What Makes An ABVP Veterinary Specialist Special
Our vet and Vet 101 contributor, Dr. Richard Goldstein paid us a visit this week. He was checking out Merlin when I noticed a certificate on the wall of his mobile clinic. I knew Dr. G. is a feline and canine specialist but I didn’t realize he’s one of only 900 vets in the world with a ABVP diplomate from the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners. He’s kind of humble that way.
What do those letters mean? ABVP diplomates undergo lengthy additional training and examination, taking up to six years to complete. Once certified, diplomates can’t rest on their laurels, but are required to be recertified every 10 years. There are several categories to specialize in including avian, equine, feline and the dual category of feline/canine. For instance, there are only three feline specialists currently in New York State. In Dr. Goldstein’s category of feline/canine, there are only 30 specialists in New York State.
What does ABVP mean to pet parents?
For me, it means peace of mind. I know his passion and commitment for excellence translates into the best possible cat care. Whenever I watch him examine one of our cats, his expertise is obvious but he goes the extra mile of blending head, heart and soul. I always have a million questions and he takes the time to address every one.
With Merlin, who has kidney disease, I’m naturally worried about how the disease will progress, what symptoms to look for and what the treatment options are. No matter how much information is available online, every cat and every situation is different. The good news is Merlin doesn’t need at-home administered sub Q (sub-cutaneous fluids) yet, he hasn’t lost any more weight and his appetite remains strong. I feel confident knowing our vet will be guiding us every step of the way on Merlin’s journey.
Find out more about the ABVP and where to locate a member near you click on ABVP directory
If you have a Vet 101 question for Dr. G. please email it to [email protected] with Vet 101 in subject line. Please note: Dr. Goldstein cannot make a diagnosis online.
For more info on Dr. G. and his mobile clinic, visit Mobile Vet Squad
13 Comments
harbor spill
Tremendous. Thank a lot for writing that. I will definitely check back to see what’s new and tell my neighbors about your posting.
Penelope
When we lived in Calgary, we took our cats to a Vet who specialized in Cats. The Doctors at the Cat Hospital all are teaching vets (at the University). They diagnosed Licorice with kidney disease at its early stages. With their care and aid, Licorice had 5 more years and lived to almost 18. I have not heard of the ABVP before. Dr. Goldstein sounds like a wonderful man. It is so nice to have one of our family taken care of by the best.
Layla, Odin has a rocking Dr.!
Nellie’s Mom
boomermuse
Odin agrees and sends purrrrrs to Nellie.
The Island Cats
We’re so glad Merlin has such a competent doctor! We checked to see if there are any ABVP vets in our area, and according to the directory, there are only 2…and they are still quite a ways from us.
Ann Paws
I had the opportunity to work with an ABVP Avian Specialist for 2 years before I became a stay at home mom and absolutely loved it! She is the only board certified Avian Specialist in the Austin, TX area. There are also many other specialists in different fields of veterinary medicine. Onocologists, Dentists, Radiologists, Internal Medicine Specialists, and more.
boomermuse
Thanks, for sharing about the avian specialist and the other specialties.
Abby
Now we know Merlin is for sure in excellent hands!
Brian
We are always learning something from your wonderful posts!
Katie and Coccolino the mini pig
Informative as always!
Oink oink,
Katie and Coccolino the mini pig
Marilia
Excellent!
da tabbies o trout towne
WAY happee ewe iz still doin good merlin. keep
up de grate werk. eat lots o trout. drink plentee oh toona
juize haza few donuts now and then N heerz ta a bazillion
mor days :). !!
Beverly
How I wish I had a feline-specific vet in my area. Mine is an old-fashioned cow doctor 🙁
Better yet, I’d love the “I make house calls one” you have. I’m sure Merlin thrives under his care.
Kathryn
I had no idea about the AVBP specialists, either.
That is excellent and very special.
I do hope Merlin gets better. Has Dr. G recommended any special vet food? I saw Hills or Royal Canin formualas for kidney issues, too. But I’m sure Dr. G. knows exactly what to do.
So much has changed in 20 years and 10 years with vet care.
Love from us all, purring and all.