Have a question? You’re not alone. Below, we cover many of the things pet parents ask us most.
Many patients are referred by their primary veterinarian, but a referral is not required to contact our hospital. Our team can help determine whether specialty care is appropriate for your pet’s condition.
No. We are a specialty-only hospital and do not provide wellness exams, vaccinations, or routine dental services. Our focus is advanced diagnostics and treatment of complex medical conditions.
You can apply online through CareCredit’s website, or our team can help guide you through the application process during your visit.
When accepted, CareCredit can be used at participating veterinary hospitals for a wide range of services, including advanced testing, diagnostic imaging, surgical procedures, and specialty treatments such as oncology care.
Yes. In addition to veterinary services, CareCredit is accepted by many human healthcare providers, which can make it a flexible option for managing medical expenses across your household.
Specialty surgery is performed by veterinarians with advanced training in complex procedures and is supported by higher-level diagnostics, anesthesia monitoring, and post-operative care. It is typically recommended for cases that require deeper expertise or more extensive planning.
Yes. We communicate detailed findings and recommendations back to your primary care veterinarian so follow-up care remains coordinated and continuous.
Some patients require overnight hospitalization, depending on the procedure performed and your pet’s condition. Your specialist will discuss the expected length of stay with you and let you know how long your pet will need to remain in the hospital.
In many cases, yes. CT scans, ultrasound, or digital radiographs may be used to confirm diagnosis, stage disease, or assist with surgical planning.
All surgical procedures carry some level of risk, but specialty surgery is supported by advanced diagnostics, dedicated anesthesia monitoring, and experienced surgical teams trained specifically for complex cases.
A veterinary internist specializes in diagnosing and managing complex or chronic diseases that affect internal organs and multiple body systems. This includes endocrine disorders, gastrointestinal disease, respiratory illness, kidney and liver disease, immune-mediated conditions, and more.
Primary care veterinarians provide comprehensive general care, while an internist focuses exclusively on advanced diagnostic evaluation and long-term management of complicated medical cases that require specialized training and equipment.
Not always. Recommendations depend on the suspected diagnosis and previous testing. We discuss all appropriate options before proceeding with any advanced diagnostics.
Some results are available the same day, while others, such as biopsy or specialized laboratory results, may take several days. Our team will keep you informed throughout the diagnostic process.
A veterinary cardiologist specializes in diagnosing and managing diseases of the heart and circulatory system. This includes congenital defects, acquired heart disease, arrhythmias, and congestive heart failure.
Not always. A murmur indicates turbulent blood flow, but additional testing such as an echocardiogram is needed to determine whether structural heart disease is present and how significant it may be.
An echocardiogram is a non-invasive ultrasound of the heart that evaluates chamber size, valve function, blood flow, and contractility. It is one of the most important tools in diagnosing heart disease.
Some congenital conditions may be corrected surgically or managed long-term, but many forms of acquired heart disease are managed rather than cured. Early detection and appropriate treatment can significantly improve quality of life and longevity.
A veterinary ophthalmologist specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the eye and surrounding structures, including medical and surgical management of complex or vision-threatening conditions.
Not always, but persistent redness, squinting, discharge, or cloudiness should be evaluated promptly. If a condition does not respond to initial treatment or appears severe, referral may be recommended.
Some causes of vision loss, such as cataracts, may be treatable, while others are permanent. Early diagnosis provides the best opportunity for preserving or restoring vision when possible.
Glaucoma can often be medically managed in early stages, but advanced cases may require surgical intervention to control pain and protect quality of life.
Most pets tolerate chemotherapy better than people do. Doses are carefully selected to balance effectiveness with comfort, and side effects are monitored closely and managed promptly if they occur.
Some cancers can be cured, particularly when detected early and surgically removed. Others may be managed long-term to extend quality life, even if complete cure is not possible.
Treatment decisions are based on tumor type, stage, your pet’s overall health, and your goals for care. Every plan is individualized rather than protocol-driven.
That is always an option. We provide guidance on hospice and palliative care to maintain comfort and dignity while focusing on your pet’s quality of life.
X-rays provide two-dimensional images and are often the first step in evaluation. CT scans generate cross-sectional, three-dimensional images that offer significantly more detail for complex cases.
CT studies require anesthesia to ensure precise image acquisition. Ultrasound and many radiographs can often be performed without full anesthesia, depending on the patient.
All advanced imaging studies are reviewed by a board-certified radiologist to ensure accurate and thorough interpretation.
Yes. Outpatient CT and imaging studies can be performed upon request; however, the referring veterinarian is responsible for communicating results and treatment recommendations unless a specialty consultation is scheduled.
