Healthcare
Specialist Referrals
When an animal develops an unusual or more complex illness or injury, there is often a need for specialised expertise and equipment to properly diagnose and treat the problem. If your pet has a problem that requires this level of expertise we can refer you to a specialist that has earned our trust and confidence in order to give your pet the optimal chance of recovery.
Australian registered veterinary specialists undergo a rigorous training and examination process to obtain their qualifications, and like human specialists are considered to be the epitome of knowledge in their field.
We work closely alongside the specialists and together can offer optimal care for pets that require this service. At North Maclean Family Vet, we are extremely lucky to have access to two mobile specialists that come out to our clinic, as well as two specialist referral centres within 40 minutes drive, that offer 24/7 specialist care.
Specialist veterinarians are independent from our clinic and set their own fees. It’s a good idea to ask them about costs when you call to make an appointment.
Our sense of responsibility doesn’t end just because you’ve taken your pet to a specialist. If you find yourself faced with difficult decisions regarding the recommended treatment, please don’t hesitate to call us. We’ll be pleased to help you evaluate your options.
We’re happy to discuss and organise a specialist referral if required by your pet.
For any of our patients requiring a veterinary internal medicine specialist, we regularly involve Dr Judd Sumner from Veterinary Internal Medicine Consultants. He is a mobile medical specialist, and visits our clinic frequently to perform additional diagnostics for us. We then work together, with you, to create a treatment or management plan for your pet.
Judd graduated with honours from the University of Queensland in 2010 and subsequently gained experience working in multiple emergency and critical care clinics in south-east Queensland. Judd later joined the internal medicine team at a private referral practice in Brisbane where he gained valuable experience and also earned membership into the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists. In 2015, Judd commenced his residency training at the University of Melbourne and the same year was also an examiner for the memberships with Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists and completed a masters of veterinary studies in small animal practice through Murdoch University. Judd completed a second masters of veterinary studies at the University of Melbourne in 2017 and completed his three-year residency in January 2018. Judd multiple publications in international journals and in July became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, board certified in Small Animal Internal Medicine.
Geoff grew up in New Zealand before making the move across the ditch to complete his veterinary training. It was during vet school that he developed a strong interest in cardiology. After graduating with honours from the University of Queensland in 2011, he completed a 12 month rotating internship at the University of Queensland Veterinary Teaching Hospital. In 2013 Geoff commenced a 3-year ECVIM approved cardiology residency at the University of Sydney Veterinary Teaching Hospital. In 2017 he successfully passed the examination to obtain Diplomate status in the European College of Veterinary Internal Medicine – Companion Animals, in the subspecialty of Cardiology. After gaining his specialist qualification, Geoff moved to Melbourne where he worked as a mobile cardiologist for 12 months. In 2018 he returned to South East Queensland to establish Veterinary Cardiac Services.
Geoff’s professional interests include congenital heart disease, canine cardiomyopathies and arrhythmia management, however he likes all aspects of heart disease.
In his spare time Geoff enjoys running to keep fit, mainly to balance his love of restaurants, food and wine. Geoff and his fiance are pawrents to Charlie, an Australian Silky Terrier with a lot of attitude!
Veterinary Specialist Services was established in 2000 as an extension of general veterinary practices all over Australia, particularly Queensland, and Northern New South Wales in providing the best possible care for your pets at a specialist level. When your pet requires our expert attention, your primary veterinarian can refer the pet to either our Brisbane, Gold Coast or Jindalee services via a simple referral process. More information
Animal Referral Hospital Brisbane incorporates an emergency service and specialist referral services in surgery, internal medicine, oncology and neurology, into one seamless business, open 24 hours a day, all year round. We will work with you and the team at North Maclean Family Vet to find the best treatment option for your pet.
