Internal Medicine
Your veterinarian may recommend a consultation with an internist (internal medicine specialist) if your pet has a complex medical condition, or one that involves multiple organ systems.
What does internal medicine encompass?
In many cases, the clinical signs a patient is displaying may stem from multiple organ systems. Due to their comprehensive approach, small animal internal medicine specialists may manage cases of patients with multiple problems at one time. In some cases, the cause of the problem has not yet been identified, while in others advanced testing or treatments are needed. An internal medicine specialist will see patients with:
- Gastrointestinal disease, including weight loss, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Kidney disease, including blood work abnormalities, protein in the urine, and excessive thirst and urination
- Lower urinary tract disease, including recurrent urinary tract infections or incontinence
- Respiratory disease, including nasal discharge, cough or changes in breathing
- Blood disorders, including anemia or low platelet counts
- Immune-mediated diseases, including joint disease and blood disorders
- Liver disease, including elevated liver enzymes, jaundice, or low blood protein levels
- Endocrine disorders such as diabetes, hyperadrenocorticism, and hyperthyroidism
- Infectious diseases such as Lyme disease, Ehrlichia, Anaplasmosis, and Leptospirosis
What is a Board-certified Small Animal Internal Medicine Specialist?
A small animal veterinary internal medicine specialist is a veterinarian who has completed advanced training in internal medicine (including an internship and residency) following graduation from their veterinary college. After successfully finishing an internship, these specialists must next complete a small animal medicine residency. This three-year program is an intensive graduate clinical training program intended to improve procedural skills and refine approaches to diagnostic and therapeutic plans. The residency training culminates with comprehensive examinations covering all aspects of veterinary small animal internal medicine. Once these requirements have been fulfilled, the veterinarian is considered to be a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM).