Veterinarian Speaks Out

I am writing this letter in response the controversy over the proposed amendments to the Veterinary Professions Act. In particular, I am troubled by the apparent "vendetta" the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association has for the practitioners of Equine Dentistry in this province.

I challenge all veterinarians who have jumped on the "anti-equine dentist" bandwagon to do a little research into what these dentists actually do. Have you seen a horse they have worked on? Have you watched them at work? Have you talked to the many horse owners that are horrified by the powerfloat procedure, and are unhappy with the results? I have seen many horses damaged by the powerfloat, and then returned to normal function by the dentists I work with.

I fully accept that there may be some poor dentists out there, just like there are some poor veterinarians, doctors, lawyers, mechanics, carpenters etc. etc. However, painting all dentists as bad and all veterinarians wielding a powerfloat, as good is ludicrous to say the least. Horse owners are quite capable of selecting the appropriate care for their horses, and certainly do not need the AVMA to tell them what they can and cannot do.

My family are livestock producers, and we own several horses for pleasure riding and 4-H for our kids. I am against the proposed changes to the VPA. I am also a veterinarian. I work with several non-veterinarian equine dentists and travel with them to sedate horses for dental work. They are extremely well trained, competent, and provide services in a very humane and professional manner. I am appalled that the AVMA is trying to portray them as incompetent. The AVMA would like horse owners to buy into the myth that only a vet can provide humane, professional dental care for horses.

I have talked to several horse owners around the province who have had the local veterinarian tell them they will not be provided with routine care, if the equine dentists are used. This is incredibly unprofessional and frankly, I am embarrassed to be a veterinarian when I hear these stories.

Name withheld by request