by Debi Katsmar
As horse owners we all have different beliefs in what works and doesn’t work for our horses, what methods of treatments we use whether it be through our own remedies, traditional veterinarian practices or alternative and holistic therapies. The question now is: Should it be the horse owner’s decision as to who works on our horse and how?

The College of Veterinarians of Ontario is proposing changes to the practice of complementary and alternative medicines in Ontario with the basic premise being that all types of alternative treatments are to be conducted by a licensed veterinarian, or under their supervision. Thus, you would need a referral for an equine chiropractor, massage therapist, acupuncturist, etc. before these individuals would be able to help you and your horse.  Click here to read the complete proposal.

Lyndo Cho,  Practitioner, EMRT™, Animal Bowen™ & Equine Massage of Tender Touch Equine Therapy states, “I am for Veterinarians being part of your horses team even in Complementary Therapies and specializing in complemenary therapies, however to say that we as animal owners will not be permitted to use complementary health professionals without their being on site, I feel is a violation of our rights. This will really affect us if it is approved.”

For a veterinarian’s point of view follow this link to a recent webcast called “Differing Opinions”.

In further conversations with various horseowners and a local veterinarian, there is a firm conviction that veterinarians should be involved when it comes to chiropractic and acupuncture services where there is more likelihood of a problem occurring as a result of the practice. Quite often the problem of a sore back, being treated by a chiropractor for example, is "usually a result of another underlying problem" in the feet, hocks or legs - problems more suited to that of a veterinarian's care. To say that all "alternative therapists" should be grouped as one, is probably taking this a little far. After all, a horse would probably enjoys a massage, just as humans would.

The College of Veterinarians of Ontario is accepting comments on this proposal until April 15th. You can send your comments to:
Ms. Karen Smythe
Policy and Quality Assurance Manager
College of Veterinarians of Ontario
2106 Gordon Street
Guelph, ON
N1L 1G6
Fax: 519-824-6497 or 888-662-9479