As an advanced equine veterinary nurse, registered with the Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI), I will at all times uphold the honour, dignity and integrity of the veterinary profession and will promote and advocate for the welfare of animals entrusted to her care, in accordance with The Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.

    I will also at all times abide by the rules and principles which govern veterinary nurses, as set out by the VCI, under The Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Nurses and The Veterinary Practice Act 2005, as amended, by The Veterinary Practice (Amendment) Act 2012.

    This translated means that while working independently in my role as an equine physical therapist, I will not be undertaking any veterinary nursing activities.

    My services as a veterinary nurse are limited to providing a service that any layperson may carry out, despite holding a veterinary nursing qualification.

    Within my role as The Osteopathic Vet Nurse, I will never make a veterinary diagnosis, will not prescribe or supply any veterinary drugs and will not carry out any veterinary procedures.

    If at any time during my independent work as an equine therapist, I find that an animal is lame, or requires veterinary attention, then in every instance, veterinary referral to a registered veterinary surgeon will be recommended to my client, for a prompt diagnosis and treatment.

    VIEW MY DISCLAIMER

    The following terms and conditions of booking apply:

    • All payments due must be paid to me prior to my leaving your yard, following treatment.
    • A 50% non-refundable cancellation fee applies, where appointments are cancelled, or rescheduled, within 24 hours of the agreed appointment time.
    • Horses must be dry and well groomed, prior to any therapy being provided.
    • A quiet, safe and brightly lit stable area, must be provide for therapy.
    • Therapy will not take place in a field, or other unsuitable environment.
    • An electricity connection will be needed for electrophysical therapies.
    • Hard feed must not be provided within 2 hours of your scheduled appointment.
    • I must be notified of any underlying veterinary conditions present, medications currently being administered, or that have recently been administered, as well as any behavioural issues present.
    • I (The Osteopathic Vet Nurse) will not be held responsible for any accidents, or injuries sustained by horses, or their caregivers during treatment.
    • I (Joanne O’Shea trading as The Osteopathic Vet Nurse), reserve the right to refuse treatment and will not treat horses where contraindications are present (please see specific contraindications under each individual therapy). 

    Contraindications

    These can include any of the following:

    • After the horse has just eaten its hard feed. Please allow 2 hours.
    • Before the horse receives hard feed. An hour must be allowed before feeding (forage can be provided).
    • Where the horse is in shock, or suffering from exhaustion.
    • Where the horse has just performed hard work and is recovering.
    • Where the horse has a fever.
    • The presence of acute trauma, or inflammation from injury.
    • The presence of skin problems that could spread e.g. ringworm, sarcoids, tumours, cysts.
    • The presence of infectious disease e.g. strangles, or equine influenza.
    • The presence of broken, or bleeding skin.
    • Where a horse is lame and has not been seen by a vet.
    • Where there is acute trauma.
    • Where severe diarrhoea is present.
    • The presence of bacterial infection e.g. abscesses.
    • When a severe form of functional nervous disease is present.
    • During an episode of tying up.
    • Colic
    • Pregnancy