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When we team up with one of the specialty departments at CARE, we enhance the goal of giving your pet the best possible care. Referring your pet to a specialty veterinarian doesn’t mean things are dire. It simply means we want to give your pet access to advanced care and diagnostics that go beyond the scope of general practice.
Here are five common reasons to see a specialty veterinarian:
1. When a Health Issue Becomes Complex or Chronic
Plenty of medical conditions don’t respond to initial or typical treatments. At other times, a pet may have multiple conditions that require further investigation or specialized treatment. For example, an injury to the surface of your pet’s eye may not adequately heal with standard therapy. In that case, it may be time to bring in an ophthalmologist.
Other conditions, such as unexplained weight loss and chronic digestive issues, may benefit from the guidance of a veterinary internist. These specialists are trained to identify more complex medical issues and use advanced diagnostics to classify such illnesses.
2. When Advanced Imaging or Testing Is Needed
In some cases, we need detailed internal images to get to the root of a problem: an MRI to examine the spine, perhaps, or a CT scan to evaluate a mass in the abdomen. Specialty hospitals are equipped with advanced imaging tools we don’t typically have in general practice. This technology helps diagnose a condition more precisely, thus creating a targeted treatment plan faster.
3. When Specialized Surgery Is Required
Our clinic can handle many procedures, such as spaying, neutering, skin mass removals or dental cleanings. However, more complicated surgeries require a board-certified veterinary surgeon. These include orthopedic procedures, such as repairing a torn ligament or broken bone, spinal surgery or the removal of complex tumors. Surgeons at specialty centers are trained to perform delicate and advanced operations and have the equipment and support team to ensure your pet recovers well.
4. When Cancer Is Diagnosed or Suspected
Hearing that your pet may have cancer is never easy. Fortunately, veterinary oncologists specialize in treating cancer in pets and offer a range of options, including chemotherapy, radiation, or newer treatments such as immunotherapy.
If surgery needs to be part of the treatment, surgeons work closely with oncologists in the same location. These specialists create a treatment plan that fits your pet’s needs and your family’s goals, while providing a comfortable quality of life for your pet.
5. When Neurological Issues Arise
If your pet experiences seizures, trouble walking or a back injury, a neurologist may be the next step. Veterinary neurologists focus on conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord and nerves. These conditions can be overwhelming, but the right specialist can often suggest effective ways to manage or improve your pet’s quality of life.
Working Together for the Best Care
There are more reasons to see a specialty veterinarian than I have included here. However, I hope this list gives you a general idea.
It is important to remember that primary care veterinarians who refer a pet to a specialist aren’t stepping away from the case. Instead, we’re partnering with experts to ensure your pet gets the most complete care possible. We stay involved in the process, communicate with the specialist and continue to support you and your pet throughout treatment and recovery. If we ever suggest a referral, it’s because we believe your pets deserve every advantage in maintaining their health.
Charlotte Animal Referral and Emergency operates like a medical center for people that’s open 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. It offers all types of treatment, ranging from emergency attention to work by board-certified specialists, once you get a referral from your primary care veterinarian. You can take a visual tour of the practice at carecharlotte.com/tour.
Editor’s note: Dr. Tom Gawel has written a guest column for CARE this month. He is the medical director and owner of Partners Animal Hospital in the NoDa neighborhood of Charlotte. Dr. Gawel has worked with animals for 30 years, 15 of them as a veterinarian. He refers pets to CARE when they have conditions that require specialized treatment. In this column, he tells you how that referral system works.
