How to get cat specialist treatment

[WillowRoseTile]

Does anyone know how to get your cat referred to a specialist?

My cat is having breathing difficulties possibly caused by paralysis of the larynx.

We have been to see one vet who wanted to charge 3k just to investigate the issue.

We have now been to another vet who is going to arrange for us see a cat specialist but one that comes to them. I have a feeling that for successful treatment some one with a lot of experience will be needed.

He said they don't refer outside the practice. I have looked up various specialist centres but it seems they all want a referral from another vet.

[Patchworksack]

Many practices owned by the big corporate groups will be restricted where they can refer (only to a hospital within their own group). An independent practice will have freedom to refer the cat wherever necessary. Laryngeal paralysis is a very unusual diagnosis in a cat - have they done basic investigations yet? (General anaesthetic to examine larynx, chest Xrays if the presenting sign is breathing difficulties)

[Lonecatwithkitten]

Ask who the specialist and what their qualifications are. There are many peripatetic specialists now who rather being based in a single centra now travel to multiple practices.
There term specialist is actually a protected title in veterinary medicine so should only be used for someone who is an ECVS or RCVS designated specialist. Below specialist there are advanced practitioners who have additional qualifications and have had a case load that has shown that they practice at a higher level than general practice.
You can research where you would like to go and then ask your own vet to refer you there.

[WillowRoseTile]

Thanks. Yes that is what is being suggested by vet 2: examine the larynx under anesthetic and do chest x rays. Still predicted to cost 1.9k.

Vet 1 wanted to do an endoscopy and ct scan for 3k

Vet 2 is saying that the cat specialist we have an appointment with at his practice is a specialist so I assume that means she must have the official title. Seeing her will cost £200 for a consultation.

The odd thing is that he is saying they won't do referrals to any outside specialists.

I am also shocked by the prices. I have had a few brushes with private human health care and this seem significantly more expensive.

[LordSnot]

It's usual practice to need a referral and yes, specialists are really expensive. I needed a specialist dentist for one of mine and the op was over £2,000.

My vet was happy to refer me and she did the research to find the right person for my cat. Can you call around other vets and ask if they're willing to do referrals?

[WillowRoseTile]

@LordSnot That might be the best plan

[LordSnot]

If you're anywhere near north London or south Herts I can give you details for my old vet!

[WillowRoseTile]

@LordSnot

If you're anywhere near north London or south Herts I can give you details for my old vet!

Not in that area unfortunately but thank you for the offer.

[Lonecatwithkitten]

£200 for a consultation would be about right. Human specialist private consults are around £270 it is comparable. Then bear in mind x-rays need to be done under sedation or GA that's how you easily end up over £1000.