“Alternative” is a label for very different things – from well-studied rehabilitation to procedures with no evidence at all. Below is an overview based on systematic reviews.
Evidence of benefit (alongside conventional treatment)
Hydrotherapy and therapeutic exercise
An underwater treadmill and swimming take load off the joints while building muscle. They work well after joint surgery (for example cruciate ligament repair), in osteoarthritis, neurological disease and obesity. They are carried out at a rehabilitation centre following a programme agreed with your vet.
Acupuncture
Systematic reviews show a moderate effect as additional pain relief in osteoarthritis and back pain. It should be performed only by a vet trained in acupuncture (in the UK, acupuncture on animals is an act of veterinary surgery), using single-use needles. It does not replace pain medication and does not “boost immunity”.
Low-level laser therapy (photobiomodulation)
There is evidence of reduced pain in osteoarthritis and benefits after surgery. It must not be used over tumours or the eyes.
Massage
Improves comfort and mobility and reduces anxiety. It works well as part of a rehabilitation programme.
Little or conflicting evidence
- Magnetic field therapy (PEMF) – a few studies, no reliable data.
- Herbal medicine – some extracts showed an effect in some studies, but the quality of herbal products is not controlled, and side effects and interactions with medicines are real. Use only on your vet’s advice.
Not recommended
- Aromatherapy with essential oils – toxic to cats and irritating to the airways in dogs too.
- Chiropractic and osteopathic spinal manipulation in disc disease, spinal instability, fractures or tumours – it can cause paralysis. Hip and elbow dysplasia are joint diseases, not spinal problems, and manipulation does not treat them.
- Homeopathy – its effect is no different from placebo.
How to choose a therapy
- First, an accurate diagnosis and conventional treatment.
- Discuss any complementary therapy with your vet, who will consider contraindications.
- Choose a practitioner with veterinary training and rehabilitation qualifications, working with your vet.
- Judge the result: if a course brings no improvement, the approach should be reconsidered.
When to see a vet urgently
Sudden weakness or paralysis of the legs, severe pain on movement and problems passing urine are emergencies – they are not treated with “alternative” methods.
Sources
- Bergh A. et al.: series of systematic reviews of complementary therapies in veterinary medicine (laser, acupuncture, electrotherapy and others), Animals (Basel), 2021.
- WSAVA Global Pain Council Guidelines, 2022.
- AAHA Pain Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats, 2022.
Paw4care editorial team
