Veterinary Internal Medicine
A veterinarian working in the field of internal medicine has received extensive additional training in how your pet’s various internal bodily systems function, and in diagnosing and treating the most serious diseases that affect these systems. Our internal medicine team also has specialized training in medical oncology (cancer care).
While your family veterinarian is qualified to handle much of your pet’s care, sometimes additional expertise is needed. That’s why, just as your own primary care physician may refer you to a specialist for certain conditions, your family veterinarian may consult with a specialist to help diagnose or treat a particularly complex medical problem.
This partnership ensures that your pet receives the highest level of medical care for his or her condition.
The internal medicine services NGVS provides
Our internal medicine specialist provides a full range of services, starting with a comprehensive physical exam and, when necessary, advanced diagnostic testing.
Once we’ve diagnosed your pet’s condition, we’ll discuss with you all the treatment options available and their related costs so you can make an informed decision about care. A diagnostic and/or treatment plan may include:
- Ultrasound
- Rigid and flexible endoscopy of the gastrointestinal, respiratory, and urogenital tracts (rhinoscopy, laryngoscopy, tracheoscopy, bronchoscopy, esophagoscopy, gastroscopy, duodenoscopy, colposcopy, vulvovaginoscopy, and cystoscopy)
- Digital radiographs
- Fluoroscopy for dynamic airway or gastrointestinal diseases
- CT scan
- Biopsies
- Glucose curves
- Bronchoalveolar lavage and/or transtracheal washes
- Bone marrow aspiration and/or biopsies
- CSF analysis
- Advanced serological testing and interpretation
- Tensilon test
- Short- or long-term medication
- Consultation with another veterinary specialist for more in-depth evaluation and collaborative treatment planning
- Referral back to your regular veterinarian for ongoing care and management
The internal medicine conditions we commonly see
Our Internal Medicine Service specializes in conditions affecting the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract, the liver, kidneys and urinary tract, and the endocrine, cardiovascular, hematopoietic (bone marrow and lymph nodes), nervous, and respiratory systems. These can include:
- Anemia or other blood disorders
- Cancer
- Chronic vomiting or diarrhea
- Coughing and other breathing problems
- Endocrine disease (adrenal disorders, complicated diabetes, thyroid disorders)
- Gastrointestinal disease
- Immune-related disorders
- Infectious disease
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Unexplained fever and/or weight loss
Your family veterinarian remains involved in your pet’s care
We keep your regular veterinarian fully informed of your pet’s condition and treatment. This is important because your family veterinarian will still manage your pet’s ongoing medical care.
For more information about our internal medicine services
Simply call us at 678.835.3300.