What is a Veterinary Specialist?
A veterinarian, board certified in a discipline of veterinary medicine recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), is called a “specialist.” 
Similar to human medicine, in veterinary medicine there are many areas of specialization including ophthalmology, dermatology, internal medicine, surgery, pathology, radiology, and neurology.
Obtaining this distinction requires an undergraduate degree, successful completion of a four year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, a residency consisting of three to five years of advanced training including clinical experience in the chosen specialty, publishing a clinical case or research findings in journal articles, and successfully passing a credential review and rigorous specialty board examinations. Only board-certified specialists earn the title of “Diplomate” in the field of their specialty.
Sometimes sick or injured pets need the advanced care. Veterinary specialists are a valuable resource in treating your pet; a specialist's expertise complements that of your veterinarian. 
You may be referred to a veterinary specialist if diagnosing or treating your pet's health problem requires specialized equipment and/or expertise that your veterinarian does not have. WestVet specialists work closely with general practice veterinarians and owners to provide seamless veterinary care to your beloved pet. Our goal is to ensure that you and your pet have access to board certified specialists and the highest level of veterinary medicine available.
Your veterinarian and WestVet specialists will work together as a team to treat your beloved pet and provide you the essential information on diagnosis and treatment options.. When treatment is complete, you will continue your routine and preventative care with your general practice veterinarian.
Appointments with WestVet specialists are by referral; please contact your general practice veterinarian for a referral, feel free to contact us with any questions.