The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons has released new guidance on veterinary referrals for musculoskeletal treament. H&H heard the views of campaigners, practitioners and vets on the change...
OWNERS do not now have to seek veterinary approval to have musculoskeletal treatment for horses, in a “win-win” situation.
The work of musculoskeletal therapists (MSKs), such as osteopaths, physios and chiropractors, is underpinned by an exemption order to the Veterinary Surgeons Act, which allows them to treat animals “under the direction of a vet who has first examined that animal”.
But the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) said it recognised that there had been doubt as to whether MSKs need vet referral for maintenance work on a healthy animal. This caused confusion, and might mean delays to animals’ maintenance care.
Equine vets have a higher risk of being injured at work than firefighters
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Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.
