Internal Medicine

We get inside the problem

Often referred to as the “puzzle solvers” of veterinary medicine, Internal Medicine Veterinarians (Internists) focus on diagnosis and treatment of complicated internal diseases.

Common reasons your pet may be referred to an Internist:

Our Internist will perform a complete physical examination of your pet and discuss his/her clinical history with you. Depending on your pet’s condition, history, and previous diagnostic testing, recommendations for further testing may be made to better understand your pet’s ailment.

Further testing may including:

• Laboratory testing of various blood and/or tissue samples
• Diagnostic Imaging – ie. ultrasound, radiographs
• Biopsies of masses, internal organs, or bone marrow
• Endoscopy – ie. bronchoscopy (lungs), colonoscopy (colon and small bowel), gastroduodenoscopy (stomach and upper intestines)
• Feeding tube placement

When should you request a referral to an ACVIM Board-Certified Internal Medicine Specialist?

• Your pet has a disease that is not common, is complicated, or undiagnosed after standard testing
• You or your family veterinarian would like a second opinion or review of your pet’s illness
• No or little response is seen with current medical therapy
• Your pet requires sophisticated diagnostics that are offered by an internist
• Your pet requires intensive 24-hour monitoring provided by an internist and specialty hospital