Vetnuus | November 2023 30 « BACK TO CONTENTS The veterinary landscape for private practices in South Africa has changed significantly in the past year or two. A new para-veterinary profession, i.e., Veterinary Physiotherapists (“VPs”) is now part of the para-veterinary professions. And, for the first time, para-veterinarians are allowed to register their own practices and practice for their own accounts. This brings new opportunities as well as new challenges to veterinary practices. Each of the para-veterinary professions has its own rules in terms of the Veterinary and Para-Veterinary Professions Act, No. 19 of 1982 (“the Veterinary Act”). The Rules Relating to the Practicing of the Para-Veterinary Profession of Veterinary Physiotherapist (‘the VP Rules”) came into effect on 24 February 2023. Most VPs practice for their own accounts and their patients are often referred to them by veterinarians. It is thus important for veterinarians to understand how the two professions should interact and complement each other and what the VPs’ scope of practice and duties are. Services that specifically pertain to the Veterinary Physiotherapy profession Rule 2 of the VP Rules deals with this comprehensively. There are a few important aspects that veterinarians should specifically take note of. • VPs may work on patients that have been diagnosed by a veterinarian and referred to them or they may work in consultation with the patient’s veterinarian where there has not been a direct referral to them. • VPs may assist veterinarians in making functional diagnoses of neuromusculoskeletal conditions. • They may set up a treatment plan to enhance the optimal functioning of the patient. • VPs may apply appropriate treatment techniques and therapeutic modalities. • Cardiovascular-, or respiratory-impaired patients that have been diagnosed by a veterinarian may be treated by VPs. This can include exercise intolerance testing, nebulising patients, postural drainage, chest mobilisation techniques, and assisting a veterinarian to wean a patient off a ventilator. • They must refer patients to a veterinarian when there are any red flags present. Red flags are warning signs that indicate to the VP that referral to a veterinarian is warranted. A list of red flags is provided in the VP Rules and includes things such as unexplained weight loss, any signs of illness, and a patient not responding to therapy as expected. Legal Mews UNDERSTANDING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN VETERINARIANS AND VETERINARY PHYSIOTHERAPISTS Trudie Prinsloo (Legalvet Services) This article is intended to provide information and educate veterinarians on relevant aspects of the law. It is not intended as personal legal advice. SAVA is not responsible or liable for any advice or other information provided herein.
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