The Critical Role of Specialty Vets in Managing Chronic Conditions

We all want the absolute best for our pets, and when it comes to pets with special medical needs this becomes even more important. Those patients with chronic conditions tend to be complex veterinary cases, and having specialty veterinarians overseeing their care can be invaluable. Animal Medical Hospital & Urgent Care is here to help with these types of cases so that your pet can live their best life. 

When to See a Specialty Vet

There are multiple instances in which seeing specialty veterinarians may benefit both you and your pet. Examples of this might include:

• Limited facilities, equipment, or staff at your regular veterinarian to provide the kind of care your pet needs in a particular situation. Advanced diagnostics are often completed at a referral center. 
• Your pet needs to have a procedure done that is best performed by a specialist. 
• Your pet needs immediate care that your veterinarian cannot provide at the moment.
• Your pet is not responding as well as expected to treatment for a diagnosed condition.
• Your pet’s regular doctor is unable to determine what is going on with your pet.
• Your pet needs to see multiple specialists—it’s always nice when they are at the same facility to enhance cooperation

Not all general practices are equipped to do everything, similarly to how your family doctor probably isn’t doing your knee replacement or managing a cancer diagnosis. Speciality veterinarians are often best equipped in experience, resources, and training to provide the best care for your pet.

How Specialty Veterinarians Help in Complex Cases

Speciality veterinarians are valuable in the immediate part of diagnosing and stabilizing many pets, but they can be very helpful in managing complex cases longer term. 

Many pets with more complex diagnoses will continue to need care, medication adjustments, and risk assessments throughout their lives. Because a specialist veterinarian is most equipped to navigate these situations as they evolve, their involvement can be invaluable. 

In particular, internal medicine cases often require detailed record keeping, meticulous communication and follow up, and revised coping strategies as an animal ages. Having a specialist on your team through this can optimize how your pet is able to cope. 

We are very thankful to have a robust speciality and referral service and are happy to help you no matter your pet’s needs. When things get a little complicated, we are here to rise to the occasion and work with you so that your pet can thrive.