West Texas Veterinary Specialist is a referral-only outpatient specialty center bringing board-certified veterinary specialty care and advanced diagnostics to 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 consultation, and outpatient procedures for dogs and cats.WTVS is the only veterinary practice in West Texas with board-certified specialists providing specialty care locally. Our new specialty center in Lubbock brings this expertise together with advanced diagnostic and procedural capabilities in one location, helping pets throughout West Texas and the surrounding region access specialty care closer to home.
What does “board-certified veterinary specialist” mean?
A board-certified veterinary specialist is a veterinarian who has completed extensive postgraduate specialty training and successfully met the credentialing and examination requirements of a recognized veterinary specialty college. Board certification represents advanced training and expertise within a specific area of veterinary medicine, allowing specialists to provide advanced evaluation, diagnostics, and treatment for complex conditions within their discipline.
Is WTVS an emergency or 24-hour hospital?
No. West Texas Veterinary Specialists is an outpatient specialty referral center, not an emergency or 24-hour veterinary hospital. We do not provide walk-in emergency care, overnight hospitalization, or intensive care. Patients requiring those services should be evaluated at an appropriate emergency or critical-care facility.
REFERRALS & APPOINTMENTS
Does my pet need a referral, and can I schedule an appointment directly?
Yes. All patients require referral from a veterinarian. Pet owners cannot initiate a specialty appointment or procedure directly. Your primary veterinarian will submit the referral along with relevant medical history, diagnostic results, and the reason for referral. This model allows our specialty team to work collaboratively with the veterinarian who already knows your pet and remains an important part of their ongoing care. Pet owners are always welcome to contact us with general questions.
Where will my pet’s appointment take place?
Appointments take place at the West Texas Veterinary Specialists outpatient specialty center in Lubbock, which is specifically designed for referral-based specialty consultation, advanced diagnostics, imaging, and outpatient procedures.
How long will my pet’s visit take?
Visit length varies depending on the reason for referral and the tests or procedures being performed. Some appointments may require only a few hours, while patients undergoing advanced imaging, anesthesia, endoscopy, or other procedures may remain with us for a larger portion of the day .Our team will provide more specific information when the appointment is scheduled.
SPECIALTY CARE
What specialty services does WTVS provide?
West Texas Veterinary Specialists provides advanced referral services including:
- Internal Medicine
- Surgery
- Oncology
- CT & Advanced Imaging
- Ultrasound & Echocardiography
- Endoscopy
- Laparoscopy
- Fluoroscopy
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.
Does WTVS provide overnight hospitalization?
No. West Texas Veterinary Specialists is an outpatient specialty center and does not provide overnight hospitalization or intensive care. Patients undergoing diagnostic or procedural care are monitored during their visit and discharged when medically appropriate. If a patient’s condition or planned procedure requires overnight or intensive monitoring, appropriate options will be discussed before proceeding.
WORKING WITH YOUR PRIMARY VETERINARIAN
What is my primary veterinarian’s role after referral?
Our role is to complement—not replace—your primary veterinarian.WTVS provides specialty expertise, advanced diagnostics, and selected treatments and procedures. Findings, diagnostic results, and recommendations are communicated to the referring veterinarian so they can be incorporated into your pet’s ongoing care. Depending on the patient’s needs, some specialty follow-up may occur at WTVS, while routine and ongoing care remains with the primary veterinarian.
FOR REFERRING VETERINARIANS
How do I refer a patient?
Veterinarians can submit referrals through our online referral portal, including the patient’s relevant medical records, diagnostic results, and reason for referral.Button: Refer a Patient
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 consultation 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.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
Pet owners with general questions are welcome to contact our team. Veterinarians who are ready to refer a patient can submit the case directly through our referral portal.