Veterinary Chiropractic - Scope of Practice

Scope of Practice

Traditionally, all animal care fell under the exclusive jurisdiction of veterinarians. With the emergence of veterinary chiropractic, both doctors of chiropractic (DCs) and veterinary medicine (DVMs) can take additional training to become certified in veterinary chiropractic. The minimum standard for practice appears to be a minimum of 210 hours according to the Animal Chiropractic Accreditation Commission although, in Australia, a 3 year Masters Degree in Chiropractic Science (Animal Chiropractic) is offered to licensed doctors of chiropractic, veterinary and osteopathic medicine. Where regulated, typical restricted acts include diagnosis and spinal manipulation. In some locations, a veterinarian must supervise the treatment provided by the veterinary chiropractor. Veterinary chiropractors typically treat working horses, racing greyhounds, and pets; and recently have been used more extensively to treat ongoing and chronic pain caused by conditions of the neck and back. Those that specialize in horses are referred to as "equine chiropractors." There has been discussion over whether animal chiropractic should be performed by veterinarians, chiropractors, or both.