An internist will review your pet’s history, evaluate any laboratory and radiology tests, and perform a complete physical exam.  An internist’s training prepares them to deal with complex and challenging cases.  Veterinary internists have training and experience in ultrasound, endoscopy, bronchoscopy, cystoscopy, bone marrow biopsy and temporary feeding tube placement.  Commonly treated cases referred to the internal medicine service include animals with diseases of the endocrine, gastrointestinal, urinary, and hematologic systems.

If an animal has intestinal problems and blood tests are inconclusive, endoscopy of the intestinal system is often indicated.  This picture shows an anesthetized patient with an endoscope entering the mouth.  We can collect biopsies of the intestinal lining during this procedure or use tools to remove foreign objects.

Cystoscopy (visualization the urinary tract up to the bladder) is indicated in animals with chronic urinary tract infections, suspected cancer, and incontinence.  The computer monitor shows the internal entrance to both the bladder and the reproductive tract in a female dog.

Dr. Gartrell is reviewing one of the many ultrasound examinations we perform daily.  Ultrasound provides excellent two dimensional views of the abdominal organs.  The internists use their expertise to link the ultrasound diagnosis and clinical signs of the patient to provide a prognosis and treatment plan.

VSH can improve our patient’s nutritional status in many ways, from the most basic – hand feeding around the clock by nursing staff – to providing 100% of a patient’s need via intravenous feeding.  VSH staff are placing a temporary feeding tube into the esophagus in this picture.