Second Opinions and Referrals for your Cat

If you feel dissatisfied with the advice or treatment given to you and your cat it is your right to consider a second opinion or referral. Doing so can be uncomfortable for some pet owners. Communication is often the main reason relationships between veterinarian and client break down so it is important to communicate your concerns to your veterinarian in case they can remedy the situation. If your cat’s illness is difficult to diagnose or investigation or treatment requires specialist expertise or equipment, you and your primary veterinarian may agree to refer your cat to a specialist.

What is the difference between a second opinion and a referral?

You may seek a second opinion from another veterinarian within the same practice, or perhaps a veterinarian from a non-associated veterinary practice. 

Veterinarians, like human doctors can undergo post-graduate specialist training in a range of subjects. The Australian College of Veterinary Scientists (ACVSc) is the body that provides examination processes to qualify veterinarians as “specialists”. Once the veterinarian has completed a training program and passed a specialist examination, they can then be registered as “specialists” with the individual State’s Veterinary Practitioner’s Board (VPB). The VPB also recognizes specialist qualifications from the USA and European Union.  Only veterinarians registered as specialists with the VPB can use the term “specialist”.

Referral often means a second opinion from a veterinarian who is a recognized specialist in that particular field. It is often suggested initially by the first opinion veterinarian, i.e. the veterinarian treating the animal. Today as owners become aware of the availability of specialist veterinary services many owners are requesting referral to a specialist. As veterinarians rely on accurate histories of animal’s illnesses it is important if you initiate a second opinion or referral to discuss with your veterinarian. By doing so, your veterinarian can give the next veterinarian or veterinary specialist important information from your cat’s medical history that may assist in making a diagnosis.

"Today as owners become aware of the availability of specialist veterinary services many owners are requesting referral to a specialist."

What are the reasons for referral?

Pets may be referred to a specialist for a variety of reasons. They fall into two main groups:-

1.  Because specialised diagnostic or therapeutic equipment is required for diagnosis (ultrasound, CT scanning, etc) or treatment (chemotherapy, radioactive iodine treatment etc).

2.  To seek more expert knowledge either in respect of the particular species, e.g. dog, cat, rabbit etc, or because more specialised knowledge is required regarding the disease or condition, e.g. specialist surgeon, dermatologist, ophthalmologist etc.

What do I do to arrange a referral or second opinion?

We, your veterinary practice and you, the owner, have one thing in common, the welfare of your pet under our care. If you feel you would like a second opinion or a referral please feel free to discuss it with us and then together we can decide what is best for your animal. It is important at the outset that the specialist or second opinion vet has all the facts so once you have discussed this with us, we will endeavour to make the appointment for you and ensure the full case history including any laboratory or diagnostic records are forwarded in time for your appointment.

Just like the medical profession, most recognised specialists prefer to make appointments through the first opinion practice. In this way they can discuss the problems with the referring veterinarian as necessary.

What about cost?

Referral to a specialist can be more expensive than a first opinion consultation. If your pet is insured the cost is usually covered by the insurance company but it is imperative that you establish this with your pet health insurer beforehand.

As with all veterinarians, specialists will give you an estimate of likely costs involved. We are happy to obtain this information for you at the time of making the appointment, however it must be stressed that this can only be an approximate estimate of costs and not a quotation.

Do I get to choose which specialist to see?

Usually it is best to listen to the advice of your veterinarian who will direct you to the most appropriate specialist. As there are more specialists around, location may be an important factor.  Sometimes it may depend on the availability of suitable equipment. If your cat is very ill, your veterinarian may suggest a centre with 24 hour care.