Why Would Your Pet Need a Specialist?

Pets require specialized care for many of the same reasons humans do. The pet may require intensive monitoring, an advanced surgery or treatment, or they may have been diagnosed with cancer, for example.

Usually, your primary care veterinarian will recommend that your pet see a specialist, but if you are concerned about your pet’s condition you may make the request yourself.  We always recommend that you discuss your options with your family veterinarian.

Dr Rassnick With Black Dog

What Is a Veterinary Specialist?

A veterinary specialist is a veterinarian who completes 3-4 years of additional training, usually in the form of an internship and residency programs, after graduating from veterinary school. Following the advanced training, credentials must be submitted to a specific veterinary specialty “college” such as the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM), or American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS). After preliminary criteria have been met, the individual must pass a rigorous multi-day examination.  After successfully passing the examination the veterinarian becomes a member or “diplomate” of that specialty group and is considered to be “board certified.”

Tips for Talking to Our Veterinary Specialists

You don’t need the services of a veterinary specialist under “normal” circumstances. We understand that you are probably nervous and not in the best frame of mind to understand and process all of the information you will need to make the right decisions for your pet.

Click below for some techniques we think may help.