As pets increasingly have moved into our homes and hearts as family members, we want to ensure they have the best of care. When pets are sick, we want to take advantage of the latest in medical knowledge. As human medicine has advanced, so has veterinary medicine, with many of the same tests, procedures and treatments now available for pets. Veterinary specialists and specialty clinics are now widely available in San Diego County. As with physicians, most specialists work primarily — but not exclusively — by referral from general veterinarians. Before consulting a specialist, be sure to consult your regular veterinarian to determine which type of specialist your pet may need. Be an informed pet owner. Before agreeing to any treatment plan, ask for an estimate to prevent being surprised by your final bills. Expenses for specialized tests, treatments and surgeries can mount up quickly. Ask, if necessary, if payment plans or any financial assistance may be available. The FACE Foundation, started by the Veterinary Specialty Hospital to assist financially struggling families pay for lifesaving medical treatment, provides help in some qualifying cases. If you have pet insurance, find out what your insurance will cover.
While the list on page 5 is far from complete, all of the specialists listed were recommended by veterinarians who refer to them, or by clients whose animals they have treated:
MULTI-SPECIALTY CLINICS, EMERGENCY CARE
Veterinary Specialty Hospital (VSH) 10435 Sorrento Valley Road, San Diego 92121; (858) 875-7500 2055 Montiel Rd., San Marcos 92069; (760) 466-0600; www.vshsd.com With a state-of-the-art, 26,500-square-foot facility in Sorrento Valley and a recently added North County animal hospital in San Marcos, 20-year-old VSH is the granddaddy of San Diego specialty clinics and boasts a staff of 140 employees, including 35 veterinarians, 19 of whom are board-certified specialists caring for dogs and cats only. On staff are specialists in critical care and emergency, dentistry, dermatology, radiology/imaging, internal medicine, oncology, ophthalmology, neurology and neurosurgery and surgery. Emergency room (ER) open 24/7.
Pet Emergency & Specialty Center (PESC) 5232 Jackson Drive, Suite 105, Jackson Sq. Center, La Mesa 91941; (619) 462-4800 885 Canarios Court, Suite 108, Chula Vista 91910; (619) 591-4802; www.pescsandiego.com Offering state-of-the-art digital radiology diagnostics and surgical tools, including a recently added cyber-knife as a non-invasive alternative to surgery, PESC’s veterinary team includes 13 veterinarians working in two locations. PESC, founded in 1993, specializes in emergency care, internal medicine, oncology, ophthalmology and surgery, including orthopedics and neurosurgery. The center also provides care to birds, small mammals (including rabbits, rodents, ferrets and hedgehogs), reptiles, amphibians, fish and other exotics and wildlife. ERs open 24/7.
California Veterinary Specialists (CVS) 2310 Faraday Ave., Carlsbad, 92008; (760) 431-2273 100 N. Rancho Santa Fe Road, Suite 133, San Marcos, 92069; (760) 734-4433 25100 Hancock Ave., Suite 116, Murrieta, 92562; (951) 600-9803; www.californiaveterinaryspecialists.com Founded in 2000, CVS now has three locations and a staff of 150 employees, providing the latest in advanced digital-imaging technology. Their specialties include emergency/critical care medicine, surgery including orthopedics and neurosurgery, oncology, radiation oncology, cardiology, dermatology, dentistry, ophthalmology, behavior and internal medicine. ER open 24/7.
  INDIVIDUAL SPECIALTY GROUPS, CLINICS
VCA Animal Specialty Group Veterinary surgical specialists and animal internal medicine. 5610 Kearny Mesa Road, Suite B, San Diego 92111; (858) 560-8006; www.asgsdpetdrx.com This specialty medical group provides diagnostics and care for pets requiring internal medicine specialists in cardiology, endocrinology, gastroenterology and oncology and surgical specialists in orthopedics, neurosurgery, abdominal, cardiothoracic and arthroscopic.
  Animal Dermatology Clinic 5610 Kearny Mesa Rd., Suite B1, San Diego 92111; (858) 560-9393; www.animaldermatology.com Co-located with other pet specialists, the clinic specializes in diagnosing and treating skin, nail, ear and allergic skin diseases and skin manifestations of internal illnesses.  Southern California Vet
Dental Specialties/ Dog Beach Dentistry 5610 Kearny Mesa Road, Suite B1, San Diego 92111; (858) 279-2108; www.dogbeachdentistry.com This veterinary dental practice offers a full range of services familiar to humans: endodontics (root canals), fillings, orthodontics, periodontics and oral surgery. Co-located with other specialists, they also have dental clinics at VSH in Sorrento Valley and CVS in Murrieta.
The Eye Clinic for Animals 5610 Kearny Mesa Road, Suite A, San Diego 92111; (858) 502-1277; www.eyeclinicforanimals.org
Eye Care for Animals 5040 Convoy St., Suite B, San Diego 92111; (619) 702-3937; www.eyecareforanimals.com Both these clinics offer eyecare for animals, with ophthalmologists experienced in treating cats, dogs and horses. The Eye Clinic for Animals provides services in North County at CVS, San Marcos, and Eye Care for Animals practices with PESC in Chula Vista.
  Veterinary Cancer Group 5040 Convoy St., Suite B, San Diego 92111; (619) 414-5056; www.vetcancergroup.com This veterinary oncology practice provides diagnostics and treatment, including targeted radiation therapy, onsite chemotherapy, nutrition counseling and acupuncture and employs the latest technology and equipment. They also participate in clinical trials.