Discussion: How many of us are practicing veterinary medicine without a license?
This is a discussion article on how many of us as animal lovers are practicing veterinary medicine without a license.
owner giving sub-q fluids
After reading of Tammie Hedges arrest and being charged with practicing without the proper veterinary license, I decided to look into just what that means in the state of North Carolina.
According to the North Carolina Veterinary Medicine Board:
(6) ‘Practice of veterinary medicine’ means:
a. To diagnose, treat, correct, change, relieve, prevent animal disease, deformity, defect, injury or other physical or mental conditions; including the prescription or administration of any drug, medicine, biologic, apparatus, application, anesthetic, other therapeutic/diagnostic substance or technique on any animal.
I’m not positive but this is most likely a misdemeanor that will carry a fine if the case isn’t dropped. Note from Michael (Admin): It is a Class 1 misdemeanor for unauthorized practice of veterinary medicine in North Carolina according to the AVMA. Each act in violation of any provision shall constitute a separate violation. Tammie was administering painkilling and antibiotic pills. Cat and dog owners administer pills to their companion animals all the time.
I believe Tammie may have had to render some first aid if an animal was injured. She was dealing with an emergency and from everything I’ve read the arrest is totally bogus.
The above definition even states preventing animal diseases and treating an animal with any medication constitutes operating without a veterinary license. And don’t dare use Feliway to improve an animals mental state because changing the mental state is considered practicing!
How about those who use holistic proven remedies on their pets? Are they also breaking the law? What about those who foster through shelters and rescues who have to provide emergency treatment such as sub-q fluids or even syringe feedings to an animal to save it’s life if getting the animal to a veterinarian means help wouldn’t be administered in time.
What do you consider veterinary medicine and what do you consider just being a good pet owner? Anyone with first-hand experience on this topic, please enlighten me in the comment section.
