary naturopathy and complementary medicine tended to be older, female, self-employed and a higher percentage of them completed their studies at the University of Berlin. The working environment (rural or urban space) showed no statistical impact on the veterinary naturopathy or complementary medicine profession. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to provide German data on the actual use of naturopathy and complementary medicine in small animal science. Despite a potential bias due to voluntary participation, it shows a large number of applications for various indications. Homoeopathy was mentioned most frequently as the treatment option with the most potential disadvantages. However, it is also the most frequently used treatment option in this study. The presented study, despite its restrictions, supports the need for a discussion about evidence, official regulations, and the need for acknowledged qualifications because of the widespread application of veterinary naturopathy and complementary medicine. More data regarding the effectiveness and the mode of action is needed to enable veterinarians to provide evidence-based advice to pet owners.

Developing consensus for definitions of key veterinary-specific quality improvement (QI) terms using an eDelphi-study method.

BACKGROUND: Quality improvement (QI) methods are a continuous process of iterative tests to improve the quality of a service or product. Using common language has been linked to the successful implementation of QI in human healthcare. This study aimed to assimilate and achieve consensus on veterinary-specific definitions for terms associated with quality care and QI methods in UK veterinary practice. METHODS: A four-round modified eDelphi process with a panel of 50 UK veterinary practice stakeholders was used to generate consensus. The panel selected or suggested the definition they best felt 'fitted' each term. Consensus was reached if there was >70% agreement, and terms were eliminated if there was <15% selection. RESULTS: Thirty-one panellists completed all three rounds of eDelphi; eight participants completed an optional feedback round. From 14 terms, 10 reached consensus, leaving four unresolved definitions. CONCLUSIONS: A majority of terms reached consensus; 90% were new or amended definitions proposed by panel members. Utilising plain English refined by stakeholders will allow successful implementation of QI in veterinary healthcare. Not all terms achieved consensus, highlighting a need for further research to enable successful integration of QI principles as seen in human healthcare.

Ethnoveterinary study of galactogenic recipes used by ruminant breeders to improve milk production of local cows in Benin Republic.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: In Benin, traditional recipes are used to improve livestock dairy performance, but they are not sufficient documented. The study aimed to inventory the galactogenic recipes used by herders to improve production in cow farming. AIM OF THE STUDY: The study aimed to inventory the galactogenic recipes used by herders to improve production in cow farming. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted semi-structured interviews among 65 peuls camps, 4 bioclimatic zones, and 565 farmers dialogue partners, including agro-pastoralist, healers and pastoralists from the rainy season April and May 2019. Detailed information about homemade herbal remedies of galactogenic recipes (plant species, plant part, manufacturing process) and the corresponding use reports (dialogue partner, category of use and route of administration) was collected. Then other to classify the various recipes identified into homogeneneous groups according to their effectiveness in stimulating milk, a numerical classification was carried out on the recipes taking into account the milk gain. RESULTS: They showed that Peuls and Gandos sociocultural groups have a better knowledge of galactogenic recipes. Of the 295 recipes inventoried, 102 frequently cited recipes were divided into two groups. Group 2, consisting of 16 recipes, had a significantly (p < 0.001) higher milk yield than group 1. Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. and Arachis hypogaea L. were the main ingredients of the recipes (respectively 56 and 31% of incorporation rate). The composition of the recipes varied according to the agro-ecological zones. Herders in Northern Benin used more recipes based on Bobgunnia madagascariensis (Harms) J.H.Kirkbr. & Wiersema, Saba comorensis (Bojer ex A.DC.) Pichon and Euphorbia balsamifera Aiton. Those in Southern Benin mainly used recipes based on Gardenia aqualla associated with Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp or Arachis hypogaea L.. To improve the effectiveness of galactogenic recipes, socio-cultural and magical-religious practices are used when procuring the plant material to be used, preparing the galactogen and administering the recipe to the animals. These include pronounced incantations or recited Koranic verses. The most commonly used route of administration is the oral route with an average treatment duration not exceeding 5 days. CONCLUSION: The study reveals that the majority of breeders (90%) opt for the use of galactogenic plants rather than synthetic products to improve milk production.

Horse owners' attitudes towards and motivators for using complementary and alternative veterinary medicine.

BACKGROUND: Complementary and alternative veterinary medicine (CAVM) is becoming increasingly popular in horses. METHODS: Online, cross-sectional survey in 1532 horse owners. Attitude towards CAVM, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control and intention for future CAVM use were measured based on the theory of planned behaviour. Structural equation modelling was performed to characterize factors influencing intention to use CAVM. RESULTS: Past use of CAVM, predominantly manual therapies and herbal supplements, was reported by 72.5% of all participants. Frequently reported indications were improving horse's well-being, illness which did not resolve after conventional treatment and chronic illness. The attitude towards CAVM was positive with a median (interquartile range) score of 6 of 7 (4.75-7.00). Predictors for past CAVM use were higher owner age, alternative medicine self-use and higher education (non-university). The strongest predictor of future CAVM usage was perceived behavioural control and perceived CAVM efficacy, as well as positive attitude towards and perceived knowledge about CAVM. The veterinarian was reported as a source of information about CAVM by 86.4% of all participants. CONCLUSIONS: Horse owners showed a high intention to use CAVM with the owners' perceived behavioural control and perceived CAVM efficacy as the strongest predictor. Veterinarian-client communication is important to inform horse owners correctly.

The use of domestic animals and their derivative products in contemporary Spanish ethnoveterinary medicine.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: This review documents the wide and varied repertoire of traditional practices and remedies based on the use of domestic animals in Spanish ethnoveterinary medicine (EVM) from the early 20th century to the present. Empirical practices, both ritual and magical, are recorded, and these EVM data are compared with those of other countries in the Mediterranean region and Latin America. The data collected here could form a scientific foundation for future inventories of local veterinary knowledge (LVK) and research addressing the discovery of new drugs for livestock and the validation of the effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A qualitative systematic review of the most important databases in the fields of ethnobiology, ethnoveterinary medicine, folklore and ethnography was performed. Information and use-reports were obtained from more than 60 documentary sources. RESULTS: We recorded the use of nine domestic animal species and one hybrid (the mule) and a total of 171 empirical remedies based on the use of a single species. A wide diversity of body parts or derivative products were/are used. Fat was/is the most commonly used product, being used in 71 remedies (42%). These zootherapeutic resources were/are used to treat or prevent a total of 69 animal diseases or medical conditions, in particular dermatological, reproductive and digestive ailments, together with some infectious diseases. Sheep, cattle, goats and equines form the group of domestic animals in which the greatest number of useful species is employed. In addition, many remedies and practices of the magical-religious type are documented. In comparison with other culturally related areas, there is a greater parallelism in the animals and body parts and derivative products used, and the ailments treated. CONCLUSIONS: Contemporary Spanish EVM practices amass a great richness of domestic animal-based remedies. A diversity of body parts or derivative products has been used, offering a cultural heritage that could be a fundamental step in the discovery of new and low-cost drugs for treating livestock and alternative materials for pharmaceutical purposes, and it can contribute to the creation of new strategies for the conservation of natural resources and management of endangered species. The usage of zootherapeutic products derived from wild animals can be replaced by the use of products isolated from domestic animals. Finally, this overview contributes to the inventory of some uses, traditional practices and rituals seriously threatened by the progressive loss of LVK.

Survey of Integrative Veterinary Medicine Training in AVMA-Accredited Veterinary Colleges.

A survey approved by the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges was sent to the academic deans of all 49 accredited veterinary colleges to obtain information on educational programs offered in integrative veterinary medicine (IVM). Results were compared to a previous survey with a similar design performed 7 years earlier. Survey responses were received from 43 of 49 institutions (87.8%). Thirteen respondents (30.2%) reported offering a formal course in IVM, 33 (76.7%) offered some level of instruction in the curriculum, and 32 (74.4%) provided clinical services in IVM. The most common IVM topics covered in the curriculum were rehabilitation and acupuncture. Dedicated courses in IVM had decreased since the previous survey, although faculty trained in at least one aspect of IVM increased. Clinical services incorporating IVM were present in the majority of veterinary teaching hospitals. Further investigation is required to determine the effectiveness of current IVM training in preparing veterinary graduates to discuss or utilize IVM in practice.

Global market for veterinary herbal products during the 2018-2019 period / Mercado mundial de produtos fitoterápicos veterinários durante o período 2018-2019

The industrial manufacturing of natural products for veterinary use represents a major weakness in the veterinary sector despite increased interest and the traditional ancestral knowledge that supports them. A cross-sectional, descriptive observational study was conducted to characterize the veterinary herbal products marketed worldwide during 2018 and 2019. A comprehensive thematic search limited to the 2018-2019 period was performed in the ScienceDirect, Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, ResearchGate, and Academic Search Complete databases. The investigation identified 487 products registered in the global market manufactured by 54 companies, led by India, The Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. The market segments of animal production and phytomedicines were dominant with 73.7% and 53.0% of products, respectively. Cattle (22.2%), sheep-goats (16.2%), and canines (16.2%) were the most favored species. The most represented therapeutic indications were those intended to treat gastrointestinal disorders (30.47%), antimicrobials (16.66%), and antiparasitic agents (10.47%). The families Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, Asteraceae, Apiaceae, Malvaceae, and Rutaceae stood out because of their frequent use, encompassing 35.0% of the 137 declared species. Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees and Withania somnifera (Lin) Dunal were the most important species. Oral formulations for internal use (72%) and liquids (51%) in 100 mL, 500 mL, and 1 L presentations showed the highest prevalence on the market. The global market for veterinary herbal products during the 2018-2019 period was relevant in the productive and medical animal sector. No differences were found between medicinal plant species used to formulate herbal products for human and animal use.(AU)

A fabricação industrial de produtos naturais para uso animal é uma das grandes fragilidades do setor veterinário, apesar de um crescente interesse e do suporte dado pelos conhecimentos tradicionais ancestrais. Foi realizado um estudo observacional descritivo transversal para caracterizar os fitoterápicos veterinários comercializados mundialmente no período de 2018-2019 através de uma busca temática exaustiva nas bases de dados ScienceDirect, Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, ResearchGate e Academic Search Complete. O estudo mostrou a existência de 487 produtos registrados no mercado mundial, fabricados por 54 empresas, lideradas pela Índia, Holanda e Reino Unido. Os segmentos Danimal produtivo e fitomedicamentos dominam o mercado com 73,7% e 53,0% dos produtos, respectivamente. Bovinos (22,2%), ovinos-cabras (16,2%) e caninos (16,2%) foram as espécies mais favorecidas. As indicações terapêuticas mais representadas foram aquelas destinadas à correção de distúrbios gastrointestinais (30,47%), antimicrobianos (16,66%) e antiparasitários (10,47%). Devido à alta frequência de uso, destacam-se as famílias Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, Asteraceae, Apiaceae, Malvaceae e Rutaceae, que compreendem 35,0% das 137 espécies declaradas a saber, Andrographis paniculata(Burm.f.) Nees e Withania somnífera (Lin) Dunal, são as mais importantes. Constatou-se que as formulações para uso interno via oral (72%) e líquida (51%) em embalagens de 100, 500 e 1000 mL são as que prevalecem no mercado. O mercado global de produtos fitoterápicos durante o período de 2018-2019 foi relevante para animais produtivos e o setor médico. Não foram encontradas diferenças entre as espécies de plantas medicinais utilizadas em formulações de produtos fitoterápicos para uso humano e animal.(AU)

Antiviral Medicinal Plants of Veterinary Importance: A Literature Review.

Viruses have a high mutation rate, and, thus, there is a continual emergence of new antiviral-resistant strains. Therefore, it becomes imperative to explore and develop new antiviral compounds continually. The search for pharmacological substances of plant origin that are effective against animal viruses, which have a high mortality rate or cause large economic losses, has garnered interest in the last few decades. This systematic review compiles 130 plant species that exhibit antiviral activity on 37 different virus species causing serious diseases in animals. The kind of extract, fraction, or compound exhibiting the antiviral activity and the design of the trial were particularly considered for review. The literature revealed details regarding plant species exhibiting antiviral activities against pathogenic animal virus species of the following families-Herpesviridae, Orthomyxoviridae, Paramyxoviridae, Parvoviridae, Poxviridae, Nimaviridae, Coronaviridae, Reoviridae, and Rhabdoviridae-that cause infections, among others, in poultry, cattle, pigs, horses, shrimps, and fish. Overall, 30 plant species exhibited activity against various influenza viruses, most of them causing avian influenza. Furthermore, 30 plant species were noted to be active against Newcastle disease virus. In addition, regarding the pathogens most frequently investigated, this review provides a compilation of 20 plant species active against bovine herpesvirus, 16 against fowlpox virus, 12 against white spot syndrome virus in marine shrimps, and 10 against suide herpesvirus. Nevertheless, some plant extracts, particularly their compounds, are promising candidates for the development of new antiviral remedies, which are urgently required.

Geriatric Care of Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, and Chinchillas.

Specialized veterinary care needed for geriatric rabbits, guinea pigs, and chinchillas is described along with medical conditions common in this age group. Clinical signs of pain, safe analgesics, therapeutics, and alternative modalities are outlined along with guidelines for end-of-life care and decision-making. A handout containing advice for small mammal herbivore clients with geriatric pets is included.

Radiation protection challenges in applications of ionising radiation on animals in veterinary practice.

As we work towards a holistic approach to radiation protection, we begin to consider and integrate protection beyond humans to include, among other things, non-human biota. Non-human biota not only includes environmental flora and fauna, but also livestock, companion animals, working animals, etc. Although under consideration, there is currently little guidance in terms of protection strategies for types of non-human biota beyond wildlife. For example, in recent years, veterinary procedures that make use of ionising radiation have increased in number and have diversified considerably, which has made radiation protection in veterinary applications of ionising radiation more challenging, both for humans and the animal patients. In fact, the common belief that doses to professionals and members of the public from these applications will be very low to negligible, and doses to the animals will not be acutely harmful nor even affect their lifetime probability of developing cancer, needs to be revisited in the light of higher dose diagnostic and interventional techniques, and certainly in the case of therapeutic applications. This paper provides a brief overview of the initiatives of the International Commission on Radiological Protection concerning radiation protection aspects of veterinary practice, and poses a variety of perspectives for consideration and further discussion.

[Spatial accessibility to animal health care - a GIS based analysis]. / Räumliche Zugänglichkeit zu tiermedizinischer Versorgung ­ eine GIS-basierte Analyse.

INTRODUCTION: Various studies from the past years examine the changing conditions and challenges in the veterinary sector. Secured access to public and private care services is a prerequisite for a holistically oriented health care system ("One Health"). In the present study, a multidimensional concept of accessibility to care services was used for the first time to determine and visualize the density of the animal health care system in Switzerland. Traditional indicators used to describe care structures focus either on availability or accessibility. In order to overcome the limitations of traditional indicators, the family of methods known as Floating-Catchment-Area-Methods (FCA) has been developed in care geographical research. The strength of FCA methods lies in the fact that they output accessibility independent of administrative boundaries and at the same time consider the spatial distance and available capacities. The study provides insight into the density of animal health care services using FCA methods and geographical information systems (GIS). Data on providers of veterinary services in the companion animal sector and, on the demand side, data on dogs and cats kept in Switzerland served as illustrative example. The result was interactive maps of the density of health care and the structure of spatial accessibility to veterinary providers and consumers. As expected, high spatial accessibility is found in the urban centers and the agglomerations of the Central Plateau. In contrast, spatial accessibility to medical services for dogs and cats is often lower in peripheral areas. Due to hitherto unavailable data, various analyses had to be postponed for the time being. For example, the model could of course be extended to all animal species and all types of medical services. In addition, it would also be possible to forecast the future density of health care, or to optimize the care system. Together with the relevant industry stakeholders, these gaps could be closed, and the model and the resulting findings could be further differentiated. The results should serve private actors in the concerned value chains, but also decision-makers in the public veterinary service, governmental authorities, agricultural bodies, universities, etc. as a basis for strategic decisions regarding the issue of medical supply density and care services in the animal sector.

INTRODUCTION: Ces dernières années, divers travaux ont examiné l'évolution des conditions cadres et des défis dans le secteur vétérinaire. L'assurance d'un accès aux soins publics et privés est une condition préalable à un système de santé holistique (« One Health ¼). Dans le travail présent, on a tenté pour la première fois d'enregistrer et de visualiser la densité d'approvisionnement du système de soins vétérinaires en Suisse en utilisant un concept multidimensionnel d'accessibilité aux offres de soins. Les indicateurs traditionnels pour décrire les structures de soins se concentrent soit sur la disponibilité soit sur l'accessibilité. Afin de contrer les limites des indicateurs traditionnels, la famille de méthodes du Floating-Catchment-Area (FCA) s'est développée dans la recherche en géographie sanitaire. La force des méthodes FCA est qu'elles fournissent un accès indépendamment des limites administratives, tout en tenant compte de la distance spatiale et de la capacité disponible. Ce travail permet d'avoir un aperçu de la densité de l'offre vétérinaire en utilisant la méthodologie FCA en tenant compte de systèmes d'information géographique (SIG). Les données sur les prestataires de services vétérinaires dans le secteur des animaux de compagnie et sur la demande concernant les chiens et les chats vivant en Suisse ont servi d'exemple. Le résultat a été des cartes interactives de la densité de l'offre et de la structure de l'accessibilité spatiale aux prestataires vétérinaires et de celle des consommateurs. Comme prévu, il existe un degré élevé d'accessibilité spatiale dans les centres urbains et les agglomérations du plateau suisse. En revanche, l'accessibilité spatiale aux services vétérinaires pour chiens et chats est souvent plus basse dans les zones périphériques. En raison de données indisponibles précédemment, diverses analyses ont dû être abandonnées dans un premier temps. Ce modèle pourrait être étendu à toutes les espèces animales et aux diverses offres vétérinaires. En outre, il serait également possible de faire des prévisions sur la future densité de l'offre ou sur son optimisation. Conjointement avec les acteurs de la branche concernés, ces lacunes pourraient être comblées avec certitude et le modèle et les résultats qui en résulteraient seraient encore plus différenciés. Les résultats sont destinés à aider les acteurs privés dans les chaînes de valeur ajoutée, mais ils pourraient aussi servir de base aux décideurs des services vétérinaires publics, aux autorités d'exécution, aux organes de l'agriculture, aux universités, etc., pour prendre des décisions stratégiques autour du thème de la densité de l'offre médicale dans le secteur animal.

Metal Nanoparticles in Infection and Immunity.

Background Enthusiasm for the use of metal nanoparticles in human and veterinary medicine is high. Many articles describe the effects of metal nanoparticles on microbes in vitro, and a smaller number of articles describe effects on the immune system, which is the focus of this review. Methods Articles were retrieved by performing literature searches in Medline, of the National Institute of Medicine, as well as via Google Scholar. Results In vitro studies show that metal nanoparticles have antimicrobial effects. Some metal nanoparticles augment innate host immune defenses, such as endogenous antimicrobial peptides, and nitric oxide. Metal nanoparticles may also function as vaccine adjuvants. Metal nanoparticles can migrate to locations distant from the site of administration, however, requiring careful monitoring for toxicity. Conclusions Metal nanoparticles show a great deal of potential as immunomodulators, as well as direct antimicrobial effects. Before metal particles can be adopted as therapies; however, more studies are needed to determine how nanoparticles migrate though the body and on possible adverse effects.

Ethnoveterinary plants of Pakistan: a review.

BACKGROUND: Ethnoveterinary medicine is crucial in many rural areas of the world since people living in remote and marginal areas rely significantly on traditional herbal therapies to treat their domestic animals. In Pakistan, communities residing in remote areas, and especially those still attached to pastoralist traditions, have considerable ethnoveterinary herbal knowledge and they sometimes use this knowledge for treating their animals. The main aim of the study was to review the literature about ethnoveterinary herbals being used in Pakistan in order to articulate potential applications in modern veterinary medicine. Moreover, the review aimed to analyze possible cross-cultural and cross regional differences. METHODS: We considered the ethnobotanical data of Pakistan published in different scientific journals from 2004 to 2018. A total of 35 studies were found on ethnoveterinary herbal medicines in the country. Due to the low number of field studies, we considered all peer-reviewed articles on ethnoveterinary herbal practices in the current review. All the ethnobotanical information included in these studies derived from interviews which were conducted with shepherds/animals breeders as well as healers. RESULTS: Data from the reviewed studies showed that 474 plant species corresponding to 2386 remedies have been used for treating domestic animals in Pakistan. The majority of these plants belong to Poaceae (41 species) followed by the Asteraceae (32 species) and Fabaceae (29 species) botanical families, thus indicating a possible prevalence of horticultural-driven gathering patterns. Digestive problems were the most commonly treated diseases (25%; 606 remedies used), revealing the preference that locals have for treating mainly minor animal ailments with herbs. The least known veterinary plants recorded in Pakistan were Abutilon theophrasti, Agrostis gigantea, Allardia tomentosa, Aristida adscensionis, Bothriochloa bladhii, Buddleja asiatica, Cocculus hirsutus, Cochlospermum religiosum, Cynanchum viminale, Dactylis glomerata, Debregeasia saeneb, Dichanthium annulatum, Dracocephalum nuristanicum, Flueggea leucopyrus, Launaea nudicaulis, Litsea monopetala, Sibbaldianthe bifurca, Spiraea altaica, and Thalictrum foetidum. More importantly, cross-cultural comparative analysis of Pathan and non-Pathan ethnic communities showed that 28% of the veterinary plants were mentioned by both communities. Cross-regional comparison demonstrated that only 10% of the plant species were used in both mountain and plain areas. Reviewed data confirm therefore that both ecological and cultural factors play a crucial role in shaping traditional plant uses. CONCLUSION: The herbal ethnoveterinary heritage of Pakistan is remarkable, possibly because of the pastoral origins of most of its peoples. The integration of the analyzed complex bio-cultural heritage into daily veterinary practices should be urgently fostered by governmental and non-governmental institutions dealing with rural development policies in order to promote the use of local biodiversity for improving animal well-being and possibly the quality of animal food products as well.