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A Horse of Course

A Horse, Of Course
by Don Blazer

Greed and ignorance are making veterinarians, specifically the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) propose some pretty freedom limiting, and maybe health limiting rules and regulations.
The Revised Model Veterinary Practice Act (MVPA) also makes me think the rule "proposers" are suffering limited thinking due to their grossly oversized egos. Veterinarians are not the only good horsemen and women.
The recently proposed MVPA would put an end to holistic medical treatments for animals, affect your right to practice natural healing methods and limit treatments to traditional veterinary medicine.
According to the proposed MVPA the "practice of veterinary medicine means: a) to diagnose, treat, correct, change, alleviate, or prevent animal disease, illness, pain, deformity, defect, injury, or other physical, dental, or mental conditions by any method or mode, including: i. the prescriptions, dispensing, administration, or application of any drug, medicine, biologic, apparatus, anesthetic, or other therapeutic or diagnostic substance or medical or surgical technique, or ii. the use of complementary, alternative, and integrative therapies, or iii. the use of any manual or mechanical procedure for reproductive management, or iv. the rendering of advice or recommendation by any means including telephonic and other electronic communications with regard to any of the above.
b) To represent, directly or indirectly, publicly or privately, an ability and willingness to do an act described in subsection 18 a. Subsection 18 a is the definition of veterinary medicine-a definition which pretty much eliminates anyone, anywhere, from doing anything to help any animal at any time, unless you are a good dues paying member of AVMA.
Good-by homeopathy, Reiki, massage, Moxabustion, acupuncture and chiropractic assistance. Good-by anyone and everyone who wants to help horses and do it without "drug therapy or surgery."
A member of AVMA and a certified acupuncturist told me, "veterinarians who oppose the use of acupuncture, Reiki and homeopathic treatment generally don't understand and haven't made an effort to educate themselves." "Most of the time," this veterinarian said, "I believe their opposition is based on a fear of losing income."
I think that is a perfect diagnosis.
"Don't understand" and have not made "an effort to educate themselves" sounds like ignorance to me.
As for the greed, in a recent AVMA Consumer Demographic Report, according to the Ancient Healing Arts Association, it was estimated that animal owners spent an average of $35 per month on "non-traditional" veterinary care. That adds up to nearly $40 million per year that veterinarians are not getting, but want.
I'm not a big advocate of traditional veterinary care, nor am I a big advocate of "natural healing." I see myself as an advocate of doing "what seems best for the horse at the time." When you need a veterinarian, you need a veterinarian. Actually, most of the time, you don't need one.
There are lots of health-helpful things which should be considered before any "healer" is called. A tincture of time often works miracles. On the other hand, sometimes it is necessary to suture a major wound.
In any case, I think it is the AVMA creed which directs a veterinarian to "do no harm."
I think it is pretty obvious the AVMA proposal would do harm to thousands of horses if they couldn't get acupuncture, holistic help, massage or a healing touch.
Before thinking medicine, horse owners should provide their horses with plenty of fresh air, exercise and a nutritious diet. Then horse owners should not be afraid to ask questions and consider all forms of health care. Finally, objections to, or claims for any treatment without convincing explanation or evidence of thorough understanding should be avoided.
Act to benefit the horse.

www.donblazer.com

 

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