FAQs

What is a veterinary specialty hospital?

A veterinary specialty hospital provides advanced diagnostics and treatment delivered by veterinarians who have completed additional internship and residency training and earned board certification in a specific discipline. At Salt River Veterinary Specialists, our specialists focus on internal medicine and surgery, working alongside your family veterinarian rather than replacing them.

Do I need a referral to be seen at Salt River Veterinary Specialists?

Most of our patients are referred by their primary care veterinarian, who sends medical records, lab work, and imaging before the first visit. If you are interested in a specialty consultation, ask your veterinarian about a referral or call us at (480) 819-8630 and our team will guide you through the next steps. Veterinarians can find details on our referrals page.

Is Salt River Veterinary Specialists an emergency hospital?

No. We are a specialty referral hospital that operates by appointment Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm. We are not always able to accommodate same-day urgent visits once our schedule is full. If your pet is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please contact your nearest 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital right away.

What does a board-certified veterinary internist do?

A board-certified internist is certified by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) and diagnoses and manages complex or chronic conditions involving the digestive tract, liver, kidneys, urinary tract, lungs, hormones, blood, and immune system. Common examples include inflammatory bowel disease, Cushing’s disease, diabetes, and Valley Fever.

What kinds of surgery do your veterinary surgeons perform?

Our surgical team treats abdominal, chest, head and neck, upper airway, reproductive, oncologic, orthopedic, and reconstructive conditions. Learn more on our surgery page or explore specific categories such as abdominal surgical conditions and upper airway surgical conditions.

What is minimally invasive or interventional endoscopy?

Interventional endoscopy uses small, lighted cameras passed through natural openings or tiny incisions to diagnose and treat disease without large surgical incisions. Procedures such as endoscopy, cystoscopy, laser bladder stone removal, and foreign object removal often mean less pain and a faster recovery for your pet.

Will my pet need anesthesia for diagnostic procedures?

It depends on the procedure. An ultrasound or chest x-ray usually requires no anesthesia or only light sedation. Scope-based procedures such as bronchoscopy, rhinoscopy, and colonoscopy require general anesthesia, which is typically brief and carefully monitored by our trained team.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Please bring your pet’s current medications, any food they are eating, and a list of questions or concerns. Your referring veterinarian usually sends records ahead of time, and you can save time by completing our client information form online before you arrive. Read what to expect for a step-by-step overview of your visit.

How long does a specialty consultation take?

Plan for your first appointment to take one to two hours. Our specialist will review your pet’s history, perform a thorough examination, discuss findings, and recommend diagnostics. When possible, we perform recommended tests the same day, although some advanced procedures require a scheduled follow-up visit.

Can my pet stay with you for the day?

Drop-off appointments are available for some cases with prior approval. You bring your pet in the morning, our doctors examine and test them between appointments, and we call you to arrange a discharge time to discuss results and recommendations.

Will my family veterinarian stay involved in my pet’s care?

Absolutely. We send a detailed report of our findings and recommendations to your referring veterinarian after each visit, and we coordinate closely so that ongoing care and follow-up at their practice are as seamless as possible.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept cash, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, CareCredit, and Scratchpay. Payment is due when services are rendered, and hospitalized patients require a deposit based on a written estimate. Visit our payment options page for financing details.

Do you treat Valley Fever?

Yes. Valley Fever is one of the most common fungal infections we diagnose in dogs and cats in the Phoenix metro area. Our internists use blood titers, imaging, bronchoscopy, and advanced testing to confirm the diagnosis and build a long-term treatment and monitoring plan. Learn more on our Valley Fever treatment page.

Do you treat cats as well as dogs?

Yes. Our specialists care for both dogs and cats, including feline conditions such as ureteral obstruction, bladder stones, chronic vomiting, and diabetes.

How do I know if my pet should see a specialist?

A specialist may help if your pet’s condition is uncommon or remains undiagnosed after standard testing, if treatment is not working as expected, if your pet needs a procedure only offered at a specialty hospital, or if you would like an informed second opinion. Browse the conditions we treat to learn more.

Can I get a second opinion from your specialists?

Yes. Many families visit us for an independent, neutral second opinion before deciding on surgery or long-term treatment. Ask your veterinarian to send your pet’s records, then call us at (480) 819-8630 to schedule.

Can I order my pet’s medications and food online?

Existing clients can order prescription medications and nutrition products through our online pharmacy, with home delivery provided through our trusted pharmacy partner.

Where are you located and what areas do you serve?

Our hospital is located at 8801 E. Raintree Drive, Suite 150, in Scottsdale, AZ. We welcome patients and referring veterinarians from across the Valley, including Phoenix, Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills, Tempe, and Mesa.