Hours of Operation


Emergency & Critical Care
Monday - Friday: 6:00p.m. - 8:00a.m.
Weekends & Holidays: 24 hours

Specialty
Monday - Friday: 8:00a.m. - 6:00p.m.

What is a Veterinary Specialist?

By: Janet Tobiassen Crosby, DVM

Like human medicine, some veterinarians choose to specialize in one particular species, type of medicine (i.e. dermatology) or surgery. What makes a veterinarian a "specialist", and should your pet be seen by one?

There are currently 20 veterinary specialties recognized by the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association). Specialties range from anesthesiology 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, clinical experience in the area of the chosen specialty, publish a clinical case or research findings in journal articles and pass a credential review and specialty board examinations.

Becoming board-certified in a specialty can be via a university-based residency program (in a veterinary school) or in approved private specialty hospitals. Each specialty has its own requirements.

The length of time to attain the specialty certification varies with each individual, but is usually a minimum of two years.

How does one arrange to see a veterinary specialist? In many cases, your veterinarian will suggest a referral to a specialist if the case is a difficult one. Some specialty practices only work with referrals, meaning cases sent in by veterinarians; other specialty practices will see new patients directly, no referral needed.

Veterinary specialist and referral practices do not usually provide basic care such as vaccinations, spays/neuters, etc., unless they work in combination with a general practice.

Should your pet see a specialist? If you are concerned about your pet's diagnosis or care, please speak with your veterinarian about the possibility of a referral to a specialist. If you are uncomfortable doing this, it would be wise to seek a second opinion or advice of a specialist.

Click on the links below to learn more about each type of Veterinary Specialist
Home | Specialties | Tour Our Facility | Employment | Contact Us | Site Login
Copyright 2010 Sugar Land Veterinary Specialists