The Current Situation With Respect to Equine Veterinary Paraprofessionals and Complementary Therapists

Modern equine veterinary practice involves the guardianship of the horse’s welfare in collaboration with the horse’s owner and increasing numbers of other advisers on whose advice the owner might manage their horse and its performance. The veterinarian is part of an ever expanding equine healthcare team, but it is appropriate that it is he or she who is leader of the team responsible for the horse’s healthcare as a result of the responsibilities defined within the Veterinary Surgeons Act (1966). This Act restricts the act of veterinary surgery (with a few exceptions) to veterinary surgeons registered with the RCVS, the body charged by Parliament to maintain professional standards. An act of veterinary surgery is defined as encompassing ‘the art and science of veterinary surgery which includes the diagnosis and treatment of diseases in animalsÚ. The restrictions are in place to protect the animal against treatment by unsuitable individuals, and not to protect the interests of veterinary surgeons. In addition, the animal is protected against inappropriate interference or mutilation by the Animal Welfare Act and the Veterinary Medicines Directive. However, the explosion of knowledge and its dissemination, has resulted in a wide range of complementary animal therapies which may be marketed convincingly to a horse owner, which may or may not be validated or beneficial to the horse’s welfare. The Veterinary Surgeon’s Act specifies the responsibilities and limitations for veterinary nurses, and physiotherapists (Veterinary Surgeons Exemption order 1962), and the Farriers Registration Act (1977). [...]