For The Client
Sydney Specialist Veterinarians
Specialist veterinarians exist across many fields namely surgery, internal medicine, oncology, dermatology, diagnostic imaging etc. In order to be registered as an Australian specialist requires a minimum of 3 years additional veterinary training under the supervision of other specialists followed by successful completion of a rigorous examination process by a recognised governing body. This registration ensures that your pet is afforded the highest standard of care.
Pet Surgery Services
SURGERY
The PetSpecialists offers a wide range of surgical options for referring veterinarians and their patients. We carry a comprehensive range of surgical equipment and implants allowing us to perform a wide variety of soft tissue and orthopaedic procedures. Whether it’s a fractured bone, a ruptured ligament or a cancerous growth removal, we have the expertise to achieve the best solution for your pet.
REFERAL PROCEDURES
Your regular vet will examine and diagnose your pet’s condition and specialist referral services will be offered to you. A wide variety of both orthopaedic and soft tissue surgeries can be performed. Your regular veterinarian in consultation with The PetSpecialists will suggest the best treatment plan for your pet. Some surgical procedures are best performed at dedicated specialist centers, and we will advise you if this is necessary.
Specialist Consultation
A specialist consultation with either Dr Buffa or Dr Lai is offered for your pet at your regular veterinary clinic or at one of our referral specialist centres. This is always a good idea as many of the surgical conditions are complex and require a detailed explanation of the treatment required.
Advantages of a Specialist Consultation:
- To confirm the diagnosis and that the treatment recommended is the best one for your pet.
- Assess if there are any other factors that may affect the outcome of the surgery.
- Have a detailed discussion with the surgeon regarding the procedure.
- Address any concerns or questions about the procedure and aftercare.
In the consultation Dr Buffa or Dr Lai will examine your pet and assess the diagnosis. Once the condition has been confirmed, they will discuss the nature of the surgery and the expected outcome. Unfortunately complications can occur with any surgical procedure and the more commonly reported problems associated with the surgery will be discussed. Sometimes we will advise you whether further test are recommended before a definitive treatment course can be undertaken.
Phone Consultations
We appreciate the importance of effective time management and convenience in many people’s lives. A phone consultation at a mutually convenient time can be scheduled to discuss a surgical procedure with our Surgeons prior to proceeding.
Small Animal Surgery Referral Process
The Referral Process
Your pet will be examined initially by your regular veterinarian, who will assess their condition and advise of their recommendations. Should the service of a Registered Specialist Surgeon be required, you have the option to bring your pet to our dedicated Specialist Referral Hospital in Terrey Hills, or have a Surgical Specialist visit your regular veterinary clinic to perform the procedure. The Pet Specialists Mobile Service provides dedicated, qualified specialists who take special care of your pet close to home.
How it Works
Following the examination and diagnosis by your regular veterinarian, you will be offered a consultation with the Specialist Surgeon to confirm the diagnosis and further discuss your pet’s condition. If you are comfortable with your regular veterinarian’s assessment and communication, you may decline this consultation and proceed directly to the surgery. If you are at all uncertain about the surgery, or would like to discuss the diagnosis further, then a Specialist consultation is strongly recommended. Telephone consultations are also available.
Once a decision is made to proceed with surgery, we will contact your veterinary clinic with a tentative date and time. Your veterinary clinic is responsible for all billing and should be able to provide an estimate of costs for the procedure, including anaesthesia, imaging, and aftercare. Once the surgery is confirmed, a Consent Form will be sent to your clinic, which outlines any potential complications and anticipated success rates. The Consent Form must be read, discussed, and signed by you before we are able to proceed with the surgery.
Post Surgical Care
The Specialist Surgeon will contact you following the surgery to provide an update. Your regular veterinarian will continue to care for your pet post-surgery. We will provide you with written aftercare instructions and are available for further advice when necessary. We will also advise whether a follow-up Specialist Consultation is required. Should a surgical complication occur, we will support your regular veterinarian throughout the recovery phase and remain actively involved with your pet as required.