Internal Medicine
Internal medicine is the term used to describe the diagnosis, management and nonsurgical treatment of difficult or serious diseases. Internal medicine specialists are often called internists. Internists are trained to diagnose severe chronic illness and situations where several different illnesses may strike at the same time.
All internal medicine specialists have completed an additional 3-5 years of training in this specialty field after receiving their doctorate of veterinary medicine. This added experience allows internal medicine specialists to utilize advanced lab tests, endoscopy, and diagnostic imaging to bring a greater understanding of medical conditions in cats and dogs.
Reasons for an Internal Medicine Visit
Some (but not all) reasons a dog or cat would need an internal medicine consult 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; and
- Unexplained weight loss.
Internal Medicine Diagnostic Services
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;
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); and
- Lithotripsy.
What is endoscopy?
Veterinary endoscopy is a procedure in which a small lighted camera is inserted into a patient's body. This allows a veterinary specialist to directly see inside a particular organ. Rhinoscopy is performed to evaluate the inside of a patient's nose. An endoscopy allowed for examination of the stomach and upper small intestines. A colonoscopy can be performed to evaluate the colon and lower small intestine. Cystoscopy allows for the examination of the reproductive tract, bladder, urethra and kidneys.
What to Expect During an Internal Medicine Visit
When a patient arrives for an internal medicine consultation, the internal medicine specialist spends quite a bit of time discussing the patient’s history, symptoms, previous tests and medications. A detailed physical exam is then performed. From this initial examination, the specialist can either diagnose the problem or give a detailed plan of further testing needed to diagnose the problem.
He may then recommend additional diagnostic veterinary imaging which may include an ultrasound or X-ray. In some cases the patient may benefit from an MRI, CT Scan or scoping, which would typically be scheduled on a separate day. The internal medicine specialist may also order specialized laboratory work when needed.
Once all the results come in from the various tests, the internal medicine specialist will review the results with the client either during another in-person consultation or over the phone depending on the severity of the patient’s condition. The diagnosis and treatment plan will be presented and may include special diets, medications, and/or surgery.
Internal Medicine Specialist
Dr. Ale Aguirre and Dr. Brier Mae Bostrom are the primary internal medicine specialists at VETMED. To perform veterinary internal medicine, Dr. Ale Aguirre and Dr. Brier Mae Bostrom have completed a three-year residency program after earning a doctorate of veterinary medicine. They have met specific training and caseload requirements, performed research and had research published.
Internal Medicine Consultation
If you think your pet needs to see an internal medicine specialist, please call VETMED today to make an appointment.