| The purpose of this research is to assess and relate essential oil use with canine patients in veterinary practices within the United States. In order to develop the most comprehensive understanding possible, a qualitative, ethnographic style of research was employed to assess the scope, methods, purpose, and philosophy of essential oil use with canine patients among holistic veterinarians throughout the United States.;In the summer of 2009, members of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (AHVMA) were asked to complete and return a survey on their essential oil use with canine patients. Utilizing data from a 34.47% response rate, essential oil use by survey respondents was organized in a clinically useful manner to describe the essential oils used by responding AHVMA members and for what purposes. Information sources for essential oil topics were also collected and categorized. In all, 52 individual essential oils and 18 commercially prepared therapeutic blends were reported in use by survey respondents. Treatments with essential oils range across a wide spectrum of mind, body, and spirit conditions and include aromatic, topical, and internal applications. An essential oil protocol may be individual in application or may be included within multiple modalities in canine veterinary medicine.;To develop a deeper understanding of essential oil use in veterinary practices throughout the United States, fifteen members of the AHVMA were interviewed in depth regarding their methods, decisions, and experiences relating to essential oil use with canine patients. Treatments, administrative protocols, and case summaries are included.;Visions of the future of essential oil use in veterinary medicine vary. Twenty-two holistic veterinarians were interviewed regarding their views on the future of essential oil use in veterinary medicine. This research offers their combined assessment of present and possible future circumstances regarding essential oil use in veterinary medicine. Veterinarians interviewed practice in a broad range of aspects and circumstances in holistic veterinary medicine. The most likely future trends in therapeutic applications of essential oils were discussed, as well as present undiscovered potential for beneficial use. Present and possible influences and scenarios involving essential oil use in veterinary practice have been developed by the veterinarians interviewed.;Detailed methods of essential oil administration to canine patients have been provided by six of the veterinarians most experienced in essential oil use in practice. Through their guidance, professionals interested in providing essential oil therapy with canine patients in a clinical setting should have the information to begin, or to enhance existing practices. |
