KM Equine & CANINE MASSAGE

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 New RCVS Guidelines

The following guidance has been issued by the RCVS in relation to veterinary consent for competition and maintenance care:

The RCVS recognises that there has been some doubt as to whether therapists require a veterinary referral for maintenance work, such as massage, in a healthy animal.

The new guidance sets out the existing rules for musculoskeletal treatment of illness, disease or pathology, and clarifies that healthy animals do not require a veterinary referral for maintenance care. The guidance stresses that all therapists are part of the vet-led team, and that any animal, including healthy ones, should be registered with a veterinary surgeon and referred to a vet at the first sign of any symptoms that may suggest underlying health issues. The guidance also notes that vets should be confident that the musculoskeletal therapist is appropriately qualified; indicators of this can include membership of a voluntary regulatory body with a register of practitioners, and associated standards of education and conduct, supported by a complaints and disciplinary process. This includes such bodies as IAAMB and IAAT.

19.24 Musculoskeletal maintenance care for a healthy animal, for instance massage, does not require delegation by a veterinary surgeon. However, the animal must still be registered with a veterinary surgeon. Maintenance should cease and the owner of the animal should be asked to take their animal to a veterinary surgeon for clinical examination at the first sign that there may be any underlying injury, disease or pathology. Alternatively, the musculoskeletal therapist may ask the client for formal consent to disclose any concerns to the veterinary surgeon that has their animal under their care.  

Do not massage when the horse’s temperature is over 102° (F) or 39° (C).  It is helpful if the client knows their horses normal temperature which is usually 100°F, 38°C.   A mild fever is present at 102°F, 39°C.  A moderate fever is present at 104.5°F, 40°C. A high fever is present at 106°F, 41°C.   During a serious illness, an increase in temperature occurs; feverish conditions require total rest. Massage will make the situation worse because it increases blood circulation which is already rampant.  Check with your Vet. 

Contraindications are as follows: 

• Open wound (broken skin).  Healing wound (bleeding) anywhere on the body, you must avoid that particular area, although on Vets advice I may massage the rest of the body which will help with excess swelling and release compensatory tension.
• When there is acute trauma (a torn muscle or an area with internal bleeding, such as an acute hematoma). 72 hours normally needs to pass following ice techniques and assessments.
• When severe forms of functional nervous disease (tetanus) are present, do not massage the horse. The nerve stimulation would be totally intolerable.  Acute nerve problems or nerve irritation (neuralgia) in a particular area (following a wound or a bad stretch) is a contraindication to massage. The laying on of hands (massage technique) might soothe.   
• During colitis, diarrhoea, pregnancy, or hernias, I could use just a light stroking on the abdomen if the horse accepts this.
• Acute rheumatism and arthritis are usually too painful for massage. Massage could worsen the inflammation. Once the acute stage is relieved, continue massage treatment. Chronic stages of rheumatism and arthritis require different treatment. Gentle massage over the areas affected would relax the compensatory tension from the muscles supporting those structures. This case would be fully discussed with the vet first.
• Calcification around joints or within soft tissues should not be massaged, it would increase the inflammation in these areas. Check with vet first. 
• An inflammatory condition such as phlebitis would be worsened by direct massage. Check with vet first.
• If cancerous tumours and cysts are present, do not massage. Massage could unfortunately spread them. Avoid the affected areas, but you may massage the rest of the body. Once again, check with your vet.

Massage is absolutely contraindicated in the following conditions, it would contribute to spreading:-

• Skin problems - fungal origin, such as ringworm
• Infectious conditions of fistulous origin, such as poll-evil or fistulous withers
• Infectious diseases, such as strangles, tetanus, and pneumonia
• Acute stages of viral diseases, such as equine influenza or herpes