What Can a Pet Specialist Do For Your Pet?Your family doctor may refer you to a specialist, such as a dermatologist or cardiologist if you have a concern about your health. In the same way, if your pet has an issue that is beyond the reach of your family veterinarian, a pet specialist can assist.To be board-certified, a veterinarian specialist must undergo rigorous education, conduct research and publish articles in their field of expertise, as well as pass a series exams.Medicine in Veterinary MedicineMany people think of veterinarians as the vet that treats their pet. But the field of veterinary medicine is much broad. Veterinarians are not just able to diagnose and treat sick pets and treat them, but also prevent the spread of animal diseases to humans and preserve wildlife. They ensure the safety of food products by taking care of the health and welfare of farm animals and inspecting facilities for food processing. They also research the effects of industrial pollutants, pesticides, and other contaminants on human as well as animals.In the clinic, a majority of veterinarians practice general veterinary medicine treating all kinds of domestic pets as well as farm animals. A few specialize in small animals like rodents and birds, as well as large domestic animals such as horses and cattle, or exotic species such as iguanas and parrots.Some vets, after graduating from veterinary school, opt to further study in one or more of the 22 veterinary specialties that are recognized by the AVMA. This additional training allows them be board certified in the field of veterinary medicine.For example, veterinarian radiologists utilize imaging techniques such as x-rays ultrasound, computed tomography and scans to identify and track the progress of medical conditions in animals. Veterinary surgeons are specialists in small or large animals and perform a variety of surgeries including spays and neuters as well as dental procedures.Other veterinary specialists are those who deal with reproduction in animals, such as theriogenologists, and those who study poisons to safeguard human populations against potential exposures. Veterinary nutritionists help veterinarians diagnose diseases in animals and create nutrition plans for healthy animals. Ophthalmologists from veterinary medicine treat eye diseases outside of the scope of veterinary practice.SurgeryThere is a direct correlation between the physical and the behavioral aspects of a dog. Veterinarians utilize surgery to connect the two, relieve stress and pain for pets , address disorders that can cause harm or impact the quality of life, and much more.For instance, when a young Golden Retriever named Penny went to the veterinarian for her annual exam her vet detected a heart murmur. He recommended she be referred to a vet cardiologist, or a vet surgeon who specializes in heart. The doctor examined Penny and performed an echocardiogram to determine her heart problem that was a birth defect that required corrective surgery.As a result the surgeon was able to perform the needed operation for Penny and she recovered with minimal complications. The surgical procedures are extremely complex and require extensive training and equipment as well as facilities to successfully carry out. This is why primary care veterinarians and emergency room vets often recommend their patients to a surgeon at a vet.Only veterinarians who are Diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons have completed rigorous postgraduate studies that includes an internship as well as a 3-year residency, and passed a demanding board certification examination. This means that they are knowledgeable in the specialized areas of surgery and medicine and are able to provide the highest quality of care for their patients.Upstate Veterinary Specialties is a leader in spinal surgery and brain surgeries for dogs, cats and small animals. They also work closely with specialists in Internal Medicine and Cardiology to ensure the best outcomes for your pet. It is crucial to remember that any surgery has potential risks and requires follow-up treatment from your veterinarian.Internal MedicineSpecialists in veterinary internal medicine are skilled at diagnosing and treating diseases that affect the internal organ systems of your pet. This includes the digestive system, kidneys, liver and lungs. These doctors are also taught how these systems work and how to treat the underlying causes of the disease. Internists possess a high degree of experience in interpreting and evaluating laboratory tests, bloodwork, and imaging techniques.If you have a problem with your pet's gastrointestinal tract, kidneys or liver, or if the baseline tests for diagnosing the problem aren't providing answers, then your primary vet will refer you to a vet specialist. They are also sought out for chronic diseases such as Cushing's disease, diabetes, Addison's disease or thyroid conditions become more complex. These conditions typically require constant monitoring and frequent evaluation with advanced tools, like cardiac ultrasound, to treat. pet friendly will prescribe most recent treatments to treat your pet's condition and improve the quality of its life. They also collaborate with other specialists to manage your pet's overall health and well-being.RadiologyRadiation can be used alone or in combination chemotherapy and/or surgery to treat a variety of cancers. The aim is to shrink the tumors and kill cancerous cells. Pets generally tolerate radiation well. The kind of tumor and its location could cause short-term side effects.If your pet is diagnosed with cancer, he or she will be referred to a specialist, known as a veterinary Oncologist. pet care are skilled in a variety of diagnostic techniques that allow us examine the inside of an animal, which includes ultrasounds, x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging, and more.A veterinary oncologist is a specialist in the use of chemotherapy, radiation and other treatments that are systemic to treat cancer and eliminate tumors. These include a variety of drugs used to kill cancerous cells, inhibit their growth and help the body naturally eliminate them. A veterinary oncologist may also suggest using the pet's immune system to fight cancer through vaccinations.The specialists in veterinary Oncology collaborate with radiation oncologists in order to create treatment plans that are tailored to patients with different kinds of cancer. Their experience and expertise as well as the specialized tools enable them to provide the best treatment for the animals they take care of.Radiation oncologists are experts in the use an instrument that delivers high-energy radiation directly to the tumor site of the pet. They have a deep understanding of the different ways that cancers respond to radiation and they are experts at formulating treatment plans that maximize the effects of radiation while protecting normal tissues. They are also highly trained in the set up and delivery of radiation treatment sessions, including stereotactic radiosurgery/stereotactic radiation therapy (SRS/SRT). These methods employ an algorithm that calculates linear acceleration to deliver radiation doses to precise locations over the course of several weeks.Emergency Critical CareThis area of veterinary care is focused on pets suffering from life-threatening or severe illnesses. They are usually patients who have suffered from severe injuries or accidents that require constant monitoring and treatment to ensure they have the best chance at survival.Most of the time, these pets are admitted in a separate section of the animal hospital, similar to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and may be monitored 24/7 by nurses, doctors, and other specialists. They could be undergoing surgery or recovering from trauma and injuries, suffer from respiratory issues, gastrointestinal problems, severe heart disease or even cancer.These cases are extremely complex and require specialized training. They have a broad interdisciplinary expertise that allows them to collaborate with specialists from other fields to manage various co-morbidities that affect multiple organ systems. They also have extensive experience in traumatic injuries treatment, cardiac management, cardiovascular collapse mechanical ventilation, gastrointestinal and renal support, shock management and tailored pain control planning.Veterinarians who have been board certified in emergency and critical care have undergone rigorous specialty training, which includes working in large referral hospitals as well as teaching institutions. They can provide intensive and emergency treatment at their own clinics as well. They also participate in research in their field.If you want to become a veterinarian, it's important to ensure you are passionate about animals and appreciate the speed of this field. You can learn more about different specialties by working at an animal clinic or shadowing vets. This way, you'll be able to determine whether this is the right choice for you. You can also acquire the necessary background knowledge by pursuing a degree in zoology, biology or another subject.