West Texas Veterinary Specialists is a referral-only specialty practice providing advanced diagnostics, specialty procedures, and treatment in partnership with primary care veterinarians throughout West Texas and the surrounding region.Below are answers to common questions from pet owners and referring veterinarians about WTVS and how our specialty referral model works.
ABOUT WEST TEXAS VETERINARY SPECIALISTS
What is West Texas Veterinary Specialists?
West Texas Veterinary Specialists (WTVS) is a referral-only veterinary specialty practice providing advanced diagnostics, specialty evaluation, and outpatient procedures for dogs and cats. WTVS currently provides specialty care through a mobile service model while our new outpatient specialty referral center is under development in Lubbock. The new center is expected to open in early 2027 and will bring specialty expertise together with advanced diagnostic and procedural capabilities in one location.
What does “board-certified veterinary specialist” mean?
A board-certified veterinary specialist is a veterinarian who has completed extensive postgraduate training in a specific area of veterinary medicine and has met the credentialing and examination requirements of a recognized veterinary specialty college. This training typically includes veterinary school followed by additional clinical training, including a residency focused specifically on the veterinarian’s specialty. Board certification represents advanced training and expertise within a particular area of veterinary medicine.
Why might my pet benefit from seeing a veterinary specialist?
Your primary veterinarian is trained to diagnose and manage a wide range of medical conditions and remains an essential part of your pet’s healthcare team. Some conditions, however, may benefit from additional expertise, advanced diagnostics, or procedures within a particular area of veterinary medicine. Board-certified veterinary specialists complete extensive postgraduate training focused on a specific discipline and regularly manage complex or less common conditions within that field. They may also have access to advanced diagnostic and procedural technologies that are not typically available in a general veterinary practice. Referral to a specialist does not replace your primary veterinarian. Instead, it adds another level of expertise to your pet’s healthcare team. WTVS works collaboratively with your veterinarian, communicates findings and recommendations, and returns ongoing care to your primary veterinary team whenever appropriate.
Is WTVS an emergency or 24-hour hospital?
No. WTVS is an outpatient specialty referral practice and does not provide walk-in emergency care, 24-hour hospitalization, or intensive care. Patients requiring emergency, overnight, or continuous intensive care should be evaluated at an appropriate emergency or critical-care veterinary facility.
REFERRALS & APPOINTMENTS
Does my pet need a referral?
Yes. WTVS is a referral-only specialty practice. Your primary veterinarian will submit a referral along with relevant medical history, diagnostic results, and the reason specialty care is being requested.
Can I schedule an appointment myself?
WTVS appointments are scheduled following a referral from your primary veterinarian. Once we receive and review your pet’s referral and medical records, our team will contact you regarding scheduling and any next steps.You do not need to contact WTVS immediately after your veterinarian submits a referral.
Why does WTVS require a referral?
Specialty care is designed to work in partnership with your primary veterinarian. Your veterinarian knows your pet’s medical history and remains an important part of your pet’s ongoing care. The referral process allows our specialty team to review relevant medical records, diagnostic results, and the reason for referral before your pet’s visit.
Where will my pet’s appointment take place?
WTVS is currently providing specialty care through our mobile service model while our new outpatient specialty center is under development in Lubbock. Until the new center opens, appointment locations will vary depending on the service and referral location. Specific location information will be provided when your pet’s appointment is scheduled. Our new Lubbock specialty center is expected to open in early 2027.
How long will my pet’s visit take?
Visit length varies depending on the reason for referral and the diagnostic tests, procedures, or treatments being performed. Some visits may require only a few hours, while patients undergoing advanced imaging, anesthesia, endoscopy, surgery, or other procedures may remain with us for a larger portion of the day. Our team will provide more specific information when your pet’s appointment is scheduled.
PREPARING FOR YOUR VISIT
What should I bring to my pet’s appointment?
Your primary veterinarian will typically provide the medical records and diagnostic information needed for your pet’s referral. Please bring any medications or other items specifically requested by the WTVS team and follow any preparation instructions provided before your appointment.
Does my pet need to fast before the appointment?
It depends on the service or procedure your pet is scheduled to receive. Some diagnostic procedures, sedation, or anesthesia may require fasting. If fasting or other preparation is necessary, the WTVS team will provide specific instructions before your pet’s appointment.
Should I give my pet’s medications before the appointment?
Unless you have been instructed otherwise, continue your pet’s medications as directed. If a medication needs to be withheld or adjusted before a procedure, the WTVS team will provide specific instructions before your visit.
SPECIALTY CARE
What specialty services does WTVS provide?
WTVS provides and is expanding access to specialty services including:
- Internal Medicine
- Specialty Surgery
- Oncology
- CT & Advanced Imaging
- Ultrasound & Echocardiography
- Endoscopy
- Laparoscopy
- Fluoroscopy
Availability of individual services may vary during our transition from mobile specialty care to our new Lubbock center.
Can my veterinarian refer my pet for a specific test or procedure?
Yes. Patients may be referred for a broader specialty evaluation or, when appropriate, for a specific advanced diagnostic test or procedure. Our specialty team reviews the referral information to help determine the appropriate next step for each patient.
What happens during my pet’s visit?
Your pet’s visit will depend on the reason for referral and may include a specialty evaluation, advanced diagnostic imaging, diagnostic or minimally invasive procedures, surgery, treatment, or a combination of services. Our team will explain the recommended plan and any applicable estimates or authorization requirements before proceeding with additional services.
Will my pet stay overnight at WTVS?
Our new Lubbock specialty center will operate as an outpatient facility and will not provide overnight hospitalization or ICU services. If your pet requires overnight or continuous care following a procedure or treatment, the appropriate plan will be discussed with you and your referring veterinarian.
WORKING WITH YOUR PRIMARY VETERINARIAN
Will WTVS become my pet’s regular veterinarian?
No. WTVS is designed to complement—not replace—the relationship you have with your primary veterinarian.We provide specialty expertise, advanced diagnostics, procedures, and treatments in collaboration with your referring veterinary team. Whenever appropriate, your pet will return to your primary veterinarian for continued care and long-term management.
How will my veterinarian know what happened during my pet’s visit?
WTVS will communicate relevant findings, diagnostic results, treatment recommendations, and follow-up information with your referring veterinarian. This helps keep your primary veterinary team involved in your pet’s care.
Who should I contact with questions after my pet’s visit?
Your discharge instructions will explain who to contact regarding your pet’s specific follow-up care. In many cases, ongoing care will return to your primary veterinarian. If follow-up with WTVS is needed, our team will provide appropriate instructions.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
How much will my pet’s visit cost?
Costs vary depending on the specialty service, diagnostic testing, procedures, and treatment your pet requires. When applicable, estimates and authorization requirements will be discussed before additional services are performed.
When is payment due?
A deposit is required at the time of scheduling to reserve your pet’s appointment or procedure. The remaining balance is due at the time services are provided. For additional information about deposits, payment options, and financing:
FOR REFERRING VETERINARIANS
How do I refer a patient?
Veterinarians can submit referrals through our Refer a Patient page. WTVS will continue using our current Timeless referral system while we operate under the mobile service model. When our new Lubbock specialty center opens, WTVS will transition to a new referral workflow.
Can I refer a patient for a specific diagnostic procedure without transferring management of the case?
Yes. WTVS is specifically designed to work collaboratively with primary care veterinarians. Patients may be referred for a specific advanced diagnostic test or procedure when appropriate, with findings and recommendations communicated back to the referring veterinarian for continued management. Some patients may benefit from specialty evaluation and follow-up, while others may come to WTVS for a specific diagnostic test or procedure and then return directly to their primary veterinarian for ongoing care.