To make an emergency referral, please call 01823 653 510.
At Cave Veterinary Specialists, we provide immediate acceptance for emergency case referrals, giving you assurance that your patient will be seen in their time of need. Our Specialist led team provide round the clock care, ensuring that all referred patients receive exceptional care. Emergency cases are reviewed and accepted immediately, meaning your patient gets the right treatment as quickly as possible.
Our multidisciplinary teams work as an extension of your veterinary practice, responding rapidly, communicating quickly and providing exceptional care when patients need it most. Whether you have a complex out-of-hours case, or a life-threatening condition, our team are fully equipped to respond.
Accepting Urgent Cases
If you have an emergency referral to make to Cave Veterinary Specialists during the day, our dedicated client care team can arrange an urgent referral for you on your first call.
Where you have a same day emergency referral, our Specialist team can accept these; however, they may require a brief discussion with you beforehand to ensure a smooth transition for your patient. Should you need pre-referral stabilisation and treatment plans, these can also be discussed with a member of our team.
Following an urgent or emergency case acceptance, we will carry out an initial consultation, developing a bespoke care plan for the patient in collaboration with their owner. Should there be a need for diagnostic tests, medical treatment or emergency surgery, we will admit the patient to an appropriate ward and continue to liaise with the pet owner as the patient progresses throughout investigation and treatment.
If you have an urgent case to refer to our Specialist-led team, call us directly on 01823 653 510.
Emergency Referrals at Cave Veterinary Specialists
Our multidisciplinary team at Cave Veterinary Specialists are supported by dedicated nursing and clinical support teams with access to state of the facilities, helping to ensure that your referred patient receives the best possible care.
We are able to accept a wide range of emergency cases and provide immediate access to:

- Specialist-Led Triage and Stabilisation: Efficient assessment and stabilisation for acute referral cases that include trauma, collapse, respiratory distress or neurological conditions.
- On-site Advanced Diagnostics: Our on-site diagnostic facilities including MRI, CT and Ultrasound ensure rapid diagnosis enabling treatment plans to be developed with minimal delay.
- Intensive Care and Monitoring: We provide 24-hour hospitalisation, care and supervision for patients in need of continuous fluid therapy, telemetry, oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation.
- Emergency Soft Tissue and Orthopaedic Surgery: Our are supported by specialist surgeons for urgent procedures such as Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV), foreign body removal, splenectomy, C-section and wound repair.
We understand the importance of communication, trust, and continuity of care. That’s why our Specialist-led team are committed to working in partnership with primary care practices, treating your clients and patients with the same high standards you uphold in your own clinic.
If you have an urgent veterinary referral, call us on 01823 653 510.
When to Make an Emergency Referral to Cave Veterinary Specialists
At Cave, we are proud to have an expert multidisciplinary team providing expection patient care. This means that we can accept emergency referrals across a wide range of acute and life-threatening conditions.
Typical emergency referral cases include:
- Acute Abdominal Emergencies or GDV
- Cyanosis or Severe Respiratory Distress
- Seizures, Collapse and Neurological Deterioration
- Major Trauma (including RTAs, bite wounds or high falls)
- Acute Internal Haemorrhage or Uncontrollable Bleeding
- Heatstroke and Systemic Shock
- Pyometra and Dystocia
- Toxin Ingestion or Poisoning
- Acute Decompensation of Chronic Illness
If you are unsure whether your patient is suitable for an emergency referral, call our team today to discuss your patients’ needs.
Call us on 01823 653 510.
How to Make Your Emergency Referral
Making a referral to our expert team is quick and straightforward. At Cave Veterinary Specialists, our multidisciplinary Specialists are on call 24/7 and are always prepared to accept urgent cases with minimal delay.
Call our team on 01823 653 510.
Complete our online referral form
Please ensure that you call ahead so that our team can review and prepare your case and assist with any transport logistics.
Veterinary Hospital Facilities Available
Cave Veterinary Specialists is home to some of the most advanced veterinary hospital facilities, including:
Veterinary Referral Services We Offer:
Location & Directions
The Cave Veterinary Specialists practice is located in West Buckland, Somerset.
We are located just off junction 26 of the M5 motorway, and we have prepared a set of simple directions to help you find out practice as easily as possible.





