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What’s the difference between a regular veterinarian and a veterinary specialist?
A regular veterinarian and a veterinary specialist both have earned their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, requiring typically eight years of college and professional training.
Your regular veterinarian, also called a “primary care” or “family” vet, is in general practice and has the primary responsibility to manage you pet’s health, including preventive care.
A veterinary specialist has typically completed four additional years of specialty training (for a total of 12 years college and professional training.) The specialty training in an internship and residency program in a particular practice area, such as Surgery, Internal Medicine, Neurology, Ophthalmology, Oncology, etc. To become board-certified, these candidates must also pass rigorous training and testing requirements. Graduates are called Diplomates.
Veterinary Specialty Hospital has 15 board-certified specialist, in Surgery, Internal Medicine, Oncology, Neurology, and Ophthalmology.
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When would my pet need to go to Veterinary Specialty Hospital?
Your regular veterinarian will refer your pet to our specialists if your pet requires specialized testing, treatments or procedures that your regular veterinarian does not offer, or if specialize care can improve your pet’s quality of life. Your veterinarian’s decision to refer to Veterinary Specialty Hospital means that the optimal care of your pet is your vet’s primary concern.
Our specialists at VSH work closely with your regular veterinarian to coordinate the overall care plan for your pet. We make sure that you and your veterinarian are informed and consulted about treatment.
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Can VSH be my pet's regular veterinary clinic?
No, our practice only provides specialty services and emergency & critical care services. Veterinary Specialty Hospital works directly with your regular veterinarian on a referral basis. When each healthcare provider focuses on what they do best, from routine preventive care or complex treatment for a rare illness, your pet gets the most comprehensive care possible.
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How do I get a referral?
If you have a health concern, please contact your primary care veterinarian. He/she will determine the best course of action. If your veterinarian decides that a referral to our hospital is appropriate, your vet will then complete a referral form and ask you to contact us to make an appointment. Find out how to book an appointment here. Please be sure your veterinarian provides us with a copy of your pet's medical history. This can be faxed to us or you can bring it to your appointment.
If your pet's condition is an emergency and your veterinarian is unavailable, contact our Emergency and Critical Care department at (858) 875-7570 to arrange immediate care.
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