What Can a Pet Specialist Do For Your Pet?Your family doctor can refer you to a specialist, like an cardiologist or dermatologist, in case you are concerned about your health. If your pet has an issue beyond the scope of your family veterinarian, a pet specialist could be able to help.To be board-certified veterinarians must undergo rigorous education, conduct research and publish articles in their field of expertise, and be able to pass a series of exams.Medicine in Veterinary MedicineMany people think of veterinarians as the vet who treats their pet. The field of veterinary medicine is much more diverse. Veterinarians do not only diagnose and treat pets suffering from illness as well as prevent the spread of diseases that affect animals to humans and help preserve wildlife. They ensure that food sources are safe by maintaining the health of animals in agriculture and by inspecting food processing facilities. They also research the effects of industrial pollutants, pesticides, and other contaminants on human and animals.The majority of clinic veterinarians provide general veterinary care, addressing all kinds of domestic pets as well as farm animals. A few specialize in small animals such as birds and rodents; large domestic animals like cattle and horses; or exotic species like iguanas and parrots.Some vets, after graduating from veterinary school, decide to further study in one or more of the 22 veterinary specialties that are recognized by the AVMA. This additional training allows them to be board certified in a specific area of veterinary medicine.For instance, veterinary radiologists, use imaging techniques like computed tomography and x-rays to diagnose and monitor medical conditions in animals. Veterinary surgeons specialize in large or small animals and perform a variety surgeries such as spays and neuters, and dental procedures.Other veterinary specialists are those who oversee reproduction of animals such as theriogenologists, and those who study poisons to safeguard humans from exposures. Nutritionists working with veterinary animals to create nutritional plans and assist veterinarians in diagnosing illness in animals, whereas veterinary opthmologists study and treat eye diseases that are not within the scope of the regular veterinary practice. taking care of pets There is a direct connection between the physical and behavioral aspects of pets. Veterinarians often use surgery to bridge this gap and alleviate pain, decrease stress experiences for pets, treat concurrent problem behaviors that may cause harm or affect the quality of life of a pet and much more.For example, when a young Golden Retriever named Penny went to the vet for her annual check-up, her veterinarian heard a murmur in her heart. He recommended that she be referred a veterinary cardiologist, or veterinary surgeon specializing in heart surgery. The doctor assessed Penny and conducted an echocardiogram to find her heart defect: a birth defect requiring corrective surgery.In the end, he was able to perform the necessary surgery for Penny and she was able to recover with no complications. Surgery procedures can be extremely complex and require extensive training, equipment and facilities to be able to successfully execute. This is why primary care veterinarians or emergency room vets will often refer their patients to a specialist veterinarian.Only those who have earned the Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons can provide their patients the highest standard of care. They have undergone rigorous postgraduate training including an internship, a 3 year residency, and a rigorous certification exam. This means that they are proficient in specific areas of medicine and surgery, and are able to provide the highest level of care to their patients.Upstate Veterinary Specialties is a pioneer in spinal surgery and brain surgeries for dogs, cats and small animals. They also work closely with specialists in Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Oncology, Neurology, Diagnostic Imaging and Critical Care to ensure the best possible outcome for your pet. Remember that any surgery could be risky and require the assistance of your veterinarian.Internal MedicineThe specialists in internal medicine at Veterinary Medicine are experts in the treatment and diagnosis of illnesses that affect your pet's internal organ systems. This includes the gastrointestinal system, kidneys, liver and the lungs. These doctors are also trained to understand how these systems interact with one another and how to treat the primary causes of disease. Internists are highly skilled at the interpretation and evaluation of blood tests, laboratory tests and imaging modalities.When a health problem arises in the gastrointestinal tract or the kidneys, liver or central nervous system or if a baseline diagnostic test doesn't provide the answers your primary care veterinarian may refer you to an expert. These physicians are also called upon when chronic diseases like diabetes, Cushing's disease, Addison's disease or thyroid conditions become more complex. These diseases often require continuous monitoring and regular evaluation using sophisticated tools, like cardiac ultrasound, to treat.When a diagnosis is established, these physicians will often prescribe cutting-edge treatments to treat the disease and improve the quality of life of your pet. They will also collaborate with other specialists to maintain your pet's health and well-being in the long-term.RadiologyRadiation, whether on its own or together with chemotherapy or surgery, can be used to effectively treat a wide variety of cancers. The goal is to kill the cancer cells and shrink tumors. The majority of pets tolerate radiation well. The kind of tumor and the location of it could cause short-term side effects.If your pet is diagnosed with cancer, they will be referred to a specialist known as a veterinary oncologist. pet safety tips are trained in a variety diagnostic methods that let us see inside the body of a pet, such as x rays, ultrasounds, magnetic resonance imaging, and many more.A veterinarian oncologist is an expert in the use of chemotherapy and radiation as well as other systemic treatments for cancer and tumor eradication. This includes a range of drugs that are used to eliminate cancerous cells, slow their growth and aid the body in its natural process to eliminate the cancerous cells. care pets might recommend using a pet's immune system to fight cancer through vaccinations.Specialists in veterinary oncology work closely with the radiation oncologists to create treatment plans for patients with various forms of cancer. Their expertise and specialized equipment enable them to provide the best care for animals under their care.Radiation Oncologists specialize in the use of machines to deliver high-energy radiation (usually x-rays but also electrons or other forms) directly to the tumor site of a pet. The veterinary radiation oncologists have a vast understanding of the different ways that tumors respond to radiation and they are experts at developing treatment plans that will 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 algorithm that calculates linear acceleration to deliver radiation doses at specific places over the course of several weeks.Emergency Critical CareThis area of veterinary care is focused on pets suffering from life-threatening or severe illnesses. Patients suffering from severe injuries or accidents usually require constant monitoring and care.These pets may be hospitalized in a specific section of the animal hospital which is similar to an Intensive Care Unit. They are closely monitored by nurses, doctors and other specialists around the clock. They could be in the midst of surgery or recovering from trauma or injuries, suffer from respiratory issues, gastrointestinal problems, severe heart disease or even cancer.Specialists in critical care are specially trained to manage these extremely complicated cases. They have broad interdisciplinary knowledge that allows them to collaborate with specialists in other fields to deal with various co-morbidities that affect multiple organ systems. They also have a vast expertise in traumatic injuries as well as cardiac management and collapse, mechanical ventilation as well as renal and gastrointestinal support, shock management and individualized pain control plans.Veterinarians who hold board certification in emergency and critical medicine have undergone extensive training, which included working in large hospitals for teaching and referral. They can also provide urgent and intensive treatment in their own practices. They also contribute to research and clinical studies in their fields of expertise.If you're interested in becoming a vet specialist You should ensure that you're a lover of animals and can handle the speed of life. Try volunteering at a veterinary clinic or shadowing vets to learn more about the different specialties. You'll be able determine if this is the best option for you. You can also acquire the necessary background knowledge by taking a course in biology, zoology, or another field.