The Law Surrounding Veterinary Physiotherapy

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The title 'Animal or Veterinary Physiotherapist' is not protected by law which means that anyone can in theory call themselves an animal or veterinary physiotherapist regardless of their qualifications.  However, the title 'Chartered Physiotherapist' is protected by law and can only be used by physiotherapists who have achieved a high level of academic and practical training in all aspects of physiotherapy.

 

Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 

 

The Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 (Section 19) provides, subject to a number of exceptions, that only registered members of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons may practice veterinary surgery. 'Veterinary surgery' is defined within the Act as encompassing the 'art and science of veterinary surgery and medicine' which includes the diagnosis of diseases and injuries in animals, tests performed on animals for diagnostic purposes, advice based upon a diagnosis and surgical operations which may not necessarily form part of a treatment. These restrictions are in the interests of ensuring that animals are treated only by people qualified to do so.

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The Veterinary Surgery (Exemptions) Order states:

1. The Veterinary Surgery (Exemptions) Order 1962 allows for the treatment of animals by 'physiotherapy', provided that the animal has first been seen by a veterinary surgeon who has diagnosed the condition and decided that it should be treated by physiotherapy under his/her direction.
2. 'Physiotherapy' is interpreted as including all kinds of manipulative therapy. It therefore includes osteopathy and chiropractic but would not, for example, include acupuncture or aromatherapy.

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Updated Guidance including Veterinary Surgery (Exemptions) Order 2015 and further Discussions with DEFRA & RCVS:

http://cept.org.uk/legal-3/

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This guidance clarifies the law when owners wish a Musculo Skeletal (MSK) Practitioner to assess their animal and when a Vet refers an animal to a MSK Practitioner.

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The following Guidance has been approved by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Standards Committee and will be circulated among the veterinary profession:

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a) Musculoskeletal therapists are part of the vet-led team. Animals cared for or treated by musculoskeletal therapists must be registered with a veterinary surgeon. Musculoskeletal therapists carry out a range of manipulative therapies, including physiotherapy, osteopathy and chiropractic therapy.

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b) As per the Veterinary Surgery (Exemptions) Order 2015, remedial treatment by ‘physiotherapy’ requires delegation by a veterinary surgeon who has first examined the animal. 'Physiotherapy' is interpreted as including all kinds of manipulative therapy. It therefore includes osteopathy and chiropractic but would not, for example, include acupuncture or aromatherapy. It is up to the professional judgment of the veterinary surgeon to determine whether and when a clinical examination should be repeated before musculoskeletal treatment is continued.

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c) The delegating veterinary surgeon should ensure, before delegation, that they are confident that the musculoskeletal therapist is appropriately qualified and competent; indicators can include membership of a voluntary register with associated standards of education and conduct, supported by a disciplinary process. As the RCVS does not regulate musculoskeletal therapists it cannot recommend specific voluntary registers.

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d) Musculoskeletal maintenance care for a healthy animal, for instance massage, does not require delegation by a veterinary surgeon. However, the animal must still be registered with a veterinary surgeon. Maintenance should cease and the owner of the animal should be asked to take their animal to a veterinary surgeon for clinical examination at the first sign that there may be any underlying injury, disease or pathology. Alternatively, the musculoskeletal therapist may ask the client for formal consent to disclose any concerns to the veterinary surgeon that has their animal under their care.

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This clarification has come about as a result of RAMP Council consultation with DEFRA and the RCVS around clarification for veterinary consent for Competition and Maintenance Care.

 

To reiterate, the only difference to current practice is in point d). An animal declared healthy by the owner, in cases where care is given to maintain good health and optimise competition performance, can be seen without specific Veterinary referral with the caveats stated. This covers the areas of Maintenance care and Competition care only. This clarification will ease the current legal grey area and hope it will improve communication between MSK Practitioners and the Veterinary Profession. Any suspected pathology must be reported back to the animals registered vet immediately.

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Having discussed your requirements I will complete a Veterinarian Authorisation form if required with all the relevant details I will then submit a form to your Veterinary Practice for signature. 

 

I always maintain open communication lines with your Vets should I have concerns or if an animal is presented with an injury or condition that might need attention from a veterinary surgeon, then I will then refer to the Vets for such attention as it needs. Even in cases of doubt, expert veterinary attention should be sought. Only a veterinary surgeon can diagnose a disease or condition in an animal and prescribe the necessary treatment.

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Veterinary Physiotherapists who are registered with ACPAT and/or the Register of Animal Musculoskeletal Practitioners (RAMP) hold appropriate undergraduate degree or Masters level qualification. 

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Furthermore, membership of these regulatory bodies requires the member to possess adequate professional and public liability insurance.

An animal Physiotherapist should work alongside your veterinary surgeon to provide the best possible treatment for your animal.  Members of ACPAT & RAMP will always work in co-operation with the Veterinary Surgeon.

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