Just as your primary care doctor might send you to a specialist to address a very specific issue or for a specialized test, your family veterinarian may require the assistance of a veterinary specialist to diagnose and treat certain conditions in your pet.

Internal Medicine Veterinary Specialists, or internists, bring a greater understanding in treating diseases of an animal’s internal systems by collecting as much information as possible from medical history, clinical signs, lab testing and imaging studies.

The American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) encourages animal owners to obtain a referral from their family veterinarian whenever possible to ensure the proper transfer of medical information and to make sure your companion gets the best care possible.

Reasons for an Internal Medicine Visit

Some of the reasons your pet would need an internal medicine consult might include:

• Anemia
• Bleeding or clotting disorders
• Pancreatitis
• Chronic coughing
• Difficulty breathing
• Diabetes mellitus
• Cushing’s disease or other hormonal problems
• Chronic urinary infections or bladder problems
• Liver disease or elevated liver tests
• Chronic vomiting
• Kidney failure
• Intestinal disorders
• Persistent diarrhea
• Unexplained weight loss

Specialist Procedures

At VETMED, our internists use advanced diagnostic and imaging technology to better understand underlying diseases. Our internal medicine specialist procedures include:

• Endoscopy: an evaluation of a stomach and upper small intestine
• Colonoscopy: an evaluation of the colon and lower intestine
• Bronchoscopy: an evaluation of the vocal cords, trachea and lungs
• Rhinoscopy: an evaluation of the nose and potentially sinuses
• Cystoscopy: an evaluation of the reproductive tract and bladder
• Cerebral spinal fluid taps: an evaluation of spinal fluid
• Joint taps: an evaluation of the joint fluid
• Bone marrow aspirates of biopsy
• Ultrasound or sonogram
• Computed tomography (CT) scans
• Lithotripsy

Here at VETMED, we work closely with your trusted family veterinarian to provide complete veterinary care for your pet through second opinions on challenging or rare cases, and performing multifaceted diagnostic testing procedures.

A referral from your veterinarian is required prior to making an appointment. Our emergency service is available 24 hours and welcomes walk-ins for any urgent pet care need.

Contact us today at (602) 697-4694.

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