Use of alternative therapies in pain management in domestic animals: A narrative review of the literature

Abstract

Objective: To explore the impact of alternative therapeutic approaches on pain management and animal welfare, highlighting the integration of complementary methods to conventional treatments. Animal welfare is directly related to quality of life, which includes psychological, physical, environmental, and social factors. Because of the many facets of pain and the individual responses of animals to it, it is difficult to assess this complex and subjective experience. To address pain, it is essential to observe physiological and behavioral signs. To do this, you can use tools like the University of Melbourne Pain Scale to assess pain intensity. Traditional methods are being complemented by new alternative therapies such as acupuncture, homeopathy, herbal medicine, and aromatherapy. While acupuncture stimulates specific points to restore balance, Bach flower remedies offer a more comprehensive approach that focuses on emotions. With caution, aromatherapy can relieve anxiety and stress. While cannabidiol (CBD) has the potential to treat chronic diseases and relieve pain, additional research needs to be conducted to confirm its safety and effectiveness. These alternative therapies offer valuable options for pain management and improving animal welfare by encouraging continued research and personalization of treatments.