What is a Veterinary Specialist?

Like human medicine, some veterinarians choose to specialize in one particular species, type of medicine (i.e. dermatology) or surgery.  There are currently 20 veterinary specialties recognized by the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association). Specialties range from anaesthesiology to zoo medicine.

To become a veterinarian, one must first earn an undergraduate degree, which takes 4 years (on average). Admission to veterinary school is competitive, and many applicants apply to more than one school. Veterinary school is 4 years, and upon graduation, both national and state boards (exams) must be passed to be able to practice veterinary medicine in the United States.

To become a veterinary specialist, one must undergo additional extensive training after vet school graduation.  This usually involves completing a 1 year internship and 2-3 year residency in the area of the chosen specialty.  Specialty candidates are required to publish a clinical case or research findings in journal articles and pass a credential review and specialty board examinations.   Only when the veterinarian has successfully satisfied all requirements of the respective specialty board does he or she become "board certified" to practice that specialty. LVSES currently offers board certified specialists in the following areas:

• Internal Medicine
• Ophthalmology
• Anesthesiology
• Neurology
• Pain Management
• 24 Hour Emergency & Critical Care
• Nutrition
• Surgery

A residency trained doctor is a veterinarian who has completed all of the requirements for board certification and is currently either awaiting their exam results of they are waiting to take their specialty exam which is typically only offered annually.  LVSES offers residency trained doctors in:

• Surgery

Another subset of veterinarians may choose to pursue a specialized veterinary certification program to enhance their skill set.  Veterinary Acupuncture, herbal medicine and physical therapy are examples of specialties within the industry that are unique in that they require specialized training, certification and equipment but do not require an additional 3 year residency or board certification.

What is a Specialty Referral Hospital?

Veterinary specialty and referral practices do not usually provide basic care such as vaccinations and spays/neuters.  As veterinary medicine has grown and technology has become more available, specialty veterinary hospitals have become an increasingly important part of the veterinary medical team.  Working hand-in-hand with your primary care veterinarian, specialty hospitals are able to offer the advanced diagnostics and 24 hour intensive care that is sometimes needed to address your pet’s medical condition.

Should your pet see a specialist?

In most cases, your primary veterinarian will suggest a referral if the case is complicated or requires advanced diagnostics that they do not offer.  If you are concerned about your pet's diagnosis or care, please speak with your veterinarian about the possibility of a referral to see one of LVSES’ specialists.