Dr Kelcourse North Port Fl

I am writing this recommendation based on my experience with my dachshund Wilbur. Dr. Matthew Kelcourse, DVM at Gulfbreeze Vet Hospital in North Port FL  www.linkedin.com/pub/matthew-kelcourse-dvm/59/449/399 is not only an amazing vet, but an amazing person. His staff is also amazing. When Wilbur went down Thursday night with IVDD, I had an appointment set up for Dr. K to see him Friday. When I got there they immed took him in.  Dr. K is one of few vets I've met that care more about the care of the animals than running up the price. I was charged $1500 for his surgery. From what I see how high others on here paying, I thought I was dreaming when he said this.  The surgery was successful and Wilbur is on his way to recovery.  Dr K. called me everyday for 2 weeks to check on Wilbur ( not a staff member or assistant), but the doctor! WOW! Truly amazing person!  He even called me on Sunday when they were closed to check on him.  Dr K and Denise, if you get to read this,  there are no words that can explain  how much I thank you for everything that you have done for us.  I am truly thankful to have met you.   Because of you our baby is on his road to being himself again.  To anyone looking for a great vet who is an experienced spine surgeon and cares truly for your pets look up Gulfbreeze Vet hospital in North Port FL.  Thank you

Shaun

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.