When to See a Veterinary Specialist: A Guide for Informed Pet Parents

As responsible pet parents, we understand the importance of providing the best possible care for our pets. This starts with a solid partnership with our trusted general practice veterinarian, who will handle routine wellness and many common health challenges. However, there are critical times when specialized care is necessary.

In this guide, we’ll share how to navigate this sometimes-confusing landscape of specialty care, including clarifying when to see a veterinary specialist, discussing the referral process, and breaking down some of the most common specialists you may encounter during your pet’s lifetime.

Understanding the difference between a General Practice Veterinarian and a Veterinary Specialist

Your general practice veterinarian (also commonly known as your primary care veterinarian) and the many veterinary specialists you may encounter have distinctly different yet complementary roles in your pet’s care. Understanding these differences and how they work together is key to making informed decisions for their health and well-being, especially when faced with a potential health challenge.

Your general practice veterinarian is your main source of care and information. They will serve as the cornerstone of your pet’s healthcare, providing preventative care such as vaccinations and parasite control, doing yearly exams of your pet’s current condition, establishing and updating their individual history, and managing a wide range of common medical conditions you may encounter. They are your first point of contact regarding your pet’s healthcare, whether you are looking for answers about a minor food intolerance or starting to decode a more serious medical puzzle.

A veterinary specialist is a board-certified veterinarian who has dedicated their years of training to a specific discipline, such as cardiology, dermatology, or orthopedics.

“Veterinary specialists have had additional education and training in a specific field of veterinary medicine,” explained Paige Andersen, DVM, Managing Partner of TimberCreek Veterinary Hospital. “They have the knowledge, skillset, and specialized equipment to handle complex cases and procedures that may not be available in general practice.”

It’s important to recognize that a referral to a specialist doesn’t mean you are replacing the role of your general practice veterinarian in your pet’s care team. Instead, you’re bringing in a consultant with the specialized skills to address a particular challenge. That said, your general practice veterinarian will remain involved and often collaborate closely with the specialist in a collaborative approach to give your pet the best care.

When to See a Veterinary Specialist

Deciding when your pet may benefit from the expertise of a veterinary specialist is a key step in ensuring your pet has the necessary care to suit their specific health needs. Generally, the need for a specialist will arise when you are faced with a complex, chronic, or unusual medical condition that requires specialized treatment, advanced diagnostic procedures, or surgical intervention that is beyond the scope of your general practice veterinarian. This may come to light because your pet isn’t responding to standard treatments, you (and your primary care team) have identified rare symptoms, or an initial diagnosis has been reached that would require more sophisticated or specialized care.

Seeing a specialist typically begins with your trusted general practice veterinarian. With their in-depth understanding of your pet’s overall health and history, they will conduct the necessary initial exams and diagnostics. If they suspect your pet may be facing a condition requiring specialized knowledge or resources, they will begin the referral process to a board-certified specialist.

“Referral to a specialist is an extension and collaborative approach to your pet’s care. With adequate communication between your primary veterinarian and the specialist, medical records and diagnostics are shared, and duplicate testing and procedures can be avoided,” stated Dr. Andersen. “Being referred to a specialist can be very daunting for a pet owner, but having an established and trusting relationship with your primary veterinarian will make the referral process much smoother. Your primary veterinary team should have ongoing involvement with you and your pet throughout the referral process.”

Veterinary Specialist Services Your Pet May Require

Understanding the different types of veterinary specialties available can help you better understand the complex health challenges your pet might face and how each member of their care team plays a role. Here are some of the most common veterinary specialties you may encounter:

Internal Medicine

When your pet faces complex health issues that affect their internal organs, such as the kidneys, liver, gastrointestinal tract, or endocrine system, they may need to see an internal medicine specialist. These specialists have the advanced training necessary to use diagnostic tools like endoscopy and specialized imaging to better understand intricate medical conditions that may not otherwise be apparent at the surface level.

Referral to an internal medicine specialist is often warranted in situations that involve:

• Persistent gastrointestinal problems
• Unexplained weight fluctuations
• Suspected hormonal imbalances like Cushing’s or Addison’s disease
• Complex kidney or liver disorders
• Unexplained anemia
• Chronic inflammatory conditions

Surgery

When your pet requires a complex surgical procedure involving soft tissues, bones, joints, or the nervous system, they may be referred to a veterinary surgeon. These professionals have extensive surgical training and anatomical knowledge. They are also trained to use the latest specialized surgical equipment and techniques. They will collaborate closely with your general practice veterinarian not only for the surgery itself, but also to ensure seamless pre- and post-operative care, and to help guide you through the recovery process.

Referral to a veterinary surgeon is often recommended in situations such as:

• Complex bone fractures or joint injuries
• Removal of large or difficult-to-access tumors
• Surgical correction of congenital abnormalities
• Spinal cord or brain surgeries
• Certain emergency surgeries that demand advanced surgical techniques

Dermatology

A veterinary dermatologist may be needed if your pet is suffering from persistent or severe issues affecting their skin, hair, or nails. These specialists have an in-depth understanding of skin diseases, including allergies, infections, autoimmune disorders, and skin cancers, and utilize specialized diagnostic techniques like skin biopsies and allergy testing.

Referral to a veterinary dermatologist is often necessary when your pet experiences:

• Chronic itching, scratching, or skin irritation that doesn’t resolve with standard treatment
• Severe allergic reactions affecting the skin
• Complex or recurrent skin infections
• Suspected autoimmune skin diseases
• Unusual skin growths or lesions

Cardiology

When your pet shows signs of heart disease or has been diagnosed with a cardiac condition, a veterinary cardiologist offers specialized expertise in the heart and circulatory system. These specialists use advanced cardiac diagnostics such as echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart) and electrocardiography (ECG) to assess heart function and identify abnormalities.

Referral to a veterinary cardiologist is often recommended in cases involving:

• Detection of a heart murmur or irregular heartbeat
• Symptoms of heart failure, such as coughing, difficulty breathing, or exercise intolerance
• Diagnosis of congenital heart defects
• Management of cardiac arrhythmias
• Need for specialized cardiac procedures

Orthopedic

An orthopedic specialist may be consulted if your pet is experiencing musculoskeletal issues affecting their bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, or muscles. They have advanced training in diagnosing and treating a wide range of orthopedic conditions, often utilizing specialized imaging techniques and surgical procedures to restore function, alleviate pain, and improve your pet’s mobility.

Referral to an orthopedic specialist is often recommended in situations involving:

• Complex fractures that require advanced surgical repair
• Joint injuries, such as ligament tears (e.g., cranial cruciate ligament rupture) or dislocations
• Developmental orthopedic diseases like hip or elbow dysplasia
• Degenerative joint conditions, such as osteoarthritis, when advanced management or surgical intervention is needed
• Lameness or pain that is persistent or severe and doesn’t respond to general treatment
• Spinal issues that may require surgical stabilization

Oncology

If your pet has been diagnosed with or is suspected of having cancer, your general practice veterinarian will contact a veterinary oncologist. These specialists have in-depth knowledge of various cancer types, treatment approaches (including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, and immunotherapy), and strategies for managing the disease and its effects, whether that involves remission, slowing disease progression, or focusing on maintaining a good quality of life.

Referral to a veterinary oncologist is typically recommended when:

• Cancer has been diagnosed or is strongly suspected
• Specialized cancer treatments are required
• Management of complex or aggressive cancers is necessary
• Palliative care options for pets with advanced cancer are being explored

Ophthalmology

For issues affecting your pet’s eyes and vision, a veterinary ophthalmologist offers specialized expertise in ocular health and disease. These specialists are skilled in diagnosing and treating various eye conditions, utilizing specialized ophthalmic equipment and surgical techniques. They will diagnose the root cause of your pet’s eye issues and provide appropriate medical or surgical care to preserve or restore their vision and alleviate any discomfort.

Referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist is often necessary when your pet experiences:

• Sudden vision loss or changes in vision
• Severe eye pain, redness, or discharge
• Diagnosis of conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, or retinal diseases
• Eye injuries or trauma
• Chronic or progressive eye problems that haven’t responded to general treatment

Emergency and Critical Care

In the event of a life-threatening illness or injury, a veterinary emergency and critical care specialist is trained to provide immediate and intensive medical care. They are skilled in stabilizing critically ill patients, utilizing advanced life support techniques, and managing complex medical emergencies.

Referral to an emergency and critical care facility is crucial when your pet experiences:

• Severe trauma, such as being hit by a car
• Sudden difficulty breathing or respiratory distress
• Signs of shock or collapse
• Exposure to toxins or poisons
• Acute and severe illnesses that require intensive monitoring and care

Nutrition

A veterinary nutritionist offers expert guidance when your pet has specific dietary needs related to a health condition or requires a specialized feeding plan. They have in-depth knowledge of animal nutrition and can formulate balanced and therapeutic diets to manage various medical conditions and optimize overall health.

Referral to a veterinary nutritionist may be recommended in situations involving:

• Management of obesity or underweight pets with underlying health issues
• Dietary management of chronic diseases like kidney disease, diabetes, or food allergies
• Development of specialized feeding plans for pets with feeding tubes or other unique needs
• Addressing complex nutritional imbalances

Behavior

A veterinary behaviorist may be recommended if your pet exhibits significant behavioral problems that impact their well-being or the household. These specialists have advanced training in animal behavior, learning theory, and sometimes psychopharmacology, allowing them to diagnose the underlying causes of behavioral problems and develop comprehensive treatment plans involving tailored behavior modification techniques and, when necessary, medication.

Referral to a veterinary behaviorist may be recommended for:

• Severe aggression towards people or other animals
• Debilitating anxiety or fear, such as separation anxiety or noise phobias
• Compulsive behaviors that are detrimental to the pet’s health
• Cognitive decline in senior pets affecting behavior

Exotic Animal Medicine

For pets other than dogs and cats, such as birds, reptiles, and small mammals, a veterinarian specializing in exotic animal medicine possesses the unique knowledge and skills required for their care. They understand the specific anatomical and physiological needs of these species and the most common diseases or medical conditions they may face.

Referral to an exotic animal veterinarian is essential for:

• Any illness or injury in an exotic pet species
• Guidance on proper husbandry, including diet and environment
• Specialized surgical or medical procedures unique to these animals

How to Prepare for a Veterinary Specialist Visit

Now you understand when to see a veterinary specialist and the referral process, the next step in navigating your pet’s care is knowing how to prepare for their specialist appointment. One of the significant benefits of the referral system is the established teamwork between your trusted general practice veterinarian and the specialist. In most cases, they will proactively share your pet’s pertinent medical history, including previous diagnoses, relevant lab results, and any prior imaging directly with the specialist’s team. This ensures the specialist has a foundational understanding of your pet’s case even before your appointment.

In addition to the teamwork between your general practice veterinarian and the specialist, you are also a key member of your pet’s care team. Bring any notes or documentation you have regarding warning signs you’ve observed, the timeline of any changes you’ve witnessed in your pet’s behavior or condition, and details of any treatments or medications you have already administered. This insight into what is happening outside your pet’s limited time in the veterinary office can be invaluable.

To ensure all your concerns are addressed during the appointment, take the time to write down any questions you have beforehand. This preparation, combined with the information shared by your general practice veterinarian, will help ensure you have a focused and productive visit and, ultimately, help the specialist provide the best possible care for your pet.

Recognizing the existence and focus of these specialized fields can help you understand the potential avenues for your pet’s care. Should you observe concerning signs or if you believe your pet’s condition requires a deeper level of expertise, contact your trusted AAHA-accredited veterinarian for guidance. They are best positioned to assess your pet’s needs and, when appropriate, make the referral.