Frequently asked questions

Why has my vet referred my pet to you?

The reasons for referral are various. In some cases your vet has made a diagnosis but feels the patient would benefit from treatment by a specialist who is more familiar with the condition. In some cases your vet has been unable to make a diagnosis. Sometimes a case requires specialist facilities not available in routine practice.


How do I prepare for my appointment?

To help assess your pet it is important the specialist has the previous history, test results and radiographs relating to your case. Your vet may send these directly to us or ask you to bring them with you. Your pet may need sedation or an anaesthetic on the day of the appointment. Unless your pet is diabetic your pet should not have food after 9pm the evening before the appointment to allow for this. Water should only be withdrawn on the morning of the appointment. This allows us to start tests on the day that require fasting such as certain blood tests. Also your pet may need sedation or anaesthesia for certain diagnostic tests or procedures.

What will happen in my consultation?

The specialist will take a thorough history of your pets problem from you. They will then perform a full physical examination of your pet and review the tests already performed by your veterinary surgeon. Based on the findings they will discuss the possible causes of the problems, further investigations required and possible treatments. The specialist will also give an estimate of costs involved in the initial investigation and treatment. You will be able to ask further questions and can decide if you wish to proceed with further investigation. Consultations last from 30 minutes to an hour depending on the type of problem you have been referred for.

Will my pet be admitted to the hospital?

In certain circumstances your pet maybe able to be discharged on the same day. For most cases patients will be hospitalised. This allows close observation and monitoring which can be helpful in diagnosis and treatment. Patients will commonly be admitted for 1-2 days for routine investigations and treatment. During your pets stay the specialist will keep you updated frequently on any changes in your pets condition or test results. You are free to call us for daily updates from the nursing staff dealing with your pet.

Can I visit my pet in hospital?

If your pet is hospitalised for a period of time then we are happy to arrange visiting where it would be beneficial to the patient. In certain circumstances we will advise against visiting where it would cause distress or interfere with a quiet recovery. Visits must be by prior arrangement with the nursing staff.

How much will a referral cost and how
do I pay?

The costs involved in advanced investigations and treatments can be substantial. The specialist will give an estimate of the costs during your consultation. Medical investigations and treatment can be unpredictable and deviations from the estimate can occur. We will try to keep you updated and you are welcome to obtain a daily update from reception. We can accept cash, cheques or most major debit and credit cards as payment. Accounts must be paid in full when your pet is discharged from the hospital.

How do I make an insurance claim?

As soon as your appointment is booked it is advisable to contact your insurance company and inform them you have been referred to a specialist. You will need two claim forms; one for your own vet to claim for any treatment already given and a second for us to complete for treatment given by us. You will need to bring the form with you when you settle your account for we can ensure your claim is processed and forwarded to your insurance company rapidly.

Although we will submit your insurance claim form to your insurance company we cannot make direct claims unless they have preauthorised the payment prior to the appointment. If you wish to have a claim preauthorised you should contact us prior to the appointment as the process can take several days. It is your responsibility to check your policy limits and exclusions before your appointment. There are in excess of 400 different pet insurance policies and we do not know the specific details of each policy.

What is a specialist?

An RCVS recognised specialist is the highest level of veterinary specialist in the UK. To achieve this they must have completed a 3 years training program under specialists in their field and then obtained a Diploma in their specialty. A specialist must have published and lectured in their field, attended ongoing continued education and be recognised as a specialist by other specialists in their field. Every 5 years a specialist is re-assessed to maintain their specialist status.

What is a residency?

A residency is a 3 year training program where an individual trains under specialists in their field usually at a veterinary school. During the residency you see a large number of referrals. There will also be training in other relevant areas of specialism such as anaesthesia, pathology and radiology. At the end of the residency an individual will be eligible to sit their Diploma examinations which is the first step to becoming a specialist.