Veterinary Internal Medicine in Scottsdale, AZ
Veterinary internal medicine specialists receive advanced training to diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions, whether rare, chronic, or complex. At Salt River Veterinary Specialists, our board-certified internists help pets with uncommon or difficult-to-manage diseases across endocrinology, gastroenterology, hematology, immunology, infectious disease, nephrology and urology, and respiratory medicine.
Advanced Training and Board Certification
Veterinary internal medicine specialists pursue years of additional training after veterinary school and are board certified by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM). Internists receive specialized training in advanced diagnostic techniques, laboratory interpretation, specialized equipment, and sophisticated procedures. At our hospital, that expertise is paired with an interventional endoscopy program that allows many conditions to be diagnosed and treated without major surgery.
Conditions Our Internists Treat
Your pet may benefit from a referral to an internal medicine specialist for:
- Anemia or other bleeding disorders
- Chronic vomiting or diarrhea, including inflammatory bowel disease
- Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite
- Complicated pancreatic disease
- Coughing or other respiratory problems, such as tracheal collapse and chronic nasal disease
- Endocrine diseases, including diabetes, Cushing’s disease, and thyroid problems
- Liver disease
- Kidney and bladder conditions, including bladder stones and ureteral obstruction
- Valley Fever
- Infectious diseases, including bacterial, fungal, and tick-borne diseases
Advanced Diagnostics and Procedures
Our internists use a full range of diagnostic tools, including ultrasound, thoracic radiography, endoscopy, bronchoscopy, cystoscopy, and laparoscopic biopsies, as well as interventional treatments such as tracheal stenting and urinary stenting.
When to Request a Referral to a Board-Certified Internist
- Your pet’s condition is uncommon, complicated, or remains undiagnosed after standard testing
- You would like an informed, neutral second opinion about your pet’s medical condition
- Your pet’s current treatment is not progressing as expected or hoped
- Your pet requires a sophisticated procedure that is only available at a specialty hospital
Valley Fever Expertise
Valley Fever (coccidioidomycosis) is a complex fungal disease common in the desert Southwest. It is caused by a soil-borne fungus whose spores are carried by wind and dust storms. Most patients develop the disease in the weeks to months after monsoon rains in the metro Phoenix area, though infections can occur year-round. Our team has extensive experience diagnosing and managing Valley Fever in dogs and cats, from mild lung infections to widespread disease affecting bones, eyes, skin, and the heart.
Learn more on our Valley Fever treatment page or visit our dedicated Valley Fever resource. Explore our surgery department and all conditions we treat.
Internal Medicine FAQs
What is a veterinary internist?
A veterinary internist is a veterinarian with advanced training and board certification in diagnosing and managing diseases of the internal organs.
How is an internist different from my regular veterinarian?
Internists complete additional residency training and have access to specialized equipment and procedures for complex cases.
What does ACVIM certification mean?
It means the veterinarian has completed advanced training and passed rigorous examinations through the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
Do internists perform procedures?
Yes. Our internists perform endoscopy, bronchoscopy, cystoscopy, laser lithotripsy, and stenting procedures.
Can an internist help with Valley Fever?
Yes. Our internists have extensive experience diagnosing and managing Valley Fever in dogs and cats.
Will my pet continue seeing my family veterinarian?
Yes. We partner with your family veterinarian and share detailed reports after every visit.
How do I schedule an internal medicine consultation?
Ask your veterinarian for a referral, then call us at (480) 819-8630 to schedule.
Expert Care for Complex Medical Conditions
Call Salt River Veterinary Specialists at (480) 819-8630 or request an appointment online to schedule an internal medicine consultation.