News & Politics

Love Your Pet: Medical Specialists

When a pet has a serious medical condition, treatment by specialists, whether in standard medical fields or new alternative options, may be the answer. As in an HMO for people, many specialists require a referral from your regular vet.

This article is from 2006's Pet Guide package. The information may be out-of-date, so please call locations listed for new information.

To see the new Pet Guide from 2008, click here.

Animal Allergy & Dermatology Clinic, 9039 Gaither Rd., Gaithersburg; 301-977-9169. Dr. James Jeffers is a board-certified allergist and dermatologist.

Animal Eye Care Center, 9043 Gaither Rd., Gaithersburg; 301-990-6373. Dr. Eric Smith offers ophthalmology services for dogs, cats, and exotics. By referral only.

Chesapeake Veterinary Cardiology Associates, 800-788-2872 (Md.), 703-281-7717 (Va.); seven practices in Maryland and Virginia; cvcavets.com. Doctors see the most veterinary cardiac cases of any such practice in the country. By referral only.

Holistic Pets, 13211 Lutes Dr., Silver Spring; 301-221-3412; holisticpets.net. Karin Serejski uses acupuncture, reiki, massage, and other holistic methods to treat dogs, cats, horses, reptiles, birds, and small animals for pain, illness, and side effects of chemotherapy.

IAMS Pet Imaging Center, 328 Maple Ave. E., Vienna; 703-281-9440. The nation's first animal MRI facility; the only one near Washington.

Dr. Barbara Kummel, 7410 Lindbergh Dr., Gaithersburg; 240-632-0328; animalskindisease.com. Treats more than 2,500 pets a year for allergies and skin disorders.

Regional Veterinary Referral Center, 6651 Backlick Rd., Springfield; 703-451-8900; vetreferralcenter.com. A range of medical specialties including neurology, dermatology, and oncology, as well as an underwater treadmill for rehabilitation and Radiocat, a hyperthyroidism treatment for older cats.

SouthPaws Veterinary Specialists, 8500 Arlington Blvd., Fairfax; 703-752-9100; southpaws.com. Board-certified vets use high-tech tools for surgery, neurology, oncology, radiology, and physical therapy. (Physical therapist Carol Wasmucky comes highly recommended, as does acupuncturist Jordan Kocen.) Holistic methods available.

VCA Veterinary Referral Associates, 15021 Dufief Mill Rd., Gaithersburg; 301-340-3224; vcavra.com. A full range of diagnostic and treatment options including radiography and ultrasound.

Veterinary Holistic & Rehabilitation Center, 360 Maple Ave. W., Suites A and B, Vienna; 703-938-2563; vetrehab.org. Dr. Kim Danoff's practice combines acupuncture, massage, and other alternative methods with traditional rehab like an underwater treadmill and ultrasound to relieve pain and improve movement and balance. Also the place to go for prosthetics and carts for disabled animals. By referral only.

Veterinary Vision of Virginia, 6733 Commerce St., Springfield; 703-451-6199. Dr. Kelley Corcoran offers ophthalmology and vision services.