Specialties in sports medicine, exotic companion mammals receive full recognition
The AVMA has granted full recognition to the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation and the Exotic Companion Mammal specialty under the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners.
The AVMA Board of Directors, while meeting April 5-6, approved the recognition of each on recommendations from the AVMA American Board of Veterinary Specialties. The AVMA had granted provisional recognition of the ACVSMR as a veterinary specialty organization in 2010 and of the Exotic Companion Mammal specialty within the ABVP in 2008.
Dr. Andris J. Kaneps, ACVSMR representative to the American Board of Veterinary Specialties, said, "Veterinary sports medicine and rehabilitation meets the unique needs of athletic and working animals to optimize performance, to treat injuries and diseases, and to provide rehabilitation for all patients after injury or illness, with neurological, cardiovascular, or respiratory impairments or with chronic musculoskeletal disease and pain."
He continued, "The need for a veterinary sports medicine and rehabilitation specialty has arisen as a result of the explosive growth of animal participation in sports and service activities, recognition of the benefits derived by all animals from rehabilitation, and the intimate relationships between the fields of veterinary sports medicine and rehabilitation."
As of January 2018, the ACVSMR had 226 diplomates, with 91 in the canine category and 135 in the equine category, representing 21 countries. The college has more than 45 residents in training.
The AVMA's 2012 U.S. Pet Ownership & Demographics Sourcebook estimated that 10.6 percent of U.S. households owned "specialty and exotic pets," or pets other than dogs, cats, birds, and horses, at year-end 2011. Within that category, the order of popularity for exotic companion mammals was rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, "other rodents," ferrets, and gerbils. The total U.S. population of these pets was nearly 8 million at year-end 2011.
Dr. Angela M. Lennox, regent for the Exotic Companion Mammal specialty, said the ABVP is pleased that the Exotic Companion Mammal specialty has been given full recognition. The first class of diplomates took examinations in 2009. There are now 27 diplomates in five countries and a growing number of residencies.
Dr. Lennox said, "Full recognition allows ABVP to continue to certify specialists in this interesting, dynamic, and growing area of veterinary medicine."
Related JAVMA content:
Our other furry friends (July 1, 2014)
Sports medicine and rehab specialty recognized (June 1, 2010)
Pet rehab becoming mainstream practice (Oct. 1, 2009)
Exotic Companion Mammal specialty receives recognition (May 15, 2008)