Safari Animal Care Center | 24hr Emergency Line: 281-332-5612

Medical & Wellness

Do Animals have doctors who are specialists?

Yes! Animals do have doctors who are specialists.
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has recognized that there are veterinarians with advanced knowledge and training in certain areas that qualify them to be recognized as specialists, just as there are in human medicine.

One of the areas in which the AVMA has recognized veterinarians as specialists is the area of Clinical Practice. Clinical Practice involves the total health management of either an individual patient or group of patients. Clinical Practice encompasses multiple areas such as preventative medicine, nutrition, diagnostics, and reproductive management as well as medical and surgical treatment of patients. The certified specialist in Clinical Practice has demonstrated a broad base of knowledge and experience in all areas that affect the health and proper care of their animals.

The organization recognized by the AVMA to test and certify veterinarians as specialists in Clinical Practice is the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP). Veterinarians are certified by the ABVP in COMPANION ANIMAL PRACTICE, which includes dogs, cats, and other pet animals.

The certification process requires the candidate to present extensive credentials to the examining board of the AVBP even before qualifying for testing. There is a comprehensive examination process that tests the veterinarian's knowledge of current methods of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease in the speciality area. The actual qualification and examination process requires over a year to complete and it may take one or more years to prepare for and pass the examinations. Veterinarians who successfully complete the certifying procedure are called Diplomates of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners. In addition to the initial testing, all Diplomates must be recertified by examination each ten years to maintain specialist status.

Your animal or animals may not need the attention of a certified specialist for routine care, but in situations where you and your veterinarian feel that a Clinical Practice specialist is required, an ABVP Diplomate can fill that need.

A directory of diplomates of the ABVP and their area(s) of speciality along with a list of diplomates of other veterinary specialty groups may be found in the AVMA Directory. This book can be obtained from most veterinarians, many large libraries, or a medical library.

For more information about the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners you may contact: A.B.V.P. Headquarters
530 Church Street Suite 700 Nashville, TN 37219 (615) 254-3687
A.B.V.P WebSite or EMAIL A.B.V.P.

Surgical

We offer a broad range of surgical procedures, ranging from essential emergency operations to cosmetic and elective proceedures.

Laser Surgery

Orthopedic

Fracture Repair
Bone Platting
Bone Pinning
Spinal Surgery

Cosmetic

Ear Trims
Eyelid Correction
Skin Grafts

Special Interests

Exotics
Pacemaker Placement
Heartworm Removal
Orthodontics
Endodontics

General Surgery

Spays / Neuters
Trauma

Dental

Your pet can get tartar, gum disease and tooth decay just like you! Did you know that bad breath is not normal for a healthy pet? Tooth decay is one of the most common reasons for bad breath among dogs and cats, and proper dental care can minimize the odor in your pet's breath. We offer a wide range of oral care products, such as the CET fingerbrush, which lets you easily clean your pet's teeth and gums to help prevent tooth decay. Call or visit us today to find out more about our dental services and offerings.