Texas Regulations on Equine Massage

According to the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, equine massage is allowed as an alternate, nonstandard therapy under the supervision of a veterinarian for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment of an equine.

  1. Patient Relationship

    • A licensed veterinarian may perform musculoskeletal manipulation (MSM) on a horse provided that a valid veterinarian/client/patient relationship has been established.

    Safe Treatment

    • The licensed veterinarian must determine through an examination that the MSM therapy will likely not be harmful to the patient.

    Contractor

    • An employee of the veterinarian or an independent contractor, such as an equine massage therapist, may perform MSM on a horse under the direct or general supervision of the veterinarian.

    Responsibility

    • Whether the veterinarian, employee of the veterinarian or an independent contractor performs the MSM, the veterinarian will be held responsible for the diagnosis of and treatment given the animal.

    Non-Treatment MSM

    • In regards to massage performed without a veterinarian's supervision, massage is acceptable as long as it does not involve diagnosing or treating the animal.