QUESTIONS ABOUT INTERNAL MEDICINE
What is a Veterinary Specialty Internist?
Veterinarians who have successfully completed a residency over several years, and have met the certification requirements of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) are considered Diplomates. These requirements include intensive training under the supervision of current ACVIM diplomates and passing a rigorous multi-day exam. Upon completion of this program, this veterinarian is truly considered a specialist in Internal Medicine.
When is the Internal Medicine Department available for appointments?
We are in the hospital Monday through Thursday 8:00 am- 4:30pm. Appointments are scheduled between 9:00am and 3:00pm depending on the type of case. Appointments can be made by calling our front desk at 781-684-8387.
If I see the Internist, will she become my primary care veterinarian?
No. The internist will work with your regular veterinarian to provide the best care for your pet.
How far in advanced do I need to make an appointment?
Most of the time we can get you in within the week
What types of services does the Internal Medicine Department offer?
We specialize in treatment of endocrine and gastrointestinal, renal, respiratory and immune mediated and infectious diseases, but treat all types of diseases and illness that are chronic and need additional diagnostics. Some of these are laboratory testing, Radiographic studies, ultrasound & CT Scan (in combination with radiology), endoscopy, bone marrow aspirates, tracheal washes, blood product transfusions, organ biopsy evaluations to name a few.
What do I need to bring or do before my appointment?
Please have your regular veterinarian send all pertinent medical records, including referral letter with any diagnostics to our Internal Medicine Department either by fax (781-890-2871), email info@vescone.com or through our online referral form before your appointment. Please allow sufficient time for your appointment. We may have you wait while the results of some testing are accomplished so that she can speak with you about the recommended treatment options based on test results.Please fast your pet prior to the appointment so that any blood samples that are needed can be drawn the same day of your appointment.
Do I need to leave my pet with you during your exam?
The appointment is with you and your pet. Should we need to do any additional diagnostics such as radiographs or an ultrasound, we may need to have your pet stay with us for a few hours. We ask that you tell us your time constraints before the appointment, if possible. Another option is to return another day for any additional diagnostics or treatments as we will try to accommodate you within 24-48 hrs of your initial appointment.
Will my pet need anesthesia for any of these tests?
Sometimes anesthesia is needed and we will discuss this with you in detail before any procedure is performed.
How much do some of these tests cost?
Some of the diagnostic tests done on your pet are specialized and can cost more than routine care at your family veterinarian. This is because of the equipment and special skills needed to know what types of tests to run, and perform properly and how to interpret them. These are often very necessary to enable us to know learn what your pet’s illness is and how to make him better.
What should I expect if my pet is hospitalized?
All pets while hospitalized are in our ICU under the constant care of a doctor and nursing team. Each day, all of our doctors in each service will examine all patients to check their progress and their owners will be contacted daily to provide information about their pets. Please be sure to provide appropriate phone number information and times when it is best to reach you.
What are your visiting hours?
Our usual visiting hours at VESCONE are from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily. Visitation outside these hours can be arranged by speaking with the attending doctor. Visitation in the Intensive Care Unit is limited in duration and must be arranged in coordination with the ICU staff.