If you’re a pet owner, you probably know that at some point, your furry friend may require veterinary care beyond routine check-ups. Sometimes, your pet may require specialized care that only a veterinary internal medicine specialist can provide.
What is Veterinary Internal Medicine?
Veterinary Internal Medicine is a specialty within veterinary medicine that focuses on diagnosing and treating complex or advanced medical conditions in animals. A veterinary internal medicine specialist is a veterinarian with advanced training and certification in internal medicine.
What to Expect from a Veterinary Internal Medicine Specialist
If your pet needs to see a veterinary internal medicine specialist, you may be wondering what to expect from the experience. Here are some things to keep in mind:
1. Referral
Your regular veterinarian may refer you to a veterinary internal medicine specialist if they believe your pet requires advanced diagnostic testing or treatment beyond what they can provide. A veterinary internal medicine specialist may also be recommended if your pet’s condition is particularly complex or chronic.
2. Advanced Diagnostic Testing
Veterinary internal medicine specialists can access advanced diagnostic tools and techniques to help diagnose and manage complex medical conditions. These may include:
- Ultrasound
- Endoscopy
- MRI
- CT scan
- Biopsy and other laboratory tests
3. Treatment Options
Once a diagnosis has been made, your veterinary internal medicine specialist will work with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to your pet’s needs. Treatment options may include:
- Medications
- Dietary changes
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
4. Ongoing Care
If your pet requires ongoing care, your veterinary internal medicine specialist will work with you to develop a plan to manage your pet’s condition. This may involve periodic check-ups, additional testing, and adjustments to their treatment plan as needed.
What Other Services Do Veterinary Internal Medicine Specialists Offer?
In addition to diagnosing and treating complex medical conditions, veterinary internal medicine specialists like those at Atlantic Coast New York Veterinary Center. They offer the following internal medicine services:
- Management of chronic diseases such as diabetes, kidney disease, and heart disease
- Endocrine disorders
- Immune-mediated disorders
- Gastrointestinal diseases
- Respiratory diseases
The Role of Emergency Veterinarians
While veterinary internal medicine specialists focus on diagnosing and managing complex medical conditions, there may be situations where your pet requires emergency veterinary care. Emergency veterinarians are here for you and your pet 24/7, 365 days a year. They are trained to handle many urgent and critical medical conditions and have access to state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and treatments.
Final Thoughts
Whether your pet needs veterinary surgery, internal medicine, or emergency care, choosing a reliable and trustworthy veterinary center is essential. Look for a facility that offers a comprehensive range of services and has a team of board-certified specialists in surgery and internal medicine. By working with a team of experts, you can rest assured that your furry friend will receive the highest quality care and attention they need to get back on their paws.
Early detection and treatment are critical to your pet’s health and well-being, so don’t hesitate to seek help if you suspect something might be wrong.
