Referrals, Second Opinions and Changing Practices

Referrals

For more complicated cases, your own vet may consider referring your animal to another vet either within or outside the practice, for more specialist treatment. This is known as a referral. After the specialist treatment, you return to your normal vet to continue treatment.

Secondary referrals only

A practice listed as 'secondary referrals only' will only take cases referred to it by other practices and does not undertake initial consultations directly with the public. (This should not be confused with 'seeking a second opinion', below.)

Seeking a second opinion

You can also talk to your vet and ask for a second opinion (not to be confused with 'secondary referrals', above). Your vet may decide to discuss the case with a colleague or to seek the advice of someone outside the practice.

There are no restrictions on seeking a second opinion without the consent of your vet, but the second vet will need to contact your normal vet to obtain treatment information. This is so that conflicting treatments are avoided, so it is in the interest of your animal. It is also a professional obligation that is expected of vets.

After the second opinion, you may be referred back to your own vet or you may choose to continue treatment with another vet.

Changing practices

Many clients who are happy with their vet will stay with their own vet for many years. Your own vet will have all your pet's record and you should enjoy a personal and dedicated professional service. If you do need to change vets, for example, if you are moving home and another vet may be more convenient, contact your current vet and ask for your pet's details to be forwarded to your new vet — this will help to ensure a smooth transition from one vet to the next.