Internal Medicine
For pets with symptoms that need more than a routine exam
If your pet has symptoms that don't add up to a routine wellness visit — ongoing vomiting, unexplained weight loss, or changes in thirst or energy — internal medicine is where we dig deeper. We combine a careful history, physical exam, and in-house diagnostics to find out what's actually going on, then build a treatment plan around your pet's specific diagnosis.
Who Needs This?
- Pets with symptoms that come and go, don't fully resolve, or keep getting worse
- Dogs and cats living with a chronic condition like kidney disease, diabetes, or a thyroid imbalance
- Pets whose owners want a second opinion on an existing diagnosis
- Senior pets experiencing several health changes at once
Signs It's Time to Schedule
- Vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than a day or two
- Noticeable weight loss or gain without a diet change
- Increased thirst or urination
- Lethargy, hiding, or acting 'not themselves'
- Coughing, labored breathing, or exercise intolerance
- Appetite changes that last more than a few days
What to Expect
- 1
A thorough history and exam
We start by asking detailed questions about when symptoms started and what you've noticed at home, followed by a complete physical exam.
- 2
Targeted diagnostics
Depending on what we find, we may recommend in-house lab work, X-rays, or other testing to narrow down the cause rather than guessing.
- 3
A clear treatment plan
We explain what we think is happening, in plain language, before starting treatment, and what results would change that plan.
- 4
Ongoing monitoring
For chronic conditions, we schedule rechecks to track how your pet is responding and adjust treatment as needed.
Recovery & Aftercare
Recovery and management depend entirely on the underlying condition. Some pets need a short course of medication and a single follow-up exam. Others need an ongoing care plan with periodic bloodwork and medication adjustments. We'll walk you through exactly what to expect for your pet's specific diagnosis.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I should just monitor my pet at home?
If your pet is eating and acting normally with a mild, short-lived symptom, a day of monitoring at home is often reasonable. If symptoms last more than 24 to 48 hours, keep getting worse, or your pet stops eating or seems lethargic, it's time to schedule an exam.
What's the difference between internal medicine and a wellness exam?
A wellness exam checks a healthy pet for early signs of trouble. Internal medicine is for pets who already have symptoms or a diagnosed condition that needs investigation, treatment, or ongoing management.
Will my pet need to stay overnight?
Most internal medicine visits are same-day — your pet goes home with you after the exam and any testing. We'll let you know right away if a case needs more advanced care than we can provide in-house.
Can you manage chronic conditions long-term?
Yes. We regularly manage chronic conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, and thyroid disorders with periodic rechecks, bloodwork, and medication adjustments to keep your pet as comfortable and stable as possible.
Do you offer second opinions on an existing diagnosis?
Yes — if your pet has been diagnosed elsewhere or you'd like another perspective on ongoing symptoms, we're happy to review the case and discuss next steps.
What Does It Cost?
Internal medicine cases vary widely — a short-lived illness costs far less to diagnose than a complex chronic condition. We'll always discuss recommended testing, treatment, and expected cost with you before moving forward.
