The Value of ABVP Board Certification

Lisa Tokach, DVM, Dipl. ABVPLeman Swine Conference

September 21, 2015

A Recent Case StudyO A group of 780 finishing hogs weighing an

average of 230 lb developed diarrhea over the weekend that progressed to explosive, watery diarrhea by Monday.

O A group of 800 nursery pigs and 789 early finishing pigs were also on the same site. There were no clinical signs in these pigs.

O The diarrhea coincided with a new feed delivery. No nursery pig deliveries or slaughter truck loads had been on site for the past 3 weeks.

A Recent Case StudyO The decision was made Monday to auger

out the feed and bring in a new delivery. The vet was scheduled in on Tuesday to take diagnostic samples.

O Rule Outs over the phone: O PEDO TGEO IleitisO DysenteryO Toxin

A Recent Case StudyO On Tuesday, diarrhea was better. The

other barns with younger pigs remained non-clinical. This site was thought to be PRRS negative, mycoplasma positive, and had a recent infection with SIV H1N2 that came in from the sow farm.

O The veterinarian was met on site by the owner and two representatives from the local feed company supplying the feed to these pigs.

A Recent Case StudyO Upon inspection, the younger pigs

were completely normal.O The heavy finishers had varying

degrees of diarrhea from squirting water to paint the walls, to cow pie consistency.

O The most curious thing, however, was the skin lesions.

A Recent Case Study

A Recent Case StudyO Post mortems were performed on

two of the heavy finishers that were clinical and not recovering well.

O Gross observations:O normal lungs, some old mycoplasma

lesions in pig #2O Watery diarrhea, but normal looking

mucosal linings, no gross evidence of ileitis, dysentery, or salmonellosis.

A Recent Case StudyO Enlarged inguinal lymph nodes noted

and sampled (PCV or PDNS?)O Skin was scalded like a 3rd degree

burn, seemed to be where there was direct contact with the fecal diarrhea.

O No other gross lesions were noted.

A Recent Case StudyO PCR results: PRRS, SIV, PED, TGE,

Lawsonia, PCV negative. O Bacterial culture no significant

findings.O Histopathology –

O Lymphoplasmacytic, eosinophilic, and ulcerative enterocolitis

O Haired skin; epidermal necrosis with neutrophilic crusts

What is ABVP certification?

O The American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP) advances the quality of veterinary medicine through certification of veterinarians who demonstrate excellence in species-oriented clinical practice.

O One who meets these criteria are referred to as Diplomates of ABVP in their respective fields.

ABVP ProcessO Entrance examO ProgramO Final examO Recertification – every 10 years

O ReviewsO Test questionsO Re-sit for the exam

Why ABVP?O ABVP certification is available to

practicing veterinarians without the need to pursue a formal residency.

O Purpose is self-improvement through demonstrating specialist level skills and knowledge.

O There are currently 11 recognized specialties of which Swine Health Management is one.

Why Did I Choose ABVP?

Mom, you did all

that work for that piece of paper?

Doc, how many

letters you need behind your name

before you’re done?

The Learning Curve

04080

120Amount of Learning

Amount of Learning

What you might think about ABVP…

What my clients might think about ABVP…

What my parents might think about ABVP…

My daughter has a B. S., D.V. M., & Dipl. of A.B.V. P. and she better bring the grandkids

home P.D.Q.!

The RealityO No additional salary when you are in

private practiceO My clients respect the effort, but

don’t really care about the letters behind my name, they just want me to know what is going on and expect me to tell them what they should do about it

O My family just wants my time

Why ABVP?O Keeps the learning curve from going

flatO Gives you new incentiveO Builds your networksO Earns the respect of your colleaguesO Opens doors for you

CloutO The reality is, board certification

carries clout.O It may not matter to your clients or

your family, but it will matter when you are asked to serve on various committees, boards, panels, or even as an expert witness.

Current Issues that Could Use Your Help

O Animal Rights vs. WelfareO Antibiotic UseO GMOsO Science vs. public opinion

ABVP: the bottom lineO Would I recommend it? YESO Is it easy? NOO Would I do it again? YESO Would I recommend it over other

forms of advanced degrees? Not necessarily, I think all have their merits, I chose this one because it worked for me to continue to work as a practitioner.

Back To My Case StudyO Further investigation into the feed

revealed that a manufacturing error had occurred.

O A significant amount of magnesium sulfate had been accidentally added to the ration.

O This would be like overdosing them on Epsom Salt, a known cure for constipation in sows (and other species).

Any questions?