FAQ

Our practice only provides referral services. Therefore, we do not perform vaccinations, wellness exams, primary care, or de-sexing procedures. It is therefore crucial for your pet’s overall health that we act as an extension of your regular family veterinarian and work with them on a referral basis.

Yes. In order to provide the best possible care for your pet we have to work as a team with your family veterinarian. After your visit here, we will work with them to further monitor and treat ongoing problems. It is therefore crucial that your family vet be involved in the referral process so that we are able to work with them to optimise your pet’s recovery process.

We generally recommend that you do not feed your pet prior to an appointment (unless your pet has a condition such as diabetes – in which case, food should be given as per usual). Water and any necessary medication can also be given when advised. If you are unsure, please ask at the time of your booking.

Yes. We provide written reports and copies of laboratory and imaging reports as they become available for your pet’s medical file with your family veterinarian, keeping both you and your veterinarian updated as to your pet’s condition.

Your family veterinarian will provide our clinicians with information from your pet’s medical file. Our clinician will review this information and may have more questions for you to help them best understand your pet’s medical problem. After a thorough physical examination, our clinician will use this information to make a diagnosis or formulate a diagnostic plan to determine and treat the problem.

We are open Monday to Friday from 8.00am – 6.00pm and Saturdays from 8.00am - 10.00am.

At Rivergum Referral Services, we make every effort to offer a range of treatment options. Of course, for some animals it may not be possible to make a diagnosis easily, but we will explain clearly what tests are going to be required to shed light on your pet’s problem. Our primary goal is to provide you with the information you need in order to make the best decision for you and for your pet

First discuss with your family veterinarian if your pet would benefit from referral. Your family veterinarian will provide us with your pet’s medical history and a referral request. An appointment can be made at that point. X-rays may be sent ahead of time, or picked up by you to bring to your appointment. In an emergency, your veterinarian will contact us to arrange immediate transfer and care.