These books are an excellent starting place for learning more about holistic veterinary medicine, and for building your veterinary library. (affiliate links)
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Acupuncture
The OG veterinary acupuncture textbook covers both ancient and modern perspectives on acupuncture, plus suggestions for specific conditions.
My favorite point atlas, with color photos and concise anatomical descriptions. Includes suggestions for direction and depth of needle placement.
Primarily a detailed atlas of points, this book also delves into general principles of point selection with recommendations for specific conditions.
Aromatherapy
An excellent basic overview to essential oil use, aimed at pet owners and written by a DVM.
ADR II: Essential Oils for Animals
An in-depth look at the science of essential oils and applications for specific diseases, written by a DVM.
Cannabis
Cannabis Therapy in Veterinary Medicine
The first textbook of its kind, this book covers the pharmacology, toxicology, and uses of cannabis in vet med.
Aimed at pet parents, this is also useful for veterinarians wanting an easy overview of these topics. Dr. Silver is a leader in both therapies.
General Reference
Integrative Veterinary Medicine
The most current textbook available covering integrative vet med. I’ve not yet seen it, but trust the expertise of these two editors.
Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine
The OG textbook in this field, and still worth having on the shelf although some of the treatments may be out of date.
Complementary Medicine for Veterinary Technicians and Nurses
A good introduction to various modalities, this book also addresses the role of vet techs in providing each.
Manual of Natural Veterinary Medicine
Provides an easy-to-understand explanation of traditional Chinese medicine, and provides TCVM, nutritional, and herbal approaches to various conditions.
Integrating Complementary Medicine into Veterinary Practice
A brief overview of various modalities followed by recommendations for specific disease states.
Herbs – Western
An overview of historical and modern approaches to herbal medicine, along with pharmacology and uses of medicinal plants.
Although aimed at laypeople, this book provides an excellent basic overview of the therapeutic uses of various plants, along with suggestions for common conditions.
Herbs – Chinese
Essential Guide to Chinese Herbal Formulas
Excellent starting point for those just beginning in TCVM: in-depth discussions of the 29 most common veterinary TCVM formulas, referenced by both Western and TCVM condition.
A detailed guide to individual herbs and formulas and their applications for various TCVM and Western diagnoses, plus a section on integrating them into clinical practice.
Clinical Manual of Chinese Veterinary Herbal Medicine
An overview of some of the most commonly used TCVM formulas, including both TCVM and Western indications.
Chinese Herbal Formulas for Veterinarians
Addresses historical foundations, modern research, pharmacology, and clinical experience and provides detailed guidance on formula use, dosing, safety, and case studies.
Homeopathy
Practical Handbook of Veterinary Homeopathy
An easy to follow overview of veterinary homeopathy. Includes case studies and guidance on remedy selection.
Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs
This overview of homeopathic principles, includes a list of diseases and remedy suggestions by organ system, along with a materia medica.
Laser Therapy
Laser Therapy in Veterinary Medicine: Photobiomodulation
Background on the history and physics of laser therapy, along with a comprehensive guide to clinical applications.
Veterinary Laser Therapy in Small Animal Practice
Clinical overview of laser therapy and applications, presented in a clinician-to-clinician tone.
Nutrition
Ruined by Excess, Perfected by Lack
An animal nutritionist explains why a high carbohydrate diet, i.e., kibble, is nutritionally inappropriate for dogs and cats.
Fresh Food & Ancient Wisdom: Preparing Healthy & Balanced Meals For Your Dogs
Fresh food recipes for various life stages and health conditions, based on TCVM principles.
Unlocking the Canine Ancestral Diet
Guidance on creating balanced, fresh food diets. A somewhat dense but worthwhile read.
Home-Prepared Dog and Cat Diets
Nutritional guidance for various life stages and diagnoses, followed by multiple recipes for both dogs and cats.
Ozone
A Practical Guide to Veterinary Medical Ozone Therapy
The first and only textbook on veterinary ozone therapy, written by two pioneers in the field.
Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine
Canine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation
A comprehensive, evidence-based reference on the evaluation, treatment, conditioning, and rehabilitation of canine musculoskeletal issues.
Equine Injury, Therapy and Rehabilitation
A practical guide to understanding equine injuries and rehabilitation, explaining therapeutic techniques and their scientific basis.
Canine Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy
Covers assessment, therapeutic modalities, exercise programs, and treatment protocols for orthopedic, neurologic, and postoperative conditions.
Practical Physiotherapy for Small Animal Practice
Introduction to physiotherapy for dogs and cats, outlining common techniques, protocols, and practice guidelines for practice.
Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine
A basic TCVM overview, with acupressure and massage advice appropriate for clients.
Practical Guide to Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine
An encyclopedia of Western diagnoses providing common TCVM patterns, comprehensive TCVM treatment suggestions, and case studies.
Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine
The foundational textbook for Chi University’s acupuncture program and an excellent basic overview of TCVM principles.
