What to Expect at Your Specialty Visit in Scottsdale, AZ
At Salt River Veterinary Specialists, we understand that any time your pet is ill and needs a referral to a specialty hospital, it can be stressful for your entire family. To ease your concerns, we would like to walk you through each step of your visit with our specialists, from arrival and examination to diagnostics, discharge, and follow-up with your family veterinarian.
Before Your Appointment
Before you arrive, our patient care coordinators will obtain your pet’s medical records from your referring veterinary hospital. To save time, you can complete our client information form online ahead of your visit. Please plan to arrive about 15 minutes early, keep dogs on a leash, and bring cats in a secure carrier. Bring a list of your pet’s current medications and any questions you would like answered. Review our payment options so you know what to expect financially.
Arrival and Check-In
When you arrive at Salt River Veterinary Specialists, one of our patient care coordinators will greet you and confirm your information. Once your pet’s chart is complete, a veterinary technician will escort you from reception into an examination room. The technician will take your pet’s temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, and weight, and verify your pet’s presenting complaint and any concerns you may have.
Meeting Your Specialist
After check-in, your specialist will meet with you and your pet to review important parts of the medical history and perform a thorough physical examination. They will then discuss preliminary findings, recommended diagnostic tests, potential treatment options, and provide a written estimate. Together, you will develop a plan that benefits your pet and works with your lifestyle. Learn more about our internal medicine and surgery departments.
Diagnostic Testing
In most cases, we attempt to perform recommended diagnostic tests during your scheduled appointment, such as bloodwork, ultrasound, or chest radiographs. More advanced procedures, such as endoscopy, bronchoscopy, or cystoscopy, may require additional time, anesthesia, or a separate appointment. Drop-off appointments may be available with prior approval.
Results and Discharge
After testing, your specialist will review available results and explain their concerns for your pet. Some diagnostic tests require additional time to complete and review, so not every family will receive a probable diagnosis the same day. You will receive discharge instructions outlining our findings and recommendations, and we will answer all of your questions before you leave.
Follow-Up With Your Family Veterinarian
We provide your family veterinarian with a report outlining our findings and recommendations for managing your pet’s condition. This keeps everyone informed and ensures seamless ongoing care. Visit our new clients page, read our frequently asked questions, or explore the conditions we treat.
What to Expect FAQs
How long will my first appointment take?
Plan for one to two hours, particularly if diagnostic testing is performed the same day.
Should my pet fast before the appointment?
Fasting may be recommended if bloodwork, ultrasound, or sedation is likely. Our team will advise you when scheduling.
Will my pet have tests the same day?
We try to complete recommended diagnostics during your appointment, though some advanced procedures require another visit.
Will I receive an estimate?
Yes. Your specialist will provide a written estimate before diagnostics or treatment begin.
Will I get a diagnosis at the first visit?
Sometimes. Some test results take additional time, so not all families receive a probable diagnosis the same day.
Can I stay with my pet?
You will be with your pet for the examination and discussion. Pets are taken to our treatment area for certain diagnostics and procedures.
Will my family veterinarian be updated?
Yes. We send your veterinarian a report with our findings and recommendations.
Ready for Your Visit?
Call Salt River Veterinary Specialists at (480) 819-8630 with any questions or request an appointment online.