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Post by Sylvia & Pio on Jul 14, 2015 12:21:55 GMT -7
State: Louisiana Hospital: University Animal Clinic Address: 623 East McNeese Street Lake Charles, LA 70607 Phone: 337-426-0783 Cost:$2000 Date of surgery: 7-2-15 What was included in cost: myleograms, xrays, 8 day stay, medications, PT and hydrotherapy, checkup to remove staples AHAA Accredited hospital Comments: This is not our regular veterinarian's office. Our vet sent us here because Dr. Woodard, DVM, is the only doctor in the area that could possible do the extensive surgery that our Sandy needed. They saw us and did the surgery and rehabilitation without even asking for a fee up front. They let us know about the Care Credit option that is available for use if needed. Everyone was very kind and helpful and after her three day rest we were allowed to go spend time with Sandy anytime during business hours. Read more: dodgerslist.boards.net/thread/2941/sylvias-sandy-surgery-wks-gradEditor's Note:
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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