About Veterinary Services
 What is a veterinary specialist?
Specialists are veterinarians who received years of additional rigorous training (3 – 5 years) after completing undergraduate studies and four years of veterinary school. In addition to their advanced training, a Board-Certified Veterinary Specialist must pass intensive examinations to achieve Board Certification from the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. This enables them to practice specialty medicine in the areas of internal medicine, cardiology, neurology and oncology.
Why are veterinary specialists needed?
From The American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Website:
- Rapid advances in the medical profession make it difficult for general veterinary practitioners to remain current with advances in technology and techniques.
- When faced with a medical situation outside their area of expertise, general veterinarians have the option of referring their client to a specialist.
- More Americans accept their animal pets as a part of their families and they are demanding the same level of health care for their animals as they receive as humans.
- Animal owners have become more educated about veterinary care options available for their pets, and are demanding the best treatment available and the most qualified person to perform that treatment.
- According to a recent survey by the Companion Animal and Family Health Council, 73 percent of veterinarians said their clients seek more referrals to veterinary specialists today than they did 5 years ago.
When should you request a referral to an ACVIM Board-certified Veterinary Specialist?
- Your pet's disease is uncommon, complicated or undiagnosed after standard Testing
- You would like an informed second opinion of your animal's condition
- The outcomes of the current treatment are not going well or as expected
- You animal requires a sophisticated procedure that is offered by a specialty hospital
- Your pet can benefit from 24 hour monitoring provided by a referral hospital
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