Regular veterinary checks, nutrition, and exercise are excellent methods to keep your pet healthy. However, sometimes, they might suffer from health issues that go beyond our expertise as general veterinarians; in such cases, it is possible to seek out the help of a pet internal medicine specialist.
Internal medicine specialists for pets are vets with advanced training in internal medicine. They are skilled at diagnosing and managing health problems beyond the scope of regular vet clinics. From chronic health issues to atypical symptoms, these specialized health professionals possess the knowledge and experience to provide outstanding service and improve your pet’s quality of life.
The Need for a Pet Internist
Whether your furry friend requires surgery or health treatment, an internal medicine specialist for pets can be found to provide expert advice and care. Let’s dive deeper and determine whether we’ll need experts’ services.
Chronic Health Issues
If your pet suffers from an ongoing medical condition such as diabetes, asthma, or kidney disease, an internal medicine doctor could provide valuable service. With advanced training in internal medicine, they can detect and manage various illnesses that may not fall within the scope of regular veterinarians. They also provide constant monitoring and treatment to control your pet’s condition.
Unexplained Symptoms
If your pet suffers from unexplained signs like vomiting, diarrhea, or weight loss, your general veterinarian at Veterinary Referral Associates may refer you to an internal medicine professional. Their expertise and experience allow them to carry out diagnostics such as blood tests or imaging tests to identify what might be causing the issues. If they find the problem, they’ll formulate a treatment plan to help your pet be more comfortable.
Infectious Diseases
An Internal Medicine specialist can provide specific medical attention if your pet is diagnosed with an infectious illness like Lyme disease or feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Their knowledge and expertise allow them to identify symptoms, treat and develop an individual recovery plan that will aid your pet in regaining its full health.
Senior Pet Care
As pets get older, their health issues tend to be more prone to needing particular attention. Internal medicine specialists for pets offer complete senior pet medical care, including looking for signs of age-related health problems, managing chronic ailments effectively, and providing palliative assistance to enhance the quality of life in the years to come.
A senior pet may also be vulnerable to neurologic conditions like stroke. To know more details about your pet’s condition, a consult with a pet neurologist may be warranted.
Referral From Your Regular Veterinarian
If your doctor suggests visiting an internal medicine doctor, you must adhere to their recommendations. They may have identified an issue that requires more specialized care or diagnostic testing outside their capabilities. A consultation with a specialist will ensure maximum healing and greater chances of complete healing for your pet.
Pre-surgery Evaluation
If your pet requires surgery, assessing them by a pet medical specialist before surgery is vital to ensure they’re healthy enough for the procedure. They’ll be able to conduct tests for diagnostics to identify any issues with their health that need to be addressed before the procedure and provide recommendations for improving their health.
If your pet is for surgery and you do not know any pet surgeon in your area, search the web for a list of reputable ones by typing “dog surgery near me” in your search bar. Read reviews and feedback, then book a consult as soon as possible.
Medication Management
If your pet requires medication for chronic health conditions or other health issues, a pet internal medicine specialist can aid in managing its medication regime. They can offer advice regarding dosage, monitor for any adverse reactions, and make adjustments as necessary so that your pet’s health is under control.
Conclusion
If your pet has health issues beyond their regular veterinarian’s expertise, an internal medicine specialist can provide expert assistance and enhance their overall health. They have the expertise and experience necessary for diagnosing complicated health conditions and the solutions for treating symptoms. If you need help determining whether this service is essential for your pet’s well-being, talk to your regular veterinarian. They can help you make the best choice possible.
