Few veterinarians are trained in the arcane art of spinal manipulation, and so, since 1992, vets have been permitted to refer patients to chiropractors and supervise the subsequent treatment. That amiable relationship ended earlier this year, however, when Edmonton chiropractor Daniel Martin agreed to treat a sick dog without a referral. Dr. Martin apparently cured the dog of severe vomiting and diarrhea in just a few chiropractic treatments a feat the animal's veterinarian had failed at over nine months. Dr. Martin is now under investigation by the CCA for unlawful practice and has been ordered, as have all Alberta's chiropractors, to cease and desist all four-legged practice. He says the investigation is ridiculous.
Vets are very territorial and they want a monopoly on the treatment of animals.
The treatment of the dog, with the results that were achieved through chiropractic care, was the straw that broke the camel's back. As recently as January, AVMA members voted against establishing protocols for the cooperative treatment of animals between chiropractors and veterinarians. Still, AVMA spokesman Robert Moyles denies any dark motive. We still feel that the most appropriate person to make the diagnosis is the vet. The move was also made, he says, to protect the public against fraudulent practitioners.