Second Opinions and Referrals for your Dog

Second opinions and referrals often cause great anxiety to owners, irrespective of whether suggested by the veterinarian or considered as a possibility by the pet owner.  Sometimes, despite every effort, things do not go as planned and the clinician – the veterinarian treating the pet - suggests it might be worthwhile considering a referral for a second opinion. On the other hand having spoken with friends or neighbours sometimes the owner feels a second opinion would be worthwhile but is often too embarrassed to put it to the veterinarian.

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

Not long ago the terms were synonymous. The expression “referred for a second opinion” was commonplace. The veterinarian who undertook this was often a general practitioner sometimes in the same practice or one not too far away who happened to have a special interest in, or experience with a particular condition or sometimes the type of pet, e.g. long haired cats, giant breeds of dogs, orthopaedics, intestinal conditions etc.  

With the growth of post graduation specialisation and the acquisition of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists (ACVSc) fellowships in a range of subjects, from dermatology to ophthalmology, small animal surgery, small animal medicine (to name just a few), specialists similar to consultants in human medicine have emerged and are recognized by the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists and by the Veterinary Surgeons (Practitioners) Boards in each State. Overseas specialists may have equivalent training if they are diplomats of the American or European Colleges.

There are a restricted number of recognized ACVSc and VPB/VSB specialists, although there are many more veterinarians with College memberships, indicating their particular knowledge and interest in their chosen subjects. This has led to a subtle difference in the meaning of referral and second opinion.

"There are a restricted number of recognized ACVSc and VPB/VSB specialists, although there are many more veterinarians with College memberships, indicating their particular knowledge and interest in their chosen subjects."

Today a second opinion is still basically what it says. It can be suggested in the first instance by the veterinarian who feels that two heads are better than one, and indicates that he would welcome another opinion on the case. These are sometimes carried out by another veterinarian in the same practice.

Referral often means a second opinion from a veterinarian who is a recognised ACVSc and VSB/VPB specialist in that particular field. It is often suggested initially by the first opinion veterinarian, i.e. the practice treating the animal. Today as owners become aware of the availability of specialist veterinary services many owners are requesting referral to a specialist. However it is important to remember that this should be ideally discussed with the veterinarian treating the pet in the first instance.

What are the reasons for referral?

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

1.  Sometimes this is very simply because specialised diagnostic or therapeutic equipment is required for diagnosis or specialised treatment.

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., orthopaedic specialist, soft tissue specialist, 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 veterinarian 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 is obviously considerably 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.

Most referral centres will try to give you an approximate 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.

Is referral likely to involve considerable travelling?

This depends entirely upon the type of specialist opinion required. Referral to an AVCSc and VPB/VSB recognised specialist may involve a visit to a veterinary school and sometimes travelling a considerable distance. Today more and more referral centres are being established. These often have a variety of specialists working under one roof. Please feel free to discuss this with us and we will do our best to help.