What is a Board-Certified Veterinarian?
Similar to medical doctors specializing in specific fields of human medicine, a veterinary specialist is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) who has finished additional education and training in a specific field of veterinary medicine. Becoming a Board Certified Veterinary Specialist requires extensive study in the area they specialize in, then taking an examination to evaluate their knowledge and skills in the chosen specialty area. In the US there are 41 different areas of specialty recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association that a vet can work towards. Some vets even decide to become specialized in more than one field.
How do Primary Care Vets Become Board Certified Veterinary Specialists?
Becoming a Board Certified Veterinary Specialist takes a lot of studying, hard work, and time. Going past the required 6-8 years to obtain a veterinary degree, becoming a Board Certified Veterinary Specialist generally requires another internship, residency, and clinical experience in the field before being able to take the certification exam. This could mean another 3 - 5 years of training!
After these hard-working veterinarians have met all of the requirements established by the governing specialist organization or college, and passed the qualifying exam in their advanced area of study, they are officially a Board-Certified Veterinary Specialist in that field.
What Do Board-Certified Veterinary Specialists Do?
Your pet will need a board Certified Veterinary Specialist (specialist vet) when they require tests, treatments, or equipment that is beyond the capabilities of your primary care vet. A specialist vet will work closely with you, your primary care vet and other veterinary specialists to make sure your cat or dog receives the best care possible.
Your primary care veterinarian could refer your pet to a specialist if they believe your animal could benefit from advanced treatment and care.
Types of Board-Certified Veterinary Specialists
There are 41 different specialty fields in veterinary medicine. Here we share some examples of veterinary specialists and what they do:
- Internal medicine specialists are skilled at diagnosing and treating diseases of the immune, cardiovascular, pulmonary, urinary, gastrointestinal, and endocrine systems.
- Radiology veterinary specialists have vast training in imaging technology and procedures that can see inside a pet's body such as X-ray, ultrasound, CT, and more.
- Dentistry specialists diagnose and treat dental, oral, and maxillofacial diseases in animals.
- Emergency and critical care specialists work in emergency rooms and intensive care units to provide urgent care for critically ill animals.
- Board-certified veterinary surgeons that are qualified in the field of surgery will further specialize in sub-categories such as small animals, orthopedics, soft tissue, or laparoscopic surgery.
- Veterinary Oncologists diagnose and treat animals with cancer.
- A Board Certified Veterinary Ophthalmologist specializes in conditions and diseases that affect the eyes.
- Specialists of veterinary rehabilitation are the animal world's physiotherapists, helping pets get back to normal functioning after an accident or illness.
- Veterinary practitioners are veterinary specialists with advanced training in the care of specific animal species such as exotic companion mammals (rabbits, ferrets, mice, and hedgehogs), birds, reptiles, horses, and more.
How Can I Find a Specialist for My Pet?
If you'd like your cat or dog to be examined by a specialist for a service we do not offer, call the specialist you require to see if you need a referral, or ask your primary care veterinarian about getting a referral for your four-legged friend.
Specialty Services for Pets
Board Certified Internal Medicine Specialists
Board Certified Veterinary Internal Medicine Specialists can provide specialized care for animals that are suffering from internal conditions such as diseases affecting the immune, cardiovascular, pulmonary, urinary, gastrointestinal, and endocrine systems. Some conditions that an internal medicine specialist may address include diabetes, renal failure, Cushing's disease, and various infectious diseases.
Board Certified Critical Care Specialists
Board Certified Critical Care Specialists are trained in emergency medicine. This means that they can provide 24/7 urgent care, emergency diagnostics, and urgent surgical intervention for pets when they need it most.
Board Certified Veterinary Surgeons
Board Certified Veterinary surgeons can perform orthopedic surgery, soft tissue surgery, and laparoscopic surgery for pets. These surgeons will do everything they can to ensure post-operative success for your cat or dog. They will make sure you are completely informed about what is going to happen during the surgery as well as your pet's requirements for post-operative care.
Board Certified Veterinary Oncologists
Board Certified Veterinary Oncologists are equipped with the skills and training they require to provide diagnostics, care, and treatments for cats and dogs that are suffering from cancer. An oncology team can inform you about the stage of your pet's cancer, staging, prognosis, and potential options for treatment.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding people or pets. Always follow your doctor's advice regarding asthma or other allergy symptoms.