Veterinary Internal Medicine for Your Pets
Pet patients sometimes develop the kind of complex internal illnesses and conditions that may require the specialized care of a veterinary internist. When your pet exhibits certain symptoms, your family veterinarian may recommend that you bring your pet to our Castle Rock board certified veterinary internist (internal medicine specialist) for help in diagnosing and treating both urgent and chronic illnesses.
The veterinary internal medicine specialty covers illnesses that involve your pet’s internal organs. These include the digestive system, kidneys, liver, lungs, spleen, and endocrine system (adrenal glands, thyroid, pancreas) as well as disorders of the blood, immune system, and infectious diseases.
We are pleased to share that board-certified Veterinary Internist Sarah M. Schmid, DVM, DACVIM has joined the Veterinary Specialists of the Rockies internal medicine department. As a board certified internist, Dr. Schmid is a veterinarian who has completed advanced study and training beyond veterinary school, including an internship and residency with a focus on diagnosis and therapy. She also completed a comprehensive examination to gain her certification.
Dr. Schmid will work with your family vet to provide the compassionate, seamless, internal medicine specialty care that your pet deserves. An appointment for your pet will entail a thorough examination and explanation of your pet’s condition and Dr. Schmid’s approach to diagnosis and treatment. As our in-house internal medicine pet “detective,” the doctor will use her extensive knowledge and state-of-the-art tools to diagnose the underlying cause or related causes of your pet’s illness and then provide treatment.
To help diagnose your pet’s illness, we may look at your pet’s internal systems as the possible source of internal illness or underlying conditions, including:
- Endocrine—For conditions including diabetes, thyroid, and other hormonal and metabolic disorders
- Digestive/Gastrointestinal—For conditions affecting the digestive system, including the stomach, liver, pancreas, and intestinal tract
- Hematologic—For conditions impacting the blood, bone marrow, liver, lymph nodes, spleen, or tonsils
- Immune—For disorders causing joint swelling, anemia, and other symptoms
- Renal and Urinary—For conditions affecting the kidneys and urinary tract that cause the body to be unable to flush toxins
- Respiratory—For conditions affecting the lungs and the upper airway
- And for the possibility of infectious diseases—These could be viral, fungal, bacterial, or insect-borne diseases
With the goal of maintaining or improving your pet’s quality of life, or to stabilize a chronic disease process, we may suggest therapeutic treatment. This could include prescribing a special medication or diet, or if oral nutrition is not possible, then intravenous nutrition or feeding tube placement may be recommended. Certain conditions may also require blood transfusions, supplemental oxygen, or other assistance.
If your pet exhibits multiple areas of concern, our Castle Rock veterinary hospital’s emergency and specialty care experts can provide additional assistance. We can also help you and your family veterinarian manage care and treat any pain that your pet may be experiencing.
My Pet Needs Internal Medicine Care. What Happens Next?
As pet parents ourselves, we understand that seeking treatment for a pet in distress can be stressful and we strive to provide compassionate care. Please consider us as a resource, and feel free to book an appointment directly with Dr. Schmid at Veterinary Specialists of the Rockies by calling 303.660.1027 (no referral is needed). Or feel free to have your family vet contact us. We are honored to be able to help pets and their people through these challenging times.
Dr. Schmid enjoys diagnostic puzzles and the challenge of managing the whole patient. Her specialist interests include gastrointestinal disease, hepatobiliary disease, kidney disease, and interventional procedures. She also has a passion for teaching, which she shares through giving continuing education lectures to the veterinary community and mentoring young veterinary professionals. Dr. Schmid has locumed at the University of Wisconsin and continues to stay active in research and scholarship.
Dr. Schmid has two adventurous cats, Penny and Koda, who have traveled with her across the country during her academic pursuits. Although originally from Wisconsin, they are excited to call Colorado their new home. Dr. Schmid spends her free time outside hiking, biking, and kayaking. She also enjoys creative pursuits such as painting, designing Halloween costumes, and musical theater.
To book an internal medicine appointment at Veterinary Specialists of the Rockies with Dr. Schmid, please contact us at 303.660.1027
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