Professional Discretion - Animal Massage/Care Practitioners ::
(Please note that this article is written as it relates to Colorado and animal massage, but should be referenced as a resource and in theory applied to all states and relevent animal care practitioner modalities.)
Due to the broad language of the Colorado Veterinary Practices Act, animal massage practitioners can be charged with practicing veterinary medicine by simply performing any modality of massage, on any animal, at any time. If charged, the practitioner will receive a Cease and Desist Order, which will force them out of business. The life and livelihood of the practitioner will then be consumed by the costly and timely efforts of defending themselves in a lawsuit. At present, no charges have been filed against an animal massagepractitioner in the State of Colorado. Although, threats have been made.
These steep penalties are cause for animal massage practitioners to be vigilant during record keeping and client interactions to avoid possible prosecution at a later date. Therefore, CAAOR recommends adopting the following standard operating procedures for record keeping.
Fact Sheet -
The purpose of a fact sheet is to provide animal owner contact information as well as information which will indicate the overall general health and lifestyle of the animal. Use open-ended questions and listen! Information provided by the animal owner can help the practitioner determine how massage services will best benefit the animal. This is also an opportunity to discuss diet and exercise with the owner. Be aware that a contraindication for massage may exist. Discontinue services if a contraindication exists and recommend the animal owner seek appropriate care.
Consent Form -
Use a consent form, which provides the animal owner with a written statement summarizing the nature of the services to be provided. Include language identifying the animal massage practitioner is not a veterinarian, does not offer diagnoses, prescribe drugs or perform surgery; the treatment or therapy given is not to be considered veterinary medical treatment; comments, suggestions and recommendations are not to be construed as veterinary medical advice. Also add language to reiterate that massage is a cooperative service, to be used in conjunction with adequate veterinary care. Ultimately, this form serves as a communication tool, to ensure the animal owner understands the scope of massage services. Keep a copy in the record.
Physical Examination Form -
During the first couple minutes of massage, examine the overall condition of the animal. Use a physical examination form to note any temperature changes, skin/fur changes, unusual odors, muscle condition and behavior. Add a section on this form for notes and USE IT! Note behavior, client’s comments, toe nails need trimming, anything of importance! This form is helpful when determining the best course of therapy. When used collectively, exam forms can indicate patterns of behavior and conditions. (Discontinue services if a contraindication is found upon examination.)
Discontinuing Services -
Upon finding a contraindication for massage - discontinue services. Explain the contraindication to the animal owner, write it down on the physical examination form and have the owner sign it. Recommend the animal owner seek appropriate care and schedule a time for follow up.
CAAOR urges all animal massage practitioners to use diligence during record keeping and to review records regularly. Doing so will ensure the practitioner is providing the best course of therapy for the animal. Furthermore, detailed and accurate records may serve the practitioner in the event a complaint is filed with the Board of Veterinary Medicine.
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Event Massage vs. House Calls
Event Massage
The demand for massage services during animal-related events is a growing trend. The purpose of massage at these events is to provide the animal with relief from stress and minor aches, as well as prepare muscles for performance activities and help recovery post performance. These events are a great opportunity for the animal massage practitioner to build his/her practice. The working conditions, for the practitioner, are often fast-paced during these events. Therefore it is easy to find yourself in a situation where you are being rushed to bypass the fact sheet and consent form. This situation can be easily remedied by appointing a “take-in” person to schedule your time and ensure each client has filled out the appropriate
paperwork before the massage begins.
House Calls
When clients call to schedule massage for their animal, collect as much information as possible during the phone interview. Using the fact sheet as a guideline can be very helpful. The most important information is the purpose of massage, followed by the age and condition of the animal. Have the client read and sign the consent form before services begin. Should the
owner or animal guardian request a diagnosis or remedy for a medical condition, a firm and forthright answer should follow, explaining that animal massage practitioners do not diagnose or treat, the scope of practice only covers the process of identifying and relieving stress and non-medical muscle conditions. Refer back to the language in the consent form if necessary. Some animal massage practitioners also call the client’s veterinarian before massaging an animal for the first time. The purpose of the call is to inform him/her that the animal will be receiving massage services. The veterinarian can review the animal’s chart and provide insight into the animal’s condition, which will help determine how massage will best benefit the animal. Record of the phone call may also be helpful in the event that a complaint is filed against the practitioner.
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