Introduction

In the world of veterinary medicine, internal medicine plays a crucial role in diagnosing and managing complex health conditions in pets. While general practitioners can handle many routine issues, there are times when your pet may require the expertise of a specialist. At Mobile Vet Referral, led by Fabrizio Tucciarone, we offer advanced internal medicine services to local practices, ensuring that pets receive the highest level of care when they need it most. In this article, we will explore the signs that indicate your pet might need to see an internal medicine vet, their services, and how they collaborate with your primary veterinarian to ensure comprehensive care.

Signs Your Pet Might Need an Advanced Vet

Not all health issues can be easily diagnosed or treated with standard veterinary care. Here are some signs and symptoms that suggest your pet may need to be referred to an internal medicine vet:

• Unexplained Weight Loss: If your pet is losing weight without a clear reason, it could indicate an underlying condition such as diabetes, thyroid disease, or gastrointestinal issues that require advanced attention.
• Chronic Diarrhoea or Vomiting: Persistent gastrointestinal problems, including diarrhoea or vomiting that doesn’t respond to initial treatments, may indicate conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, or other serious digestive disorders.
• Persistent Coughing or Breathing Difficulties: Respiratory issues that do not improve with standard treatment could be a sign of chronic bronchitis, heart disease, or other conditions that need advanced care.
• Changes in Appetite or Drinking Habits: Significant changes in how much your pet eats or drinks can be a red flag for conditions such as kidney disease, liver problems, or endocrine disorders.
• Lethargy or Behavioural Changes: If your pet becomes unusually lethargic, depressed, or displays significant changes in behaviour, it may indicate an underlying internal issue that needs further investigation.
• Unresolved Infections: If your pet has an infection that doesn’t seem to heal despite treatment, it might suggest an immune system disorder or a deeper, more complex issue requiring advanced intervention.

Advanced Services

Internal medicine vets are equipped to handle a wide range of complex health issues in pets. Here are some of the key services they provide:

• Advanced Diagnostics: Specialists use advanced diagnostic tools such as endoscopy, ultrasound, and comprehensive laboratory tests to diagnose conditions that might be missed with basic testing accurately.
• Endoscopy: This minimally invasive procedure allows specialists to examine the inside of the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system, or other internal organs. It’s particularly useful for diagnosing issues like foreign bodies, tumours, and inflammatory diseases.
• Ultrasound: Ultrasound imaging is essential for evaluating internal organs like the heart, liver, kidneys, and intestines. It provides real-time images that help in the diagnosis of conditions such as heart disease, tumours, and organ dysfunction.
• Chronic Disease Management: Advanced vets are skilled in managing long-term conditions like diabetes, Cushing’s disease, and chronic kidney disease. They create tailored treatment plans that address the unique needs of each pet.
• Collaborative Care: Internal medicine vets often work closely with other veterinary specialists, such as cardiologists, oncologists, and surgeons, to provide comprehensive care. This multidisciplinary approach addresses all aspects of your pet’s health.

Collaboration with Your Primary Veterinarian

One of the most important aspects of internal medicine is the collaboration between referral vets and primary care veterinarians. When your pet is referred to an internal medicine vet, it doesn’t mean that your regular vet will no longer be involved. On the contrary, the referral vet and primary veterinarians work together to ensure that your pet receives the best possible care.

The referral vet will perform advanced diagnostics, develop a treatment plan, and then communicate these findings to your primary vet. This ensures that your pet’s ongoing care is well-coordinated, with your regular vet handling routine check-ups and monitoring while the specialist manages more complex aspects of your pet’s condition.

Conclusion

If your pet is showing signs of a serious health issue, seeking the expertise of an internal medicine vet can make a significant difference in their diagnosis and treatment. At Mobile Vet Referral, we are dedicated to providing advanced care that enhances the well-being of pets across the region. If you notice any concerning symptoms in your pet, we encourage you to speak with your veterinarian about a referral to ensure that your pet receives the comprehensive care they need.

For more information on our internal medicine services or to discuss your pet’s health concerns, please contact Mobile Vet Referral. We are here to support you, your local vet and your pet every step of the way.