If your pet is facing a complex medical condition, they may benefit from the advanced care and expertise offered by a veterinarians who has specialised in a specific area of veterinary medicine, undertaking further training and qualifications in their area of interest.
A referral to a specialist typically happens when your primary care vet feels that specialist level skills and knowledge, or access to more advanced diagnostic tools are needed to provide the best care, for the best outcomes.
Your primary care vet team is kept informed of your pets progress during any investigations or treatments with us, and will continue providing ongoing care once your pet is discharged from our services.
At London Vet Specialists, our team includes recognised specialists, experts who hold the highest level of professional accreditation.
What does it take to become a registered specialist?
- A minimum 5 year Veterinary degree at University and exam to enter the register of practicing veterinarians.
- A minimum 1 year internship, working under and learning from specialist clinicians.
- 3-4 years Residency Training Program, working closely with and learning from a registered specialists while studying in their chosen field, during which time they must publish high quality, peer reviewed research in their chosen field.
- Final examinations.
In order to maintain their specialist status and ensure that they are keeping abreast of up-to-date research, specialists must show that they have contributed to their field through publication of research in scientific journals, providing teaching and continued education in their field, attending conferences, and mentoring future specialists. Reaccreditation processes take place every 5 years.
Due to the extensive training, examination process, and reaccreditation required to achieve specialist status, you can be confident that when you’re referred to our hospital, you are in the most highly qualified and clinically skilled hands.
Can I Refer My Pet to A Specialists Myself?
While the guidelines set by our governing body mean that you cannot refer your pet directly to us, you're welcome to request a second opinion from your vet and ask them to refer your pet to London Vet Specialists. We require your pet’s full medical history and diagnostic records to provide the most informed care, which your primary vet can share with us.
What Services Does London Vet Specialists Offer?
Our team of board-certified specialists provide advanced care across a wide range of disciplines, including:
Anesthesia and Analgesia
We support the journey of each patient through our hospital, ensuring the best pain management and using tailored anaesthetic and sedation plans. The team ensure safe and comfortable outcomes during diagnostics, procedures and surgeries.
Cardiology
Our service offers bespoke outpatient services for patients undergoing investigations for abnormalities of the heart, in addition to lifelong care for patients with chronic heart disease. We also offer minimally invasive procedures such as ECG holter monitoring, pacemaker placements, balloon valvuloplasty corrective procedures for narrowed heart valves, and patent ductus arteriosus occlusion procedures.
Dermatology
From chronic allergies and rare skin disorders to complex ear disease, our dermatologists offer compassionate, targeted care with access to other in-house specialists when needed.
Diagnostic Imaging
Our radiology team employs medical imaging techniques including X-ray, CT, MRI, ultrasound and fluoroscopy to support our other specialists in reaching accurate diagnoses and planning treatments.
Internal Medicine
We provide expert care and comprehensive diagnostics for complex internal medicine cases, including endocrine, gastrointestinal, and immune-mediated diseases, supporting your pet’s long-term health and quality of life.
Neurology
From seizures to paralysis and balance disorders, our neurology team understand, diagnose and treat disorders of the brain, spinal cord and nerves to restore movement and improve quality of life.
Oncology
Our oncology team offers advanced diagnostics and several treatment options tailored for patients with cancer. Treatment may aim for a cure when possible, or to extend survival while maintaining the highest possible quality of life.
Ophthalmology
We offer advanced diagnostics and treatment for a wide range of eye conditions, including cataracts and glaucoma, helping to preserve your pet’s vision and comfort.
Orthopaedics
We offer advanced diagnostics and surgical treatment for a range of orthopaedic conditions including fracture repair, joint surgery, or treatment for mobility issues. Our team provides expert musculoskeletal care with the aim to restore your pet's mobility and quality of life.
Soft Tissue Surgery
We have expertise in performing surgery on a variety of complex cases involving the respiratory, urogenital, gastrointestinal and other systems, as well as cancer removals. We offer minimally invasive surgical options to optimize your pet's recovery.
At London Vet Specialists, we treat every patient as if they were our own. Our highly trained team of specialists, nurses, and support staff are passionate about providing outstanding veterinary care.
