Referral Information
Most pets will never require referral care. At The Dunkeld Vet, we are equipped to diagnose and treat a wide range of medical and surgical conditions in pets. Occasionally, however, a pet may benefit from the expertise, facilities or advanced equipment available at a specialist veterinary referral hospital.
FAQs
When might my pet need a referral?
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Most pets can be successfully treated at The Dunkeld Vet. However, some conditions require specialist expertise, advanced imaging, specialised surgical procedures or equipment that is only available at referral hospitals.
If we believe your pet would benefit from this level of care, we will discuss the options with you and explain why a referral is being recommended.
What is a veterinary referral?
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A veterinary referral allows your pet to be assessed by a veterinary specialist who has undertaken additional training and qualifications in a particular area of medicine or surgery.
Referral hospitals bring together specialist clinicians, advanced diagnostic equipment for diagnosing and treating more complex conditions.
How do I choose a referral hospital?
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As an independent veterinary practice, we are not tied to any referral group or hospital.
We will recommend one or more suitable referral hospitals by considering; your pet’s specific condition; the expertise of the referral team; travel distance; estimated costs; available treatment options; and any other relevant information to your pet’s individual case.
We will always discuss these factors with you in detail so that you can make an informed decision that feels right for you and your pet.
What happens during the referral process?
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Initial consultation at The Dunkeld Vet - we assess your pet and explain why a referral may be beneficial.
Selecting a referral hospital - we recommend suitable options and decide on the most appropriate location for referral.
Referral submission - we send your pet’s full clinical history and test results directly to the referral hospital.
Booking your appointment - the referral hospital will contact you directly to arrange a convenient appointment time.
Please note: referral hospitals do not accept self-referrals, so all referrals must be made through your veterinary surgeon.
Will The Dunkeld Vet still be involved in my pet’s care?
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Yes.
We remain an important part of your pet’s healthcare team through the referral process. We work closely with the referral team and receive updates regarding investigations, treatment plans and recommendations.
Once your pet has been seen by a specialist, many pets return to us for follow-up care, allowing you to receive ongoing support locally at The Dunkeld Vet.
This means clients travelling from Perthshire can benefit from specialist treatment while still having convenient access to trusted, local veterinary care.
I have questions about a referral. Who can I speak to?
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We understand that referrals can feel daunting. Our team is always happy to discuss the referral process, explain your options and answer any questions you may have. If you would like further information about a recommended referral, please contact us and we will be happy to help.
Can I request a second opinion or referral?
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Yes. If you would like a second opinion regarding your pet’s condition, treatment options or diagnosis, please discuss this with us. We are happy to help you access further expertise where appropriate.