Veterinary Internal Medicine

It is one of the most difficult experiences a pet owner can face: you know your beloved dog or cat is sick, but the answer to why remains just out of reach. When symptoms are complex, chronic, or unusual, your family veterinarian may refer you to a specialist. This is where Veterinary Internal Medicine steps in.

What is a Veterinary Internal Medicine Specialist?

Think of a Veterinary Internist as a “problem solver” or a “medical detective” for pets. A specialist in Veterinary Internal Medicine is a veterinarian who has completed extensive, advanced training (including a multi-year residency) specifically focused on diagnosing and treating complex, chronic, and hard-to-diagnose diseases. They are experts at seeing the “big picture.” They specialize in understanding the intricate ways your pet’s internal body systems—like the endocrine, gastrointestinal, and urinary systems—work together, and more importantly, what happens when they don’t.

When Might My Pet Need a Veterinary Internist?

Your primary veterinarian provides outstanding care, but they may recommend a consultation with an internist when a case requires highly specialized diagnostics, 24/7 monitoring, or a “second opinion” for a challenging illness. We partner with your family veterinarian to provide the next level of care. You might need a veterinary internal medicine specialist if your pet is experiencing:

Vague or Complex Symptoms

Such as unexplained weight loss, chronic vomiting or diarrhea, persistent fever, or extreme lethargy that hasn’t responded to initial treatments.

Chronic Conditions

Management of long-term diseases like diabetes, Cushing’s disease, Addison’s disease, or complex kidney or liver disease.

Multiple Health Problems

Especially common in senior pets, where conditions like heart disease and kidney disease may complicate one another.

Infections and Immune Diseases

Diagnosing and treating complex infectious diseases (fungal, bacterial) or immune-mediated conditions (like IBD or IMHA) where the body attacks its own cells.

Endocrine (Hormonal) Issues

Regulating challenging conditions like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.

Gastrointestinal, Respiratory, or Urinary Issues

Cases requiring advanced diagnostic procedures, such as endoscopy.

Our Approach to Compassionate Diagnosis & Care

Our internal medicine team works in close partnership with you and your family veterinarian. We know that this process can be stressful, and our primary goal is to provide answers with compassion and clarity. An internal medicine consultation involves:

A Thorough Review

We begin with a comprehensive, ninety-minute appointment to review your pet’s entire medical history, analyze previous tests, and perform a thorough physical examination. This detailed history is one of the most important tools we have.

Advanced Diagnostics

Because our internists specialize in complex cases, they utilize advanced diagnostic tools to find answers that may not be possible in a general practice setting. This includes procedures like endoscopy (using a small camera to look inside the GI tract or nasal cavity), ultrasound, ultrasound-guided biopsies, and bone marrow aspirates.

Expert Interpretation

Getting a test result is only half the battle. Our specialists use their advanced training to interpret these results in the context of your pet's whole-body health, allowing them to form a complete picture.

A Collaborative Treatment Plan

We make decisions with you, not for you. Once we have a diagnosis, we will discuss all available treatment options, the prognosis, and the quality of life for your pet.

Our Veterinary Internal Medicine Specialists

The heart of our internal medicine service is our team of dedicated, highly-trained specialists. Their combined expertise and compassionate approach ensure your pet receives the highest standard of care.