Internal Medicine
- What is Internal Medicine?
- Internal Medicine is a subspecialty of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
- Internists focus upon diseases that generally require medications (versus surgery) or that are associated with internal organs.
- Examples include:
- Hormonal diseases such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism, Addison's disease, Cushing's disease
- Kidney disease such as chronic kidney failure, acute kidney failure, glomerular disease
- Liver diseases
- Pancreatic and gastrointestinal diseases such as pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, megaesophagus
- Immune-mediated diseases
- Infectious diseases such as bacterial, viral, parasitic, and fungal infections
- What is the purpose of a consultation appointment when my veterinarian
has already examined my pet?
- The doctor relies upon the consultation appointment to help gather a complete history and physical examination. Although much information is often sent by your veterinarian that will help the doctor understand your pet, nothing takes the place of actually discussing your pet's problems face-to-face with you.
- At the consultation, the doctor will also wish to talk with you about any procedures or therapies that may be recommended. This will include any risks or complications that could occur.
- What should I bring to the appointment?
- The most important thing that you can bring with you is your pet.
- However, bringing a copy of your pet's record from their veterinarian can be very valuable. The doctor will be able to review any tests that have previously been performed.
- If any X-rays (radiographs) have been taken by your veterinarian, please bring these with as well.
- Why does my pet need to be fasted before an appointment?
- There are many tests that may be recommended that require an empty stomach for at least 12 hours. Examples include abdominal ultrasound, abdominal x-rays, certain types of bloodwork and any type of test that requires sedation or anesthesia.
- If your pet has a specific problem that would making withholding food difficult, let the front office staff know and they can ask the doctor how to handle the feeding instructions.
- Is water okay to give to my pet?
- Yes. Your pet may have water until you leave home for your appointment.
- Should I give my pet their medications the morning of the appointment?
- Yes. If it is at all possible your pet should have their usual medication that morning.
- It may be necessary to put the medication on the back of your pet's tongue to give the medication without food.
- Will my veterinarian be kept informed?
- Yes. Your veterinarian will receive a phone call after your first visit. A letter detailing what tests or therapies were performed will be faxed and mailed to them shortly after that.
- Follow-up visits and any test results will also be sent to your veterinarian.
