When Does My Pet Need To See A Vet Specialist?

Deciding that your pet needs to see a vet specialist is a big decision, especially if you suspect that they may have a serious medical problem. However, it can also sometimes be difficult for pet owners to know if their pet needs to see a vet specialist or not.

There are several instances where taking your pet to a vet specialist may be a good idea. These include if your pet needs a special surgery, if your pet has been diagnosed with a serious medical condition that requires specialized care, or if you just want to get a second opinion from an expert. In addition to this, you may also want to go to a vet specialist if your regular vet is having trouble figuring out what is wrong with your pet.

In this article we will be explaining everything that pet owners need to know about vet specialists. This includes when you would need to see one, what different kinds of vet specialists there are, and whether or not you will need a referral to see a vet specialist. Let’s get right into it.

What Kinds of Vet Specialists are There?

There are actually many different types of vet specialists out there. Some of the vet specialists that can be found within the United States include but are not limited to:

• Veterinary Nutritionists
• Veterinary Dentists
• Veterinary Oncologists
• Veterinary Cardiologists
• Veterinary Neurologists
• Emergency Veterinarians
• Behavioral Specialists
• Veterinary Dermatologists
• Veterinary Ophthalmologists
• Veterinary Pathologists
• Veterinary Microbiologists (work with infectious diseases)
• Veterinary Physical Therapists
• Veterinary Radiologists
• Veterinary Toxicologists
• Veterinary Theriogenologists (work with the proper breeding of animals)

As you can see, there is a wide range of veterinary specialists out there. All of the above vet specialists work in a specific field of veterinary medicine, and they would be considered to be an expert in the field that they are working in.

In addition to this, you may need to find a specialized vet if you have an exotic pet. For example, there are vets out there that specialize in the care of birds, reptiles and amphibians, and even small mammals like hamsters and guinea pigs. There are vet specialists that specialize in the care of horses and farm animals as well.

You will  likely need to seek out a vet specialist if you have a dog that is a wolf hybrid breed as well. This is because they do not respond to treatments like anesthesia like most other domestic dog breeds do.

Do You Need a Referral to See a Vet Specialist?

In many cases, no, you do not need a referral to see a vet specialist. All you need to do is find the vet specialist in your area that you are looking for and make an appointment with them. This is especially true if you just need a vet specialist for your exotic pet, horse, or farm animal.

In some cases your regular vet may refer you to a vet specialist because it is one that they know and have worked with before. This is usually the case for pets that need specialized care as a result of a medical diagnosis or are in need of specialized surgery.

5 Signs That You Should Take Your Pet to a Vet Specialist

Generally, there are about five signs that you should take your pet to a vet specialist. Most of the time, pets that will need care from a vet specialist because they require specialized surgery or they have been diagnosed with a serious medical condition.

However, some pet owners may also want to consult with a vet specialist if they want a second opinion from an expert or if their vet cannot seem to find out what is wrong with their pet. Of course, you will need to see a vet specialist if you have an exotic pet as well. Here are the five signs that you should take your pet to a vet specialist.

You Want to Get a Second Opinion

Sometimes, people just want a second opinion about a diagnosis or treatment plan for their pet, and getting one from a vet specialist can really put people at ease. Plus, doing this will ensure that your pet is getting the best treatment possible.

Your Regular Vet Cannot Seem to Figure Out What is Wrong

There may be some instances where a regular vet may have trouble figuring out what is wrong with your pet. This is usually due to a lack of resources, but other issues may also create a block when it comes to a vet coming to a proper diagnosis. Although this case is the most rare on our list, it would definitely be a sign that you should take your pet to a vet specialist.

Your Pet Has Been Diagnosed With a Serious Medical Condition

If your pet has been diagnosed with a serious medical condition, then it is a very good idea to take them to a vet specialist. This is especially true if your pet will require some specialized and unique treatment as a result of their diagnosis. In fact, many general veterinarians should have a vet specialist to refer you to in the case of a serious medical diagnosis in your pet.

Your Pet Needs Surgery

Although routine surgery such as spaying and neutering can easily be done by a regular vet, there are some surgeries that are more rare and advanced. As a result, it is a good idea to see a vet specialist if your pet needs a more specialized type of surgery. If this is the case, your regular vet may even refer you to a vet specialist that is familiar with the kind of surgery that your pet needs.

You have an Exotic Pet, Horse, or Farm Animal

General practice vets mostly work with domesticated dogs and cats, so you will likely need to go to a vet specialist if you have another kind of pet that needs care. There are many vets that specifically work with animals like horses, chickens, and cattle. In addition to this, vet specialists working with exotic pets are growing in popularity as well. More and more vet specialists will work with reptiles and amphibians, pet birds, and small mammals like hamsters, too. You may also need to see a vet specialist if you have a wolf dog hybrid or a wild cat hybrid as well.

Conclusion

Often times, it can be difficult to determine when your pet needs to see a veterinary specialist. Whether you want a second opinion, your pet has a serious medical condition, or your you have an exotic pet or livestock, seeing a veterinary specialist can be a great decision to get your pet the care they deserve.

At Veterinary Healthcare Associates in Winter Haven, FL, our team of caring veterinary specialists are here to serve your pet. If you would like to become an established patient with us, give us a call at (863) 324-3340. We are here for you and your pet.