Do you know these 10 veterinary specialties?

Your primary care veterinarian can be trained in many areas including dentistry, general medicine, surgery and reproductive health, among others. From time to time, pets need more specialized equipment for diagnostics or treatment, or complex surgery. Your veterinarian may refer your pet to a veterinary specialist, just like when you’re referred to a cardiologist or a neurologist when you need specialized testing and care. 

 

Board-certified veterinary specialists complete additional advanced training in their area of specialty and must pass board-certification examinations. When a pet needs advanced care services, our board-certified veterinary specialists, available at some VCA hospitals, provide state-of-the-art care. Here are 10 department examples: 

1. Cardiology. Pets can suffer from heart problems similar in nature to human heart conditions. Veterinary Cardiologists use specialized equipment to diagnose conditions of the heart and circulatory system, allowing them to create the best treatment plan for your pet.
2. Behavior. Veterinary Behaviorists are trained to prevent and manage behavior problems in pets through behavior modification techniques and environmental and lifestyle changes.
3. Neurology. When a pet has neck or back pain, partial paralysis, balance problems or seizures, a Veterinary Neurologist may be called upon for your pet’s care. They’ll use advanced imaging such as CT or MRI scans to look at the brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscles. Veterinary neurologists will make recommendations for your pet's rehabilitation, especially after major procedures as back surgery.
4. Ophthalmology. When your pet has a difficult or complicated eye problem such as a corneal ulcer, glaucoma or lens luxation, they may be referred to a Veterinary Ophthalmologist for advanced diagnostics and treatment, including surgery.
5. Dental. Routine dental cleanings and care may be done by your primary care veterinarian, but pets are sometimes referred to Veterinary Dentists for more complicated problems such as root canal, fracture repair, extraction, or surgical removal of oral masses or lesions. 
6. Surgery. Veterinary Surgeons receive intensive surgical training for surgeries including total hip replacement, cruciate ligament surgery, emergency surgery or tumor removal. If your pet has a complicated surgical need, your primary veterinarian may refer you and your pet to a Veterinary Surgeon.
7. Emergency and Critical Care. When your pet has an emergency or needs intensive care, an Emergency and Critical Care Veterinarian may be needed. Emergency and Critical Care Veterinarians undergo rigorous training in emergency medicine, surgery, and critical care to treat life-threatening conditions including burns, bite wounds, fractures and seizures.
8. Internal Medicine. Internal Medicine Veterinarians are trained to treat the most serious diseases and health problems that affect pets. These specialists can also include treating pets with multiple coexisting health problems, such as kidney disease and diabetes.
9. Oncology. Veterinary Oncologists have specialized training in the diagnosis and treatments of various cancers. A veterinary oncologist will develop a diagnostic and treatment plan that may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy or bone marrow transplant. 
10. Zoological Medicine. Not just for zoo animals, veterinarians who specialize in zoological medicine also treat exotic mammals, birds, reptiles, fish and even tarantulas and hermit crabs! These special animals need special care. VCA’s Zoological Medicine specialists have the expertise and specialized equipment to trim your bird’s beak and nails, trim your rodent or rabbit’s teeth and diagnose and treat diseases and conditions specific to exotics.

When your pet needs specialized care, your primary care veterinarian may consult with the appropriate veterinary specialist about your pet’s needs and care. In other cases, they may refer you and your pet to the specialist for advanced diagnostics and treatment.  

With Live Chat* through the myVCA app, our licensed veterinary professionals are always ready to answer your questions anytime, available day or night. >>

*Live Chat with a licensed veterinary professional is free for VCA clients through the myVCA mobile app, available at Apple’s App Store and Google Play.