February 24, 2004

By: Jaime Hadie
Website: http://www.1st-in-pets.com

Availability of specialty veterinary medicine provides more options to pet owners

America's love of their pets and their willingness to seek the best medical care available for them has spurred a more than 60 percent increase in membership over the past eight years of veterinarians certified by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine , the nation’s largest organization of veterinary specialists.

With more than 1,400 practicing ACVIM specialists, pet owners have access to small and large animal internists, cardiologists, oncologists and neurologists who treat diseases in animals with many of the same methods and procedures used in human medicine.

Internal medicine veterinary specialists will gather June 4-8 in Charlotte at ACVIM’s 21st Annual Veterinary Medical Forum to discuss the latest treatments and solutions for animal health issues. An estimated 3,000 veterinary professionals will convene at the Charlotte Convention Center, where the most recent advances in the treatment of companion animals will be presented.

“Pet owners' awareness of the veterinary care options available for their pets is increasing,” said Dr. Bruce Madewell, incoming ACVIM Board Chair. “In many cases, they are requesting the same level of care for their pets as they would for people.”

People are turning to specialists to treat many of the same diseases in pets that also affect humans. Cancer, kidney disease and heart conditions are cited by pet owners as the leading causes of disease-related deaths for both dogs and cats. Disease was the most common cause of death among animals (60 percent), outnumbering deaths linked to old age (31 percent).

A recent American Veterinary Medical Association study shows that dog-owning households spent almost 38 percent more on veterinary medical care in 2001 than they did in 1996. For more information, see pet health dog care.

About The Author:

Jaime Hadie is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-pets.com.  Pamper your pet and get up to date information on pet health, food, accessories, behavior, gifts and toys.