What Can a Pet Specialist Do For Your Pet?Your family doctor can recommend you to a specialist, for example, a dermatologist or cardiologist in case you are concerned about your health. Likewise, when your pet has a problem that isn't addressed by your family veterinarian, a pet specialist could be able to help.To become board-certified veterinarians must go through rigorous training as well as conduct research and write articles in their field of expertise, and take a series of tests.Medicine for Veterinary MedicineWhen people think of vets their first frame of reference is the vet who treats their pet. The field of veterinary medicine is a lot more varied. Veterinarians not only diagnose and treat sick animals but they also prevent the transfer of animal diseases to humans and work to preserve wildlife. They ensure a safe food supply by ensuring the health of animals in agriculture and by examining food processing facilities. They also research the effects of industrial pollutants, pesticides, and other contaminants on human and animals.In the clinic, a majority of veterinarians practice general veterinary medicine treating all kinds of domestic pets and farm animals. A smaller number of veterinarians specialize in small animals such as rodents and birds, while the majority focus on large domestic animals like cattle and horses, or exotic species such Iguanas.After completing the veterinary school, some vets decide to further study in one of the 22 AVMA-recognized specialties in veterinary medicine. This additional training allows them to become board certified in the field of veterinary medicine.Veterinary radiologists, for instance, use imaging techniques like computed tomography and xrays to diagnose and monitor conditions that can be found in animals. Veterinary surgeons can specialize in both large and small animals and perform a wide variety of procedures, including spays, neo-natal procedures, and dental procedures.Other veterinary specialists include those who oversee the reproduction of animals, like theriogenologists; and those who research toxins and poisons to protect human populations from potential exposures. Veterinary nutritionists work with healthy animals to create diet plans and assist veterinarians in diagnosing diseases in animals, whereas veterinary ophthalmologists examine and treat eye diseases that are outside the scope of veterinary practice.SurgeryThere is a direct connection between the physical and the behavioral aspects of the dog. Veterinarians often use surgery to connect this gap and ease pain, decrease stress experiences for pets, treat problematic behaviors that could cause harm or affect the quality of life and more.For instance, when a young Golden Retriever named Penny went to the veterinarian for her annual check-up her vet noticed a murmur in her heart. He suggested that she be referred a vet cardiologist, or a veterinarian who specializes in heart surgery. The cardiologist assessed Penny and performed an echocardiogram to determine her heart condition which was a birth defect that needed corrective surgery.He was able to perform the surgery Penny needed and she recovered with minimal complications. Surgical procedures are complex and require extensive equipment and training as well as facilities to be performed successfully. This is the reason why primary care veterinarians or emergency room veterinarian may refer clients to a veterinary surgeon.Only those who have earned the Diplomate from the American College of Veterinary Surgeons are able to provide their patients the best standard of care. They have undergone rigorous postgraduate education, which includes an internship, a 3 year residency and a rigorous certification exam. This means they have a thorough understanding of the specialties of surgery and medicine and are able to provide the highest quality of care for their patients.Upstate Veterinary Specialties is a pioneer in spinal surgery and brain surgeries for cats, dogs and small animals. They also work closely with specialists in Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Oncology, Neurology, Diagnostic Imaging and Critical Care to deliver the most effective outcome for your pet. It is crucial to keep in mind that any surgery has potential risks and requires follow-up care from your veterinarian.Internal MedicineVeterinary internal medicine specialists are specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of ailments that affect the internal organ systems of your pet. This includes the digestive system, kidneys, liver and the lungs. They are also trained to understand how these systems interact and how to treat the root causes of the diseases. Internists have a high level of expertise in evaluating and interpreting tests for bloodwork, laboratory tests, and imaging modalities.If you're experiencing problems in your pet's gastrointestinal tract, liver or kidneys or if the standard diagnostic tests are not providing answers the primary vet will refer you to a veterinary specialist. These specialists are also called on when chronic illnesses like diabetes, Cushing's, Addison or thyroid disorders become more complex. These diseases often require continuous monitoring and regular examination using advanced tools, like cardiac ultrasound to treat.When a diagnosis is made the doctor will typically prescribe cutting-edge treatments to treat the illness and improve your pet's quality of life. They will also work with other specialists to help maintain your pet's health and wellbeing over the long term.RadiologyThe use of radiation, either on its own or in combination with chemotherapy and/or surgery, can be utilized to effectively treat a broad variety of cancers. The goal is to destroy cancerous cells and shrink tumors. Pets generally tolerate radiation well. It may cause some short-term side effects, depending on the type of tumor and location.If your pet is diagnosed with cancer, they is referred to a specialist known as a veterinary oncologist. Oncologists are trained in a variety of diagnostic methods that let us look inside the body of an animal, including ultrasounds, x-rays and x-rays magnetic resonance imaging, and much more.A veterinarian oncologist is an expert in the use of chemotherapy radiation, chemotherapy, and other treatments for systemic cancer and tumor eradication. They offer a variety of drugs used to kill cancerous cells, inhibit their proliferation and aid the body in its natural process to remove them. best pet may suggest using a pet's own immune system to fight cancer using vaccinations.The specialists in veterinary oncology collaborate with radiation oncologists to develop treatment plans for patients suffering from different types of cancer. Their expertise and specialized equipment allows them to provide the best treatment for the animals in their care.Radiation oncologists are experts in the use of an instrument that delivers high-energy radiation directly to the tumor area of pets. They have a deep knowledge about the different ways that tumors respond to radiation, and are skilled in 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 techniques use an electronic linear acceleration system to deliver radiation doses to specific locations over the course of several weeks.Emergency Critical CareThis veterinary area focuses on pets with life-threatening or severe illnesses. These are often patients that have suffered from severe injuries or accidents that require constant monitoring and treatment to ensure they have the best chance of survival.These pets may be hospitalized in a specific section of the animal hospital that is similar to an Intensive Care Unit. They are monitored by nurses, doctors and other specialists round the clock. They may be recovering from an injury or operation, or they may be suffering from digestive problems, respiratory issues, severe heart disease, or even cancer.Critical care specialists are specially trained to manage these very complex cases. They have broad interdisciplinary expertise which allows them to collaborate with specialists in other fields to handle 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 individualized pain control planning.Veterinarians who have been board certified in critical and emergency care have completed rigorous specialty training that includes working at large referral hospitals as well as educational institutions. They are also able to provide emergency and intensive treatment within their own practice. They also contribute to clinical research in their field.If you want to become a veterinarian, it's important to make sure you really are passionate about animals and appreciate the speed of this profession. You can learn more about the various specialties by working in an animal clinic or shadowing vets. That way you'll be able to decide if this is the right choice for you. You can also gain the background knowledge you need by taking a course in biology, zoology, or another subject.