Veterinary association concerned for animal welfare risk

The British Veterinary Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine Association (BVRSMA) is calling for more strict regulation of animal physiotherapists and hydrotherapists.

The association fears lay people are putting animal welfare at risk as many are not registered with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists (CSP), and there is no recognised body to cover hydrotherapy.

As a result, there is concern that dogs are being left in pain and may even have their lives put at risk in some cases.

To regulate, the BVRSMA is pushing for a new register to ensure those performing treatments for conditions - such as osteoarthritis, orthopaedic conditions and soft tissue injuries - have the skills and knowledge to do so.

BVRSMA Secretary David Prydie said: "The problem is anyone can call him or herself an animal physiotherapist/hydrotherapist. He or she can advertise as being able to treat hip dysplasia arthritis and other treatments - and charge for this so-called service.

"Many patients are made worse by inappropriate treatments by these lay people, and there have also even been reports of drowning."

The BVRSMA would like only members of the RCVS or the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy (ACPAT) to be able to have their names added to the register.