The veterinary specialization process is very similar to the process human doctors go through. Once someone becomes a veterinarian, they then complete a year-long internship rotating through a variety of the most common specialties. After completing an internship, they can then apply for a residency in a specific area of veterinary medicine. They will complete advanced training with established specialists in that discipline. Residencies are usually conducted in large veterinary hospitals, such as universities with veterinary schools or big referral practices. Residency training lasts anywhere from 3-4 years, depending on the discipline. The training includes a combination of clinical practice (seeing patients), learning new skills (like ultrasound or scoping procedures) and conducting research for publication in scholarly journals in preparation for an extensive certification exam.

• Cardiologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with cardiac disease, abnormal heart rhythms and congenital (born with) heart defects.
• Dentists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of oral problems ranging from dental cleanings to tooth extractions to jaw fractures.
• Dermatologists specialize in the diagnosis and management of various skin diseases and allergies.
• Internal Medicine Specialists (small animal and large animal) specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with chronic conditions including those affecting the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and endocrine systems.
• Neurologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with brain, nervous system and back problems such as seizures and intervertebral disc disease.
• Nutritionists specialize in the development of diets to support a patients specific needs and the combination of underlying diseases processes they have such as the best choices for kidney disease or sensitivities to certain foods.
• Oncologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with cancer including the administration of chemotherapy or immunotherapy.
• Ophthalmologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with conditions affecting the eyes and eyelids including dry eye, cataracts, ulcers and glaucoma.
• Radiologists specialize in the interpretation of diagnostic images including radiographs (x-rays), CAT scans, ultrasounds and MRIs.
• Surgeons specialize in the surgical correction of both soft tissue and orthopedic abnormalities such as fracture repairs, ACL tears, foreign body removal, and much more.
• Emergency and Critical Care Specialists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of life-threatening conditions on an emergent basis.

View a list of recognized veterinary specialties here >>

 

Specialists have equipment that a primary care veterinarian may not have, as well as the extra training by which to diagnose and treat complex problems. Therefore, you will likely pay for access to these tools and expertise to help your pet get better. However, your pet’s specialist will be able to work with you long-term to manage your pet’s condition, recheck them as needed and tailor their treatments over time.

Most specialists will evaluate your pet whether you’ve taken your pet to see a primary care veterinarian first or not. However, it is often very helpful (and can save you time and money) to consult with your primary care veterinarian first, as some conditions are commonly managed by a general practitioner. Even if your pet does need specialty help, it can be of benefit to have your primary care veterinarian start by sharing information about your pet’s history with the referral clinic. This would include physical exam findings, test results and previously attempted treatments. They can also help direct you to the proper kind of veterinary specialist for your pet’s particular condition. 

Ideally, this is a decision you will make with your primary care veterinarian.  They are the doctor that knows your pet, its current problems, and know how the specialists in the area can help. The mutual respect and cooperation between referring veterinarians and specialists is key to the smooth and effective handling of your pet’s care. However, if your pet’s medical issues are not improving despite the best efforts by your primary care veterinarian, a specialist may be able to offer new treatment options.