Medical Services
 
Our Doctors
 
Our Staff
 
About Us

FAQ
 
Cancer Survivors
 
Pet Tributes
 
Contact Us
 
Location
 
Home
 
 

• What is a ACVIM Board-Certified Veterinary Specialists
  • When to Request a Visit
Small Animal Internal Medicine Information
• First Time Visit Info
• Oncology Information
  • First Time Visit Info

What is a ACVIM Board-certified Veterinary Specialist?
How are they different from my family veterinarian?

In addition to completing undergraduate training and four years of veterinary school, Board-certified Veterinary Specialists are similar to their human medical counterparts in that they have completed an internship and residency in their specialized field (an additional 3-5 years of training).  In addition to this extensive training, a *Board-certified Veterinary Specialist must pass two rigorous examinations to achieve Board certification from the ACVIM.  Specialists bring a greater understanding in the area of internal medicine, cardiology, oncology, or neurology, and have knowledge of the unusual, the uncommon, or rare in small animals.  In addition, a Specialist may have diagnostic equipment not generally used by your family veterinarian.

More about our Board-Certified Veterinary Specialists >

When should you request a referral to an ACVIM Board-certified Veterinary Specialist?

• Your animal’s disease is uncommon, complicated, or undiagnosed after standard testing
• You would like an informed, neutral second opinion of your animal’s condition. 
• The outcomes of the current treatments are not going well or as expected.
• Your animal requires a sophisticated procedure that is offered by a specialty hospital.
• Your animal can benefit from 24-hour monitoring provided by a referral hospital.

If you believe your animal would benefit from a visit to a Board-certified Specialist, you are encouraged to work with your family veterinarian to complete a referral. 

Small Animal Internal Medicine -
Why does my animal need to see a Board-certified Small Animal Internist?

Commonly called Internists, these Specialists focus on diagnosing and treating diseases of the internal systems.  Where the diagnosis is known, an Internist may confirm the diagnosis and treatment, providing piece of mind.  If a diagnosis is proving elusive or therapy is not proving effective, the Internist may be better able to find the diagnosis or adjust treatment plans to get your animal back to health.  Examples of conditions for which your family veterinarian might refer your animal to an Internist are:

• Anemia or other bleeding disorders
• Chronic vomiting or diarrhea
• Complicated pancreatic disease
• Coughing & other breathing problems
• Endocrine disease (adrenal tumors, complicated diabetes, thyroid disorders)
• Infectious disease
• Kidney or bladder disease
• Liver inflammation
• Unexplained weight loss

More Internal Medicine Information>

What should I expect during a visit with a Board-certified Small Animal Internist?

The internist will perform a complete and thorough physical examination of your animal, and based on these initial findings, additional tests will be discussed.  Depending on your animal’s condition, diagnostic testing or treatments may include:

• Advanced laboratory testing of various tissue and blood samples.
• Diagnostic Imaging – ultrasound, radiography (x-rays), CT scans, MRIs
• Biopsies of masses, internal organs, or bone marrow
• Echocardiography/Ultrasound of the heart
• Electrocardiography (ECG) – electrical reading of the heart’s rhythm
• Endoscopy – bronchoscopy (lungs), cystoscopy (bladder & urethra), gastroduodenoscopy (stomach & upper intestines), rhinoscopy (nasal cavity), laparoscopy (minimally invasive surgery for biopsies of internal organs)
• Feeding tube placement
• Nutrition consultations

BACK TO TOP

Oncology -
Why does my animal need to see a Board-certified Veterinary Oncologist?

Commonly called Oncologists, these specialists focus on diagnosing and managing cancer, no matter the location of the tumor.

What should I expect during the visit with the Board-certified Veterinary Oncologist?

The Oncologist will perform a complete and thorough physical examination on your animal, and based on these initial findings, additional tests and treatment options will be discussed.  Depending on your animal’s condition, diagnostic testing or management may include:

• Advanced laboratory testing of various blood or tissue samples
• Biopsies and tissue analysis
• Chemotherapy
• Diagnostic Imaging – ultrasound, radiography (x-rays), CT scans, MRIs
• Immunotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Surgery

More Oncology Information>

When should you request a referral to an ACVIM Board-certified Veterinary Specialist?

• Your animal’s disease is uncommon, complicated, or undiagnosed after standard testing
• You would like an informed, neutral second opinion of your animal’s condition. 
• The outcomes of the current treatments are not going well or as expected.
• Your animal requires a sophisticated procedure that is offered by a specialty hospital.
• Your animal can benefit from 24-hour monitoring provided by a referral hospital.

If you believe your animal would benefit from a visit to a Board-certified Specialist, you are encouraged to work with your family veterinarian to complete a referral. 

More about our Board-Certified Veterinary Specialists >

*Ref:  Your Family & Our Team, “A Commitment to Care”, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (www.ACVIM.org), American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Foundation (www.ACVIMFoundation.org).