From the August 8th Board meeting:

Animal Massage Therapists – The Board has received 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. 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. In the event of a medical situation, a veterinarian can 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.

Jonathan Rudinger, President of IAAMB provided a half hour presentation to the Board on animal massage therapy. He indicated that the association is pursuing legislation to certify or license the practice of animal massage therapy.

Colorado:

Colorado recently passed House Bill 1042 pertaining to Equine Massage. The bill removes equine massage from the veterinary practics lawbut requires that all practitioners must be certified by a school/program accredited by the Colo. Dept. of Eduaction. The law goes into effect Jan. 1, 2010. There is no clause to grandfather practicing therapists and I am unaware of any programs that we previously accredited so it seems that many (all?) therapists practicing in Colorado will have to go back to school. Its unclear how this will work.

Indiana:

Trying to pass law 316 in Indiana to make alternative medicine only for licensed veterinarians! How many DVM’s are going to do that? FEW, very few. We must get this message out to everyone to get this voted down!