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Post by schnitzelsmommy on Feb 25, 2015 12:50:11 GMT -7
Randy Acker, DVM with Sun Valley Animal Center in Ketchum, ID was fantastic for IVDD treatment and surgery. The office was able to get us in ASAP, which is excellent since time is of the essence for surgery. Dr. Acker is very knowledgeable about IVDD and similar issues. Dr. Randy Acker is certified by the Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE) program of the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB). The staff are fantastic, always ready and willing to provide information, listen to owner's concerns and answer questions. My family and I have been very pleased with the psotive outcome of two separate IVDD surgeries done on our male dachshund dogs, one in 2007 and the other in 2015. With the help of Sun Valley Animal Center, both dogs recovered beautifully and lived healthy, happy lives post-op. svanimal.com/ Editor's Note: Dodgerslist in general recommends board certified vets for this most delicate and tricky of surgeries.
What is Board Certified?
When looking for a vet or surgeon, patients generally see many alphabet credentials and certifications in a title. Many times these credentials are confusing, and there is little opportunity to weigh the relative value of seemingly similar credentials.
With a four year general practice veterinary DVM degree and a license, a vet may practice any kind of medicine or surgery with or without additional special training.
The American Veterinary Medical Association mandates the use of “specialist” be reserved only for veterinarians who have completed advanced study to become a “diplomate” , board certified. Diplomates have completed an additional coursework, approved residency and passed the board’s exam and may rightly then use ACVIM or ACVS in their title.
ACVIM (Neurology) indicates having completed board certification from the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. These veterinary surgeons are specialists in neurological diseases such as IVDD.
ACVS indicates having completed board certification from the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. These vets are specialists in orthopedics (injuries and diseases of the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves)
While many vets who are family practice DVMs (not board certified) might offer neurological surgery, board certification is a good standard by which to measure competence and training.
You can be confident that vets who are board certified (ACVIM or ACVS) have at a minimum the proper training in their specialty and have demonstrated their proficiency through supervision and testing. While there are many non-board certified vets who are highly competent, it is more difficult for a dog owner to assess the level of their training. Naturally, board certification alone does not guarantee competence, but it is a standard that reflects successful completion of an appropriate training program.
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