Your Norman, Edmond, or Moore veterinarian refers to Oklahoma Veterinary Specialists in Tulsa when your pet needs specialized care beyond what general practice veterinary medicine can provide. This referral indicates your pet requires board-certified specialists or advanced diagnostic equipment available at our Tulsa facility.
Veterinary referrals occur when pets need expertise or equipment beyond general practice capabilities:
Specialized Training Required: Board-certified specialists complete 4-6 additional years of training after veterinary school
Advanced Equipment Needed: Digital imaging, endoscopy, specialized surgical equipment, and laboratory capabilities
Complex Diagnosis Required: Multi-system diseases requiring specialist consultation
Surgical Expertise Needed: Procedures requiring Diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (DACVS)
Emergency Care: After-hours emergencies when primary veterinarians are unavailable
Your veterinarian makes referrals based on your pet's best interests, not because they cannot provide adequate care.
Norman, Edmond, and Moore veterinarians commonly refer pets to Oklahoma Veterinary Specialists for:
Surgical Conditions:
Internal Medicine Conditions:
Ophthalmology Conditions:
Emergency Situations:
The referral process from your Norman, Edmond, or Moore veterinarian to OVS follows established protocols:
Step 1: Initial EvaluationYour veterinarian examines your pet and determines that specialist care would benefit their condition.
Step 2: Referral DiscussionYour veterinarian explains why specialist care is recommended and discusses treatment options.
Step 3: Medical Record TransferYour veterinarian forwards medical records, diagnostic results, and treatment history to OVS.
Step 4: Appointment SchedulingOVS schedules your appointment at our Tulsa facility based on urgency and specialist availability.
Step 5: Specialist ConsultationOur specialists evaluate your pet and develop treatment recommendations.
Step 6: Communication with Primary VeterinarianOVS communicates findings and treatment plans back to your regular veterinarian.
Specialist visits differ from regular veterinary appointments:
Extended Appointment Times: Specialist consultations typically last 60-90 minutes
Detailed History Taking: Specialists review complete medical history and current symptoms
Comprehensive Physical Examination: Focused examination related to the specific condition
Diagnostic Testing: Additional testing may be recommended for accurate diagnosis
Treatment Plan Discussion: Detailed explanation of treatment options and prognosis
Cost Estimates: Written estimates for recommended treatments and procedures
Specialists spend more time with each patient to ensure thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment planning.
Oklahoma Veterinary Specialists works collaboratively with your Norman, Edmond, or Moore veterinarian:
Immediate Communication: We contact your veterinarian the same day as your visit
Detailed Reports: Written reports including examination findings, diagnostics, and treatment plans
Ongoing Updates: Regular communication about your pet's progress during treatment
Discharge Instructions: Detailed instructions sent to both you and your primary veterinarian
Follow-Up Coordination: Scheduling follow-up care with your regular veterinarian when appropriate
This collaboration ensures continuity of care and prevents gaps in treatment.
Pet owners often have concerns when their veterinarian suggests specialist referral:
"Does this mean my vet can't help my pet?" No. Referrals indicate that specialist expertise would provide the best outcome for your pet's specific condition.
"Will this be expensive?" Specialist care costs more than general practice, but early specialist intervention often prevents more expensive complications.
"Will I still see my regular vet?" Yes. Most pets return to their primary veterinarian for routine care after specialist treatment.
"How urgent is this referral?" Your veterinarian will indicate whether the referral is routine, urgent, or emergent based on your pet's condition.
"Can I get a second opinion?" Absolutely. Seeking specialist consultation often serves as a second opinion on complex conditions.
Norman, Edmond, and Moore veterinarians make different types of referrals based on urgency:
Emergency Referrals:
Urgent Referrals:
Routine Referrals:
Your veterinarian communicates the urgency level when making the referral.
When your Norman, Edmond, or Moore veterinarian refers you to OVS:
Gather Information:
Prepare Questions:
Plan Logistics:
Norman, Edmond, and Moore pet owners benefit from reasonable proximity to Oklahoma Veterinary Specialists in Tulsa:
Manageable Travel Distance: 2-2.5 hour drive from most locations via Turner Turnpike
Convenient Follow-Up: Accessible for recheck appointments when needed
Emergency Accessibility: Reasonable access during after-hours emergencies
Family Support: Close enough for family visits during hospitalization
Coordinated Care: Established communication between OVS and local Oklahoma City area veterinarians
This proximity reduces stress for both pets and families during specialist treatment, while providing access to Oklahoma's premier veterinary referral center.
Specialist veterinary care involves different costs than general practice:
Consultation Fees: Higher than routine veterinary visits due to specialist expertise
Diagnostic Testing: Advanced testing may be more expensive than basic diagnostics
Treatment Costs: Specialized procedures cost more than routine treatments
Follow-Up Care: Some conditions require ongoing specialist monitoring
Payment Options Available:
Oklahoma Veterinary Specialists maintains strong relationships with Norman, Edmond, and Moore veterinarians:
Regular Communication: Ongoing dialogue about patient care and outcomes
Educational Support: Continuing education opportunities for referring veterinarians
Emergency Backup: After-hours support for complex cases
Shared Decision Making: Collaborative treatment planning when appropriate
These relationships ensure seamless care transitions for your pet.
Maximize the benefit of your specialist referral:
Arrive Prepared: Bring complete medical history and current medications
Ask Questions: Understand your pet's condition and treatment options
Follow Instructions: Adhere to specialist recommendations and medication schedules
Communicate: Stay in touch with both your specialist and primary veterinarian
Plan Follow-Up: Schedule recommended recheck appointments promptly
Your active participation improves treatment outcomes for your pet.
When your Norman, Edmond, or Moore veterinarian refers you to Oklahoma Veterinary Specialists in Tulsa, trust that this recommendation serves your pet's best interests. Our specialists provide expert care while maintaining collaborative relationships with your primary veterinarian to ensure the best possible outcomes for your pet.
Oklahoma Veterinary Specialists delivers 24-hour emergency care and board-certified specialty services with advanced technology and compassionate treatment.
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