Q: My cat's eye problem has gotten so bad I think I need a second opinion. How do I know if she needs to see a specialist?

A: For starters, anytime you decide to seek a second opinion, it's important to see a specialist, not another general practitioner. If it's a tough problem for your veterinarian, it will likely be tough for the next one.

Here are the situations in which I recommend a second opinion:

• Lack of trust: If you aren't confident in your vet's diagnosis or treatment recommendations, see someone else.

• Legal matters: If you have a legal issue with an individual, a company or even a veterinarian, you need an expert.

• Orthopedic or thoracic surgery: These procedures are always best performed by a board-certified surgeon. Experience is everything in these cases.

• Exploratory surgery: Again, it's best performed by a surgeon. There's always the chance it will reveal a problem your vet can't manage as well as someone more expert.

• When three visits haven't resolved the problem: With few exceptions, that should take care of the matter or lead to a referral.

• When better equipment is needed: Sometimes it makes all the difference.

• In case of heart trouble: Any time I hear a heart murmur or rhythm abnormality, I recommend a cardiologist.

• If X-rays or ultrasounds are needed: They're best evaluated by a radiologist.

• When critical care is required: High fevers, respiratory trouble, severe arrhythmias and nonroutine post-operative issues are among the cases that do best under 24-hour watch by a specialist's team.

It's true that specialists are expensive -- usually about double the cost of a regular vets -- but you deserve a choice in the level of your pet's care.

Dr. Patty Khuly has a veterinary practice in South Miami and blogs at www.dolittler.com. Send questions to khulyp@bellsouth.net, or Dr. Dolittler, Tropical Life, The Miami Herald, 1 Herald Plaza, Miami, FL 33132.