Question 1

What is a veterinary specialist?

Accepted Answer

In human medicine, you have a primary care doctor. If there are certain diseases that require further diagnostics or management, they will refer to a specialist. Animals have this option as well. Veterinary specialists complete additional years of training in their specialty.

Question 2

What should I bring to my appointment?

Accepted Answer

Please fast your pet the day of the appointment. No food after midnight, but water is always permitted.

If your patient is a diabetic, please let us know prior to your appointment so we can give you specific instructions.

Please bring a list of all medications, doses, and frequency that your pet has taken in the last 2 months.

Question 3

What do we do?

Accepted Answer

Reasons for a referral include, but are not limited to diseases such as: 
 • Inflammatory bowel disease
 • Chronic or acute hepatitis
 • Bronchitis/tracheal collapse
 • Asthma
 • Rhinitis
 • Infectious diseases (for example fungal, tick-borne, viral, and bacterial diseases)
 • Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism
 • Diabetes
 • Fever of unknown origin
 • Blood disorders such as anemia
 • Acute or chronic kidney failure
 • And more

Question 4

What should I be looking for at home?

Accepted Answer

• Increased drinking and/or urination
 • Chronic diarrhea
 • Acute or chronic vomiting
 • Coughing or sneezing (acute or chronic)
 • Changes in appetite
 • Changes in overall demeanor
 • Unintentional weight gain or loss

Question 5

What can I expect from my first visit?

Accepted Answer

We understand that seeing a veterinary specialist means your pet is sick. We do our very best to ensure that this is as stress free for both you and your pet as possible.

Upon arrival, one of our veterinary nurses will take a thorough history. Vital signs and a full physical exam will be performed. Dr. Rittenberg will have reviewed your pet's medical records and together with the above will consult regarding the best plan moving forward. This may include further blood or urine testing, abdominal ultrasound, radiographs, or other diagnostics. We will determine the best plan for you and your pet together.

Question 6

Will I still see my primary veterinarian?

Accepted Answer

Our goal for your pet is to see us for conditions pertaining to internal medicine only. We will work with you and your primary veterinarian to ensure that you feel that all your needs are met with us while still maintaining the important relationship you have formed with your primary veterinarian.

Question 7

Do I need a referral?

Accepted Answer

A referral from your veterinarian, while not required, ensures that you are seeking the correct specialist for your pet’s medical concern.

Question 8

What are your hours of operation?

Accepted Answer

We are open Monday-Thursday 8am-4pm.

Question 9

What is a veterinary internist?

Accepted Answer

A veterinary internist is a veterinarian that has completed advanced training in the field of internal medicine. In veterinary medicine, an internist is trained in a number of different body systems to put the pieces of the puzzle together. Using history, trends, physical exam findings, and other diagnostics, an internist will help diagnose and manage a range of diseases.

Question 10

What happens during an abdominal ultrasound?

Accepted Answer

An ultrasound is a type of non-invasive imaging that uses sound waves to reflect an image of internal organs.

We will have your pet lie on their back or side and shave the belly to get the best image possible. Most animals do not require sedation for this procedure.

Ultrasound images help us detect changes to the internal organs that suggest certain disease states.

Based on this imaging, further diagnostics or treatments may be recommended.

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