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Important News
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After
some discussion and review of the AVMA guidelines on euthanasia (http://www.avma.org/issues/animal_welfare/euthanasia.pdf),
the Board determined by general consensus that "As a general rule, the practice
of intracardiac euthanasia is not the preferred method of euthanasia, but realize
there are circumstances where it may be necessary. Intracardiac euthanasia should
only be utilized in situations where it is absolutely necessary."
Animal
Alternative Therapies The Ohio Veterinary Medical Licensing Board
has had multiple inquiries regarding the ability of animal massage therapists
and other allied health professionals to perform therapies on animals and not
violate the veterinary practice act. The Board appreciates these individuals willingness
to understand and work within the law and rules of the veterinary practice act.
Basically, the use of massage therapy to treat a medical condition of an animal
is the practice of veterinary medicine and should be monitored by a veterinarian.
It is
not the intent of the Ohio Veterinary Medical Licensing Board to restrict the
practice of alternative therapy practitioners as long as they are not straying
into the field of diagnosing and medical treatment of animals. The Board reiterates
that if the animal practitioner is performing therapy for the purpose of relaxation
or other non-medical purposes, then it is not considered the practice of veterinary
medicine and is permissible. For instance, an animal that has inhibitions regarding
travel may require massage therapy to relax it. In the event of a medical situation
a veterinarian can certainly prescribe such services as a therapist can provide
or the therapist can work under the supervision of the veterinarian as long as
the veterinarian maintains the medical supervision for the animal. Recent
legislation, HB 458, was enacted to provide the Board with legal authority
to ensure that only those practitioners trained to perform veterinary medicine,
are doing so. The Board has recently filed rules to further clarify the definitions,
etc. which will hopefully allay any concerns. You can access the Board's web site
at www.ovmlb.ohio.gov for updates regarding
the rule filing. |