Internal Medicine
A Small Animal Internal Medicine Specialist is a veterinarian who has completed advanced training in internal medicine (including an internship and residency) following their veterinary degree.
What does internal medicine encompass?
What does internal medicine encompass?
Small Animal Internal Medicine specialists treat complex medical cases, with a holistic approach. Small animal medicine specialist are experts in managing multiple diseases concurrently. They usually work as part of a larger team of other specialists to provide the the most comprehensive treatments available to pets. This includes the disciplines of gastroenterology (esophageal, stomach and intestinal disease), hepatology (liver and pancreatic disease), endocrinology (hormonal disease), infectious diseases, urology (urinary tract disease), nephrology (kidney disease), respiratory medicine (nose, airway and lung disease), and hematology & immunology (blood cell and immune-disease).
Small animal internal medicine specialists perform advanced procedures such as endoscopy, and often are involved in interventional radiology procedures.
When should I see a Small Animal Internal Medicine Specialist?
Once your general practice veterinarian has identified a disease requiring specialist care, or is suspicious of a difficult disease, they will offer a referral to a specialty practice and arrange for seamless transfer of care.
Your veterinarian will provide the specialist with a thorough summary of diagnostics and care along with all pertinent results for the specialist to review prior to your appointment.
All of the notes from treatment at the specialist clinic will be sent back to your general practice veterinarian (unless directed otherwise), to allow referral to be an extension of care at your local clinic.
If your animal develops a problem or illness requiring advanced care and procedures, you may seek the expertise of a veterinary specialist without a referral from your general practitioner, but discussion with your general practice veterinarian is advised.
