Internal Medicine
Internal Medicine Specialists have an advanced knowledge base to provide consultations for patients with complex acute and chronic medical disorders and develop an optimal diagnostic and treatment plan for your pet.
Common Internal Medicine disorders include diseases of the kidneys, liver, upper and lower respiratory system, gastrointestinal system, endocrine system, and blood cells. Evaluation of these disorders may include routine and specialized blood and urine tests. Internal Medicine Specialists also have expertise in modern minimally invasive procedures, such as ultrasound, endoscopy, fine needle aspirate, bone marrow sampling, feeding tube placement, and advanced imaging techniques (such as fluoroscopy, CT scan and MRI). These modalities help us rule out or rule in a potentially dangerous condition, and/or permit prompt therapeutic intervention.
Why Your Veterinarian May Consider Referral
- a need for additional expertise and/or advanced procedure skills
- a need for additional equipment or services to provide further diagnostic testing or care
- an inconclusive diagnosis
- an unresolved or worsening medical condition
- a need for medical supervision (24 hours/7 days/week)
- client dissatisfaction with the progress of the case
What kind of medical record should I prepare for the consultation?
Contact your primary veterinarian 24 hours prior to your scheduled appointment to confirm that a case summary and pertinent records have been sent to CityU VMC and your veterinarian has contacted one of us to discuss the details of the case.
An additional fee may be charged for review of extensive records and/or interpretation of lab results, x-rays, ultrasounds or pathology reports in addition to the standard consultation, if a case summary is not available.
How should I prepare my pet for the consultation?
A recent meal may interfere with interpretation of recommended diagnostic testing or treatments, including blood tests, radiology, and ultrasound. Fasting is also recommended prior to sedation or anesthesia.
- Always keep water available; DO NOT restrict water consumption
- Do not feed your pet within 12 hours of the appointment time unless otherwise directed
- General Exceptions: small patients under 2 kg, or under 4 months old
If you are unsure whether fasting is safe for your pet, please check with your referring veterinarian before your scheduled appointment.
What medication should I bring to my consultation?
Bring all current medications, or a list of current medications, how much of each you give your pet, how often you give it, and when each was last given. Include supplements, vitamins, monthly flea/tick medications, and regular pet food
On the day of your appointment, most medications should be continued as previously directed.
- Some medications may interfere with recommended diagnostic testing or treatments, or require tapered withdrawal over several days to weeks in advance of the appointment.
- It is generally recommended that patients with diabetes mellitus receive a ½ dose of insulin during fasting
Please check with your referring veterinarian before your scheduled appointment regarding any necessary adjustments in your pet’s medication regimen that will improve the efficiency or effectiveness of the service we are able to provide.
How long will my pet’s appointment take?
Consultation time will vary depending on condition. Same-day discharge for outpatients is planned after completing most procedures. In some cases, we may need to admit your pet to our centre to perform diagnostic testing and prepare for or recover from procedures.
