Veterinarian FAQ
How do I refer a client for rehabilitation?![]()
Just give as a call! Please prepare your client to provide us
with a full medical history (including any medical or surgical
procedures), current medications, and access to diagnostic imaging,
if appropriate.
Please download and print our referral form, and fill it out. VSMR Referral form
You may send us the form by..
Can I get a phone consultation?![]()
Absolutely! If you would like advice regarding a specific case,
please call us or send us an email.
Phone: 979-845-2351
email: rehab@cvm.tamu.edu
Who can legally provide physical rehabilitation for
animals?![]()
AVMA guidelines recommend that any licensed veterinarian
who has obtained the necessary skills and
knowledge can perform animal rehabilitation.
Veterinary technicians with education in physical rehabilitation
can function in the field of rehabilitation as allowed by their
state practice acts. Each veterinary state practice act has its own
specific regulations.
Can I provide rehabilitation in my own practice?![]()
You can implement some basic components of rehabilitation in
your practice with minimal equipment. You can also make
recommendations for the home care of your patients. Each of these
actions requires that you obtain knowledge specific to the area of
rehabilitation.
Veterinary technicians can play a vital role in helping you
provide rehabilitation, but they need your support and guidance. It
is your responsibility to make a diagnosis (from a rehabilitation
perspective) and to prescribe the appropriate rehabilitation
therapy.
How can I learn more about rehabilitation?![]()
Many veterinary continuing education meetings now offer lectures
and laboratories in physical rehabilitation for veterinarians and
veterinary technicians. We also offer continuing education programs
in rehabilitation at Texas A&M University (TAMU). Watch for a
new program in the spring of 2013.
Next international meeting:
Consider attending the 7th International Veterinary
Symposium on Veterinary Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy in
Vienna, Austria on August 15-18, 2012. Visit the IAVRPT symposium web
site.
How can I receive certification in physical rehabilitation?![]()
There are currently two certification programs in canine
rehabilitation: University of Tennessee / Northeast Seminars and
Canine Rehabilitation Institute. Both organizations offer these
continuing education courses in for veterinarians, veterinary
technicians, and physical therapists. Certification in each
course requires an 'internship' experience at a rehabilitation
facility. The TAMU VSMR is an approved internship site for both
certification programs.
In 2010, the AVMA approved the American College of Veterinary
Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (ACVSMR). For information on
board certification, visit the ACVSMR web site.
What is the status of physical rehabilitation in the veterinary
medical curriculum?![]()
We are committed to teaching veterinary students and
veterinarians. Physical rehabilitation is not currently considered
to be part of the core curriculum, however some elements of
rehabilitation are integrated into the veterinary curriculum. In
addition, we offer an elective course for the Year 3 veterinary
medical students. We guide the senior veterinary students regarding
the in-hospital patient care, particularly with respect to
techniques requiring minimal equipment, which they will be able to
use in private practice after graduation. With the recently
established ACVSMR, we expect to see a rapid increase in the number
of board certified veterinarians in this field.
Related links![]()
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