Why do we need Veterinary Referral?

The Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 Section 19 restricts the practice of veterinary surgery to registered members of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons subject to a number of exceptions.

Additionally, the Veterinary Surgery (Exemptions) Order 1962 Section 4(a) states that any treatment by physiotherapy given to an animal by a person must be under the direction (i.e. prescription) of a veterinary surgeon. The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons has interpreted physiotherapy as any manual therapy, which also includes, but is not restricted to, osteopaths and chiropractors. This does not include aromatherapy or acupuncture.

It is the act of physiotherapy that is referred to in the 1962 Order, not that it must be carried out by a physiotherapist (which is a protected title).

As such, it is important that a veterinary physiotherapist only treats an animal after referral from a veterinary surgeon. By treatment, we mean physiotherapy targeted at an already diagnosed condition, with the purpose of curing or improving that condition.

Following an update in 2020 A veterinary physiotherapist may perform maintenance therapy on a healthy animal with the owner’s permission for reasons of an approach to improve the animal’s flexibility and movement, what one may call toning-up. If an animal is presented with an injury or condition that might need attention from a veterinary surgeon, then the animal should be referred 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.

With all cases of maintenance physiotherapy, it is considered good policy to inform the client’s usual veterinary surgeon – it gives an ideal opportunity to discuss the animal, and may even highlight a forgotten ailment from the animal’s treatment history.

Veterinary Surgeons

We welcome any contact from Veterinary Surgeon to discuss appropriate Physiotherapy treatment and/or restrictions in particular cases. Personalised care to each patient is extremely important to us. Please do contact us via email or phone to discuss a patient we are already treating or that you would like to refer.