As defined by the AVMA:​
​"Complementary, alternative, and integrative therapies means a heterogeneous group of preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic philosophies and practices that are not considered part of conventional (Western) medicine as practiced by most veterinarians and veterinary technicians. These therapies include, but are not limited to, veterinary acupuncture, acutherapy, and acupressure; veterinary homeopathy; veterinary manual or manipulative therapy (ie, therapies based on techniques practiced in osteopathy, chiropractic medicine, or physical medicine and therapy); veterinary nutraceutical therapy; and veterinary phytotherapy." 
https://www.avma.org/KB/Policies/Pages/Model-Veterinary-Practice-Act.aspx 
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Understanding Integrative Medicine

Integrative Veterinary Medicine (IVM)

  • Integrative or integrated medicine combines treatments for which there is some high-quality evidence of safety and effectiveness.2

Allopathic medicine

  • Conventional or Western medicine; what most people typically think of when they hear "medicine."

Complementary medicine 

  • Refers to use of CAM together with conventional medicine, such as using acupuncture in addition to usual care to help lessen pain. Most use of CAM by Americans is complementary.3

Alternative medicine 

  • Refers to use of CAM in place of conventional medicine.​4

Holistic medicine

  • The art and science of healing that addresses care of the whole person - body, mind, and spirit. The practice of holistic medicine integrates conventional and complementary therapies to promote optimal health, and prevent and treat disease by addressing contributing factors. In practice, this means that each person is seen as a unique individual, rather than an example of a particular disease. Disease is understood to be the result of physical, emotional, spiritual, social and environmental imbalance. Healing, therefore, takes place naturally when these aspects of life are brought into proper balance. The role of the practitioner is as guide, mentor and role model; the patient must do the work - changing lifestyle, beliefs and old habits in order to facilitate healing. All appropriate methods may be used, from medication to meditation.5
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