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

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundComplementary and alternative veterinary medicine (CAVM) is increasingly popular in horses. As CAVM usage could have risks, client–veterinarian communication about CAVM is crucial.ObjectivesEvaluating equine veterinarians' attitude towards CAVM, their CAVM usage and veterinarian–client communication about CAVM.Study designCross‐sectional study.MethodA 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.ResultsWhen 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 limitationsA 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.ConclusionEquine 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.