The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) reported that it has granted full recognition to the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (ACVSMR) and the Exotic Companion Mammal specialties under the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (AVBP). The AVMA board of directors approved the recognition of each on recommendations from the AVMA American Board of Veterinary Specialties. The ACVSMR and the Exotic Companion Mammal specialty had been granted provisional recognition by the AVMA in 2010 and 2008, respectively. “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,” said Andris J. Kaneps, DVM, Ph.D., DACVS, DACVSMR, ACVSMR representative to the American Board of Veterinary Specialties. “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.” The AVMA reported that as of January, the ACVSMR had 226 diplomates representing 21 countries.
