In recent years, there has been a tremendous increase in the interest and demand for complementary therapies for companion animals and horses in particular. This is a world-wide trend, evidenced locally by the steady growth of the Complementary Veterinary Medicine Group (CVMG), which was inaugurated 2000 by only a handful of members. It is therefore essential that the veterinary profession acknowledges this trend and that it ensures that the owner has the option of finding a veterinarian who is familiar with and adequately trained in a complementary or integrative approach to treating conditions.
The aim of the CVMG is therefore to provide a forum for information for both the veterinary profession and the general public. As qualified veterinarians, specialised in various complementary therapies, we are committed to building bridges of understanding and collaboration in the veterinary space.
The CVMG ran a 3 year veterinary homeopathy course in 2005 – 2008 and had 22 participants, some of whom completed the examinations for veterinary membership of the Faculty of Homeopathy in the UK – VetMFHom. Since 2009, we have held several foundation courses in veterinary acupuncture. More recently, there have been more advanced acupuncture and rehabilitation, courses offered through national and international accredited bodies. Most of our members have received training and instruction outside of South Africa – however, we hope that renewed interest will result in more accredited training locally.
We have held several successful congresses in many beautiful surroundings, and will continue to do so on a two-yearly basis. Our next congress is planned for October 2020 in St Lucia, with the central theme of Integrating Complementary Medicine in General Practice.
We believe that owners should empower themselves with as much information as possible – but at the same time, we do not promote owners taking the treatment of their animals “into their own hands” or seeking assistance from service providers who do not have the appropriate training. We therefore encourage our professional colleagues to explore all options of treatment for their patients, large and small, and to point clients interested in alternative approaches to the CVMG. Not only can this help prevent clients from making costly mistakes, but we can also ensure that patients are assisted by those with the adequate training and knowledge to make a sound diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
| Chairperson | Dr Anuska Viljoen | dranuska@simplyvets.co.za |
For more information visit our website: http://www.cvmg.co.za/