Information for Pet Owners Referred From Other Hospitals 

The best pet care is provided by a triangle of caregivers.  The first side of the triangle of care is the pet's owner, who provides unconditional love and companionship to the pet and sees to basic needs.  The second is the general practitioner who provides preventative health care throughout the pet's life.  The third side of the care triangle is the specialist who provides additional care that cannot be provided by the general practitioner during an illness or tragedy.  This triangle is key to providing the best care for your pet.  If your pet has been referred to OPVMC by your primary care veterinarian for consultation with a specialist, you can be assured that your veterinarian has your pet's best interest at heart.  Your pet may be referred for surgery, internal medicine or behavior. If your pet is in crisis and has been recommended to have a consultation with a specialist by your veterinarian, your pet can be seen by our emergency service veterinarian at any time.  A consult with the specialist will be arranged as soon as possible while your pet is hospitalized.  (Photo to the right is Dr. David Brummer and our new facility's special procedure room.) 

Our specialists will evaluate your pet and make recommendations regarding diagnostics and treatment based on the findings of the physical examination and the medical history provided by you and your veterinarian.

OPVMC will work closely with you and your veterinarian to manage your pet's condition in order to provide the most consistent and complete care. We will contact your primary care doctor and provide him/her with any necessary information when the referral treatment is completed.  Generally, a referral letter outlining the diagnosis, treatment plan and prospective outcome of treatment is sent to your pet's general practitioner veterinarian.

We value our relationship with your veterinarian and with you.  We know that your veterinarian  provides you and your pet with excellent care. Therefore, OPVMC will only treat your pet for the condition for which it was referred. We ask that you return your pet to your primary care veterinarian for all necessary routine care such as vaccines, heartworm tests, physical examinations, parasite control and other illnesses.

We are grateful to you and your primary care veterinarian for entrusting us with the third side of the care triangle of your pet.

(Photo to the left is one of our new surgical suites.)