What Can a Pet Specialist Do For Your Pet?When at home pet care have an illness, your family doctor may recommend you to specialists such as dermatologist or cardiologist. A specialist in pet medicine can assist if your pet's problem isn't covered by a family veterinarian.To be board certified, vets must go through rigorous training, conduct research and publish papers in their field of expertise and take a series of tests.Veterinary MedicineWhen most people think of vets, their first frame of reference is the vet who cares for their pet. But the field of veterinary medicine is more extensive. Veterinarians not only diagnose and treat sick animals but they also prevent the spread of animal-related diseases to humans and work to preserve wildlife. They ensure the safety of food by keeping track of the health and well-being of farm animals and inspecting food processing facilities. They also study the effects of industrial pollution and pesticides on humans and animals.In the clinic, a majority of veterinarians practice general veterinary medicine treating all kinds of domestic pets as well as farm animals. A smaller percentage specialize in small animals, such as rodents and birds, as well as large domestic animals such as horses and cattle, or exotic species like parrots and iguanas.After completing the veterinary school, some vets decide to pursue further training in one of 22 AVMA-recognized specialties in veterinary medicine. This training will allow them to be board certified in a specific area of veterinary medicine.For example veterinary radiologists employ imaging techniques like x-rays and ultrasound, as well as computed tomography scans to detect and monitor the progress of health issues in animals. Veterinary surgeons can specialize in both large and small animals and perform a wide variety of procedures, including spays and neonatal procedures as well as dental procedures.Other specialists in veterinary medicine include those who manage animal reproduction such as theriogenologists, and those who study poisons to protect human populations against potential exposures. Veterinary nutritionists work with healthy animals to develop diet plans and assist veterinarians in diagnosing illness in animals. Veterinary ophthalmologists examine and treat eye diseases that are outside the scope of normal practice of veterinary medicine.SurgeryThere is a direct connection between the physical and behavior aspects of dogs. Veterinarians employ surgery to bridge the gap, alleviate pain and reduce stress for pets, and treat concurrent problems behaviors that may result in harm or adversely affect the quality of life, and much more.When a puppy Golden Retriever called Penny went to her vet to have an annual check-up the vet detected a murmur. He advised that she be referred to a veterinarian cardiologist or a specialist veterinary surgeon who specializes in heart surgery. The cardiologist examined Penny and performed an echocardiogram to discover her heart defect that was a birth defect that required corrective surgery.As a result, he was able to perform the necessary surgery for Penny and she recovered with no complications. Surgical procedures are complex and require a large amount of equipment, training and facilities to be performed successfully. This is why primary care veterinarians or emergency room veterinarians often refer clients to a veterinary surgeon.Only those who are Diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons have completed rigorous postgraduate training which includes an internship and a 3-year residency. They also passed a demanding board certification exam. This means they have a deep understanding of specialized areas of medicine and surgery, and are able to offer the highest standard of care for their patients.Upstate in home pet care is a leader in spinal surgery and brain surgeries for cats, dogs and small animals. They also work closely with specialists in Internal Medicine and Cardiology to ensure the best outcomes for your pet. Remember that any surgery could be risky and requires regular follow-up visits by your veterinarian.Internal MedicineThe specialists in internal medicine at Veterinary Medicine are specialists in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases that affect your pet's internal organ systems. This includes the digestive tract as well as kidneys, liver and lungs. They are also trained to comprehend how these systems interact and how to treat the underlying causes of diseases. Internists are highly skilled in the interpretation and evaluation of blood tests, laboratory tests and imaging modalities.If you are experiencing issues with your pet's gastrointestinal tract, kidneys or liver or if the standard tests for diagnosing the problem aren't providing answers, then your primary care veterinarian will refer you to a veterinary specialist. These specialists are also called on when chronic illnesses such as diabetes, Cushing's, Addison or thyroid disorders become more complex. These conditions require constant surveillance, regular evaluations, and advanced tools such as cardiac ultrasound to treat.When a diagnosis is established the doctor will typically prescribe state-of-the-art therapies to manage the illness and improve your pet's quality of life. They will also work with other specialists to help ensure your pet's long-term health and wellbeing.RadiologyRadiation therapy can be utilized by itself or in combination with chemotherapy surgery to treat many types of cancer. The aim is to shrink tumors and kill cancerous cells. The majority of pets tolerate radiation well. There are some short-term side effects, depending on the nature of the tumor and its location.If your pet has been diagnosed with cancer and is being treated to a specialist, known as a veterinarian oncologist. Oncologists are skilled in a variety of diagnostic methods that let us look inside the body of an animal, which includes ultrasounds, x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging, and much more.A veterinary oncologist is a specialist in the use of chemotherapy, radiation and other systemsic treatments to treat cancer and eradicate tumors. These include a wide variety of drugs that kill cancer cells, inhibit their growth and assist the body to naturally remove them. A veterinary oncologist may also suggest using a pet's own immune system to fight cancer using vaccinations.The specialists in veterinary oncology collaborate closely with radiation oncologists to develop treatment plans for patients suffering from various forms of cancer. Their experience and expertise, as well as the specialized equipment they use enable them to provide the best care for animals under their care.Radiation oncologists are experts in the use an instrument that delivers high-energy radiation directly to the tumor area of the pet. They are experts in developing strategies to maximize the effects of radiation without damaging normal tissue. They are also highly trained in the set up and delivery of radiation treatment sessions, including stereotactic radiosurgery/stereotactic radiation therapy (SRS/SRT). These procedures employ a computerized linear acceleration to deliver radiation doses at precise locations over the course of several weeks.Emergency Critical CareThis veterinary area is geared towards pets with life-threatening or severe illnesses. Patients who suffer serious injuries or accidents typically require constant monitoring and care.Most of the time, these pets are admitted in a specific part of the animal hospital, similar to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and may be constantly monitored by nurses, doctors, and other specialists. They may be recovering from an injury or surgery, or they may be suffering from digestive issues, respiratory problems, severe heart disease, or even cancer.Critical care specialists are specially trained to manage these complex cases. They possess a high degree of broad interdisciplinary knowledge which allows them to work with specialists from other fields to treat patients with multiple co-morbidities across various organ systems. They also have vast experience in treating trauma, cardiac management as well as cardiovascular collapse, ventilatory support, gastrointestinal and kidney support and shock management, as well as custom pain control plans.Veterinarians who are board certified in critical and emergency care have completed rigorous specialty training that includes working at large referral hospitals as well as teaching institutions. They can provide emergency and intensive care in their own practices as well. They also participate in clinical research in their fields of expertise.If you're considering becoming a vet specialist, you should make sure that you're a lover of animals and are comfortable with the fast-paced nature. Learn taking care of pets about the various specialties by working in a clinic or shadowing veterinarians. That way you'll be able determine if this is the best option for you. You can also earn a degree in zoology, biology, or a different field to gain the necessary background understanding.