THE COLLEGE OF VETERINARIANS OF ONTARIO
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CONNECTION
Summer 2021 / Vol . 37 No . 2 ISSN 2370-5965
NON-CONVENTIONAL THERAPIES
COUNCIL EXPANDS ACCESS TO LOWER RISK THERAPIES
In its policy work at the June meeting , the College Council approved a position statement on the use of non-conventional therapies in the practice of veterinary medicine .
Position statements are unique among the College ’ s policy documents as they enable Council to take a position on a topic that often has polarizing views within the public and the profession .
Council has been reviewing research in this area for several months . The public is increasingly seeking new forms of treatment and care for their animals and they have become accustomed to having choice and access in selecting a provider for lower risk therapies . Further , veterinarians have increased the use of non-conventional therapies , often in conjunction with conventional veterinary medicine .
The College ’ s previous position , which was established in 2009 , looked at complementary and alternative therapies and indicated that these therapies must be part of veterinary medicine . For lowerrisk therapies , this is not particularly valid when thinking of public protection based on risk .
This position balances access to care , consumer choice , and accountability .
The new position statement acknowledges that veterinary medicine often includes the use of both conventional veterinary medicine and non-conventional therapies . The position also emphasizes the importance of collaboration between veterinary and non-veterinary providers to ensure the treatment is supported by sound diagnostics .
The College is also developing resources to help educate the public to seek the safe and accountable options for their animals when they are accessing lowerrisk therapies .
The position statement is posted on the College website .
Position Statement - Use of Non-Conventional Therapies in the Practice of Veterinary Medicine
FEATURED Seeing more wildlife ?
With people enjoying more time outdoors , veterinarians may have noticed an increasing number of injured wildlife being brought into their clinics . Earlier this year , the College Council finalized a policy statement which provides guidance on the provision of veterinary services to wildlife .
A poster has been prepared to help you understand your responsibilities – and subsequently communicate your role to the public – to ensure wildlife are properly managed and receive care when needed .
The policy statement is available on the College website . The College ’ s Practice Advisory Service is also available to assist you with any questions you may have .
CONTENTS
Council News 2 Council Election 4 Homewood Health Program 4 Ethics Resource Hub 5 Learning in Practice 6 Discipline Summaries 7 Podcast 8
Instilling public confidence in veterinary regulation cvo . org 1