Preamble
Faced with the strong development of complementary medicines in veterinary medicine and the important offer of therapists whose training remains very heterogeneous and rarely validated by the various national authorities, EVSO® proposes a reference system defining the minimum level of training of veterinarians practicing Veterinary Osteopathic Medicine.
The different objectives of this reference are:
- state the professional knowledge and skills necessary for the practice of Veterinary Osteopathic Medicine;
- provide the basis for clear communication within the veterinary profession and with the scientific community;
- promote the integration of Veterinary Osteopathic Medicineinto national animal health systems, particularly in the areas of education and research.
Knowledge referential
All the knowledge needed to obtain a veterinary doctor's degree.
In-depth knowledge of veterinary medicine
- In-depth knowledge of anatomy, including topographic anatomy, functional anatomy, and palpatory anatomy.
- In-depth knowledge of physiology and physio-pathology.
- In-depth knowledge of neurology, including the functioning and interrelations of the central, peripheral and autonomic nervous systems.
- In-depth knowledge of vertebral and appendicular biomechanics.
In-depth knowledge of Veterinary Osteopathic Medicine
- Knowledge of the general history and evolution of manual medicine in the broad sense.
- In-depth knowledge of basic concepts and principles of manual medicine and osteopathy.
- In-depth knowledge of the anatomical and physiological interrelationships between the different tissues of the body.
- In-depth knowledge of osteopathic biomechanics including interrelations between structure and function.
- In-depth knowledge of Veterinary Osteopathic Medicine-specific diagnostic and therapeutic manual techniques including the principles and mechanisms of action of these techniques.
Referential of skills
Diagnostic skills
Implementation of a protocol based on diagnostic techniques using the palpatory know-how specific to Veterinary Osteopathic Medicine including:
- the diagnostic examination,
- the bodily positioning of the therapist and the patient,
- the identification and location of restricted movement zones, using in particular micro and macro mobility evaluation techniques.
Linkage of palpatory diagnosis with allopathic diagnosis based on taking into account the animal as a whole.
Therapeutic skills
Implementation of a manual therapy protocol including:
- the methods of treatment,
- the particularities of positioning related to each animal species during treatment,
- the implementation of all manual therapeutic techniques adapted to the diagnosis posed: including structural techniques, functional, myotensive, neurovascular, using micro and macro-mobility.
EVSO® recommends the writing of an Veterinary Osteopathic Medicine consultation report readable by all veterinarians, whether or not they are trained in osteopathy.
Training modalities
After obtaining a veterinary medicine diploma, an additional training of minimum 300 hours of theoretical instruction and 200 hours of practical instruction spread over several years.
Prospect
The principles set out in this reference document can be used as a basis for the establishment of qualification or accreditation systems for Veterinary Osteopathic Medicine practitioners in different European countries. These systems will improve information for pet owners and the safety of treated animals.