Board-certified Small Animal Internists

Why does my animal need to see a Board-certified Small Animal Internist?
Commonly called Internists, these Specialists focus on diagnosing and treating diseases of the internal systems. Where the diagnosis is known, an Internist may confirm the diagnosis and treatment, providing piece of mind. If a diagnosis is proving elusive or therapy is not proving effective, the Internist may be better able to find the diagnosis or adjust treatment plans to get your animal back to health. Examples of conditions for which your family veterinarian might refer your animal to an Internist are:

• Anemia or other bleeding disorders
  
  
• Chronic vomiting or diarrhea
  
  
• Complicated pancreatic disease
  
  
• Coughing & other breathing problems
  
  
• Endocrine disease (adrenal tumors, complicated diabetes, thyroid disorders)
  
  
• Infectious disease
  
  
• Kidney or bladder disease
  
  
• Liver inflammation
  
  
• Unexplained weight loss

What should I expect during a visit with Dr. Rizzo?
Dr. Rizzo will perform a complete and thorough physical examination of your pet, and based on these initial findings, additional tests will be discussed. Depending on your pet's condition, diagnostic testing or treatments may include:
  

• Advanced laboratory testing of various tissue and blood samples.
  
  
• Diagnostic Imaging - ultrasound, radiography (x-rays), CT scans, MRIs
  
  
• Biopsies of masses, internal organs, or bone marrow
  
  
• Endoscopy - bronchoscopy (lungs), colonoscopy (bladder & urethra), gastroduodenoscopy (stomach & upper intestines), rhinoscopy (nasal cavity), laparoscopy (minimally invasive surgery for biopsies of internal organs)
  
  
• Feeding tube placement
  
  
• Nutrition consultations