Client info on Accreditation
The VOA Accreditation Scheme has been put together to help owners of pets with osteoarthritis (OA) find a practice in their area that has an interest in the management of canine OA. Below is a guide for what to expect from an individual or practice that has worked towards their accreditation.
1 Paw Individual Accreditation
– The individual has an interest in management of OA and has undertaken extra training with proven knowledge assimilation, in the subject of OA
2 Paw Practice Accreditation
– At least one veterinary surgeon and one veterinary nurse within the practice has an interest in management of OA and have undertaken extra training with proven knowledge assimilation, in the subject of OA
– The practice holds OA clinics for patients and all members of staff have had basic training in the management of OA
– The practice has demonstrated that they can work up OA cases to a good standard and will be able to discuss a number of different treatment options with you that will assist in the management of OA in your pet
– The practice will be able to discuss the different rehabilitation therapies available that could be beneficial for your pet with OA
– The practice has appropriate equipment available to assist in the diagnosis of OA
– The practice has client information available about the management of OA
– The practice has the means to measure the progression of your pet’s OA
3 Paw Practice Accreditation
– At least one veterinary surgeon and one veterinary nurse within the practice has an interest in management of OA and have undertaken extra training with proven knowledge assimilation, in the subject of OA
– The practice holds OA clinics for patients and all members of staff have had basic training in the management of OA
– The practice has demonstrated that they can work up OA cases to a good standard and will be able to discuss a number of different treatment options with you that will assist in the management of OA in your pet
– You will receive a treatment plan for your pet for the management of their OA
– The practice works closely with veterinary rehabilitation professionals and will be able to advise on what therapies may be beneficial for your pet. They may also have some complementary therapies available to offer in house
– The practice has appropriate equipment available to assist in the diagnosis of OA
– The practice has client information available about the management of OA
– The practice has the means to measure the progression of your pet’s OA
4 Paw Practice Accreditation
– At least one veterinary surgeon and one veterinary nurse within the practice has an interest in management of OA and have undertaken extra training internally and externally, with proven knowledge assimilation, in the subject of OA
– There is a dedicated OA vet and nurse within this practice who lead the OA clinics.
– This practice uses a system to grade OA to assist in OA management choices.
– All other staff members have had basic training in the management of OA.
– The practice has demonstrated that they can work up OA cases to a high standard and follow up over a long-term period.
– The practice will be able to discuss all the different treatment options with you that will assist in the management of OA in your pet.
– At the end of your OA clinic appointment, you will receive a treatment plan for your pet.
– The practice is able to discuss all diagnostic options to assist in the diagnosis of OA
– This practice has rehabilitation professionals that are either within the practice or visit on a regular basis and can offer a number of different complementary therapy options.
– You will receive an OA management plan to follow for your pet.
– You will be provided with additional information on the management of OA in your pet and suggested ways for you to record your pet’s progress at home.
– The practice has an OA-dedicated group that you can join to meet other people who have pets with OA.
-The practice will measure the progress of your pet through multiple methods including questionnaires and more objective measures.
– The practice has a suitable recording system so they can record your pet’s progress over time and use this to determine the best management strategy for your pet.
5 Paw Practice Accreditation
– At least one veterinary surgeon and one veterinary nurse within the practice has an interest in management of OA and have undertaken extra training internally and externally, with proven knowledge assimilation, in the subject of- There is a dedicated OA vet and nurse within this practice who lead the OA clinics.
– This practice uses a system to grade OA to assist in OA management choices.
– All other staff members have had basic training in the management of OA.
– The dedicated OA staff are proactive in their learning about OA management and provide courses for clients, staff and rehabilitation professionals on a yearly basis.
– The practice has demonstrated that they can work up OA cases to a very high standard and follow up over a long-term period.
– The practice will be able to discuss and offer all the different treatment options with you (in house or by referral) that will assist in the management of OA in your pet.
– The team have an exceptional knowledge about management of pain in OA.
– At the end of your OA clinic appointment, you will receive a personalised treatment plan for your pet
– This practice has a number of in-house rehabilitation facilities that they can offer for your pet
– The practice is able to discuss all diagnostic options to assist in the diagnosis of OA
– You will receive an OA management plan to follow for your pet
– You will be provided with additional information on the management of OA in your pet and suggested ways for you to record your pet’s progress at home.
– The practice has an OA-dedicated group that you can join to meet other people who have pets with OA
– The practice will measure the progress of your pet through multiple methods including questionnaires and more objective measures.
– The practice has a suitable recording system so they can record your pet’s progress over time and use this to determine the best management strategy.