Vets Trying to Shut Down Chiropractors, Dentists, etc.....

My mother just told me that Vets in several states are trying to get Horse Chiropractors, Horse Dentists, and other equine specialists banned from practice.

Has anyone heard of this? It might just be getting them banned from the tracks, but I fear they would extend that to business done at private barns throughout the track.

If it is true that they are trying to get these specialists put out of business, that would be terrible for us, because we have a tooth guy that is absolutely amazing. Mom said we'd be "buying hay from him and paying in cash" if his practice were to be banned.

I've heard nothing on that. I can see where the vets would want to do that...they'd make a lot more money. But I think it's a horrible idea. My vets usually do my horses teeth, sometimes someone else does, but the vets come sedate for those people...never shown any annimosity towards them..one of my vets (the practice has like, 7 or 8 ) is a licensed chiro, and I do my own massaging...so it wouldn't really effect me or my barn anyway...that aside, I hope that doesn't come to pass

I think it comes from any yo-ho picking up a rasp and claiming to be a farrier, or anyone who can grab some dental raps and claim to be an equine Dental Specialists. If they don't claim to be licensed and certified, they are not breaking the law. Are their great non licensed folks out there practicing? You bet!!!!

The Vet's argument is that they want licensed people working on the animals. That way they 'should" receive a certain level of proficiency. There will be a legal standard. If those standards are not met, then we as owners have legal recourse.

Chiropractors, just like in human medicine, are shrouded in doubt and suspicion. Many are great, others do more harm than good.

Great info dashaway- also maybe the non licensed guys are going to charge you less?and cut into the vets business.
no medicine should be practiced without a license-should include farriers too. I ask for a copy (lic or certification)before any work is done on any of my animals

Well, that's sure the rub, ain't it. A vet goes to college for four years, then vet school. So their time is worth more - for equine medicine, at least. So why would anyone want a $100 person to do a $20 job? To be honest, I don't know of any vet who wants to shoe a horse! Farriers have a backbreaking job. I have been lucky that I have had outstanding farriers in my life - and they were damn fine people too. Only one was a dud. Thank God he never did any damage to my horses.... they are easy trims.

I have had two brilliant equine dentists in Maryland, but the fella in Tennessee left the property with a lovely red welt from a rasp across his butt. And counted himself lucky I didn't shove it higher. Again, I think the push is to get a standardized licensing. You can tell who graduated from which hoof trimming school by the way they work.... but in the end all should pass certain standards.

I dunno. I would definitely be interested in seeing more info on this.

I don't think it's the vets place to determine who you let work on your horse...i fully believe that it's the horseowner's responsibility to do their research prior...

That said, I know I wouldn't hire anyone who didn't have a certificate or degree in what they do...farriers mostly excluded.

I'm skeptical of anyone working on my horse who is not a liscensed vet. My horses' chiropractor is also a licsensed vet and their dentist is a vet who decided to specialize in equine dentistry. It makes me feel a lot better knowing they are certified to diagnose problems and administer treatment and prescribe medications.

Absolutely!
There is no way an organization can shut em down. For most, current client base would keep them well supported. Plus, word of mouth. Isn't that how most of us find a farrier and dentist in the first place though? When I move to a new area, I ask my local vet, other horse owners, etc.

I mean, there is a guy here where I work who claims to "trim hooves." Good Lord I wouldn't let this dude trim the crust off my toast!