Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
The use of complementary and alternative therapies in dogs and cats with cancer.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association
- Year:
- 2006
- Authors:
- Lana, Susan E et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Clinical Sciences · United States
Plain-English summary
This study looked at how many pet owners use alternative treatments alongside traditional care for their dogs and cats with cancer. Researchers surveyed 254 pet owners and found that a significant number, about 76%, used some form of complementary therapy, like nutritional supplements, to help their pets. When they removed those who only prayed for health reasons, the number dropped to 65%. Overall, it seems that many pet owners are interested in exploring different options to support their pets during cancer treatment.
Abstract
The use of complementary and alternative medical therapies is becoming widespread. The objective of this study was to examine the use of complementary and alternative therapies in dogs and cats with cancer. The types of modalities used, the intended purpose for each modality, sources of information pet owners used, and the level of interest in these modalities were all evaluated. Information was obtained by written survey, and 254 owners agreed to participate. Complementary and alternative therapy use was commonplace, with 76% of surveyed owners reporting some use. When prayer for health reasons was excluded, the number of owners reporting use dropped to 65%. Nutritional supplements were the most commonly used therapy.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16960039/