Internal Medicine

A board-certified veterinary internal medicine specialist - an internist - is a veterinarian who's undergone additional training in how your pet's internal body systems function, and in diagnosing and treating the most serious diseases that affect these systems.

While your family veterinarian is qualified to handle many aspects of your pet's care, sometimes a specialist's expertise is needed. So just as your own primary care doctor may consult with or refer you to a specialist for certain conditions, your family veterinarian may turn to a veterinary internist to help diagnose or treat an especially complicated medical problem.

At NorthStar VETS, we have a team of veterinary internal medicine experts who provide today's most advanced diagnostic testing and treatment, ensuring that your pet receives the highest level of medical care for his or her condition. Appointments and consultations are available 7 days a week.

The Conditions We See

These are some common conditions for which general practitioner veterinarians and concerned pet parents seek the expertise of our internal medicine specialists:

• Anemia or other blood disorders
• Chronic sneezing or nasal discharge
• Chronic vomiting or diarrhea
• Complicated pancreatic disease
• Coughing and other breathing problems
• Endocrine disease (adrenal disorders, complicated diabetes, thyroid disorders)
• Gastrointestinal disease
• Immune-related disorders
• Infectious disease
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Suspected neoplasia (cancer)
• Unexplained fever
• Unexplained weight loss

The Services We Provide

During your first visit with one of our internists, your pet will receive a complete physical exam, and based on initial findings, additional tests may be performed. Our Internal Medicine Department uses such specialized diagnostic equipment and tests as:

• Bone marrow aspirates and biopsies
• Bronchoscopy (a procedure to examine the bronchial tubes)
• Colonoscopy (a procedure to examine the colon, or large bowel)
• CT Scans
• Cytoscopy (a procedure to look inside the bladder and urethra)
• Endotracheal/transtracheal washes (collection of airway fluid)
• Feeding tubes (PEG and esophagostomy)
• Fluoroscopy ("moving picture" x-rays)
• Rhinoscopy (a procedure to examine the inside of the nose)
• Ultrasonography (ultrasound imaging)
• Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (a procedure to examine the esophagus, stomach, small intestine)

Once we've diagnosed your pet's condition, we'll discuss with you all the treatment options available and formulate a treatment plan. This may include:

• Radioiodine (I-131), a specialized treatment for hyperthyroidism in cats
• Referral back to your regular veterinarian for ongoing care and management
• Referral to another veterinary specialist for more in-depth evaluation and treatment planning
• Short- or long-term medication
• Surgery

We Keep Your Family Veterinarian Involved

During your pet's stay at NorthStar VETS, we'll keep your family veterinarian fully informed of your pet's condition and treatment. This is very important because in many cases, your family vet will still manage the majority of your pet's ongoing medical care.

To make a referral or schedule a consultation with our Internal Medicine Department,
simply call NorthStar VETS at 609.259.8300 x1202.

Amber Glasser - Client Liaison

Pet Parents: Contact Amber at 609-259-8300 x1202, or internalmedicine@northstarvets.com to schedule your appointment and get all pre-consultation paperwork set up.

Veterinarians: Contact Amber with questions about in-hospital cases, or to discuss a pending case. You can also refer a case online.