24/7 Emergency
Jump To Section
Internal Medicine
At CARE, our dedicated internal medicine team is here to support your pet’s well-being through every step of its health journey. We understand that seeing your pet unwell can be stressful. Our team of experienced specialists is equipped with cutting-edge diagnostic capabilities and extensive knowledge to diagnose and understand complex medical issues. We work collaboratively to develop personalized treatment plans and provide comprehensive management, even for the most challenging cases.
Additionally, our internal medicine specialists are experts in
- Diagnosing challenging cases: When a pet’s condition is not straightforward, our specialists step in.
- Managing chronic conditions: We provide long-term care for conditions like diabetes and kidney disease.
- Utilizing advanced diagnostics: We have access to sophisticated tools like ultrasounds, video fluoroscopy, angiograms and Computerized Tomography (CT) scans for accurate diagnoses.
- Performing specialized procedures: Our specialists can perform minimally invasive procedures like endoscopy, tracheal and urinary stent placement and lithotripsy for treatment and diagnosis.
We believe in open communication and will keep you informed every step of the way. You can trust our team to be a dedicated partner, working collaboratively with your primary veterinarian to develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your pet’s individual needs and preferences.
The internal medicine team focuses on the intricate workings of various body systems. This includes:
- Gastrointestinal (GI) tract: This includes the esophagus, stomach, intestines and pancreas.
- Hepatic: This includes liver and gallbladder.
- Urinary tract: This includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra.
- Endocrine system: This includes organs like the thyroid gland, adrenal glands and pituitary gland, which produce hormones.
- Respiratory system: This includes the lungs, trachea and bronchi.
- Vascular system: This includes the blood vessels and lymphatic system.
- Immune system: This includes the body’s defense system against infection and disease.
If your pet is admitted for hospitalization at CARE, please review our Admissions Guide to help answer questions about your pet’s stay.
Conditions We Treat
Our internal medicine specialists have expertise in diagnosing and treating a wide range of complex medical conditions, including:
- Digestive disorders: Vomiting, regurgitation, diarrhea, constipation, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Liver disease: Liver infections, hepatitis, liver dysfunction, liver failure
- Kidney disease: Chronic kidney disease (CKD), acute kidney injury (AKI)
- Urinary tract disorders: Infections (UTIs), ectopic ureters, management of bladder stones
- Endocrine disorders: Diabetes, thyroid disease, Cushing’s disease, Addison’s disease
- Respiratory problems: Asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis, tracheal collapse, sneezing, nasal discharge
- Infectious disorders: Bacterial, fungal, viral and parasitic infections
- Immune-mediated diseases: Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, immune-mediated thrombocytopenia, immune-mediated polyarthritis and other autoimmune disorders
Diagnostics We Use/Services We Provide
To diagnose your pet’s condition accurately, we may utilize various advanced diagnostic tools, such as
- Thorough physical exams: The bedrock of good veterinary care
- Advanced bloodwork and urinalysis: Tests that detect abnormalities in blood cell counts, electrolytes and organ function
- Infectious disease testing: Blood titers, PCR testing, organism testing
- Imaging tests: X-rays, ultrasounds, video fluoroscopy, contrast study, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and Computerized Tomography (CT) scans can provide detailed images of your pet’s internal organs.
- Endoscopy: Minimally invasive procedure that allows visualization of the inside of your pet’s digestive tract, respiratory tract, urinary tract or other internal organs
- Cytology: Collecting cells from organs for microscopic examination by a pathologist
- Biopsies: Taking a small tissue sample for microscopic examination to help diagnose specific diseases
Internal medicine specialists offer a wide range of treatments, depending on your pet’s specific condition. These may include:
- Medications: Antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, pain management medications and hormone replacement therapy
- Dietary changes: Special diets for pets with specific needs, such as kidney disease or allergies
- Fluid therapy: Intravenous or subcutaneous fluids to support hydration
- Endoscopic procedures: Minimally invasive procedures to diagnose or treat problems within the digestive tract or other internal organs
- Endoscopic foreign body removal: Esophageal, stomach and airway
- Lithotripsy: Minimally invasive procedures to address some bladder stones
- Minimally invasive stent placement: Tracheal stents, bronchial stents and urinary stents to address airway collapse or lower urinary tract obstruction
Working Together for Your Pet’s Health
At CARE, internal medicine thrives on a collaborative spirit. Our team works closely with other specialists within the facility, ensuring your pet receives the most comprehensive and coordinated care possible.
contact us or call (704) 457-2300.
Internal Medicine FAQ
(hidden)
Why might my pet need to see an internal medicine specialist?
An internal medicine specialist can offer advanced diagnostics and treatment for a variety of conditions. A pet may benefit from seeing an internal medicine specialist if she has
- A complex or chronic medical condition
- A condition that has not responded well to initial treatment from their primary veterinarian
- A need for advanced diagnostic testing or procedures
What are some common signs that my pet might need to see an internal medicine specialist?
- Vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation for more than a few days
- Anemia and other blood-related illnesses
- Difficulty breathing or coughing
- Excessive thirst or urination
- Weight loss or lack of appetite
- Lethargy or weakness
- Blood in the urine or stool
- Unexplained weight loss
- Difficulty eating or swallowing
What are the benefits of seeing a veterinary internal medicine specialist?
Advanced care for your pet: Internal medicine specialists have advanced training and experience in diagnosing and treating complex medical conditions. CARE is committed to providing advanced medical care and has advanced diagnostics which may not be available at your primary care veterinarian.
Should my pet see our primary veterinarian first, or should I come directly to CARE?
Always start by contacting your primary veterinarian. Your family vet can assess your pet’s condition and determine if a referral to an internal medicine specialist is needed.
Are you accepting new patients?
Absolutely! We are happy to welcome new patients to our veterinary practice. The internal medicine service is a referral-only service. We will need a referral from your primary care veterinarian before scheduling an appointment. If you’d like to schedule an appointment for your pet, you can call us at (704) 457-2300.
What should I expect during my first appointment with an internal medicine specialist?
During your first appointment, the medical team will
- Take a detailed history of your pet’s health, including any recent illnesses, medications, and lifestyle information
- Perform a thorough physical examination of your pet
- Review physical exam findings, concerns and possible causes for your pet’s clinical signs
- Discuss any diagnostic tests they recommend and answer any questions you may have
What should I bring to my internal medicine appointment?
Your CARE medical team makes every effort to obtain previous medical records prior to your appointment. To help with this, please be sure to bring any relevant medical records to your first appointment. Most importantly, bringing a list of current medications including dose and frequency is helpful to your medical team.
Your pet should come with you to your appointment. This will allow the specialist to perform a complete physical exam and additional diagnostics as warranted. Additionally, North Carolina requires in-person visits to establish a Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR). A VCPR is required for a veterinarian to prescribe medications and make sound medical recommendations.
Should I give my pet’s medications before their appointment?
Typically, we ask that you fast your pet before appointments to ensure accuracy in the diagnostics that will be performed. Contact us for specific guidance. Since each pet’s situation is unique, please call CARE Internal Medicine at least 72 hours before your appointment to discuss your pet’s medications. We can advise you on whether to continue or withhold medications for your pet’s specific case.
Will my pet need to be hospitalized?
The need for hospitalization depends on your pet’s specific condition and the treatment plan. Some conditions may require hospitalization for intensive care or monitoring, while others may be managed on an outpatient basis.
How much will it cost to see an internal medicine specialist?
The cost of care will vary depending on your pet’s specific needs and the services provided. Before moving forward with diagnostics and treatments, your team will discuss options with you and provide you with an estimate.
How will I be notified of my pet's test results?
Your specialist will typically discuss test results with you during your pet’s appointment or shortly thereafter. We may also contact you by phone or email with results.
Will my primary care veterinarian continue to be involved in my pet’s care?
Providing your pet with optimal care is a team effort between your primary care veterinarian, your specialist and yourself. As such, your primary care veterinarian will continue to be involved in your pet’s care. CARE is committed to strong relationships with your primary care veterinarian. We will always share medical records with the referring veterinarian.
My primary care veterinarian has submitted a referral to an internal medicine specialist. How do I schedule an appointment?
That’s great! Having a referral to a veterinary internal medicine specialist is a positive step towards advanced care for your pet. Once a referral has been made, please contact one of our friendly client service representatives who will aid you in scheduling an appointment. Our team can be reached by calling (704) 457-2300. Please plan for your initial appointment to take approximately three hours for consultation and initial diagnostics.
My internal medicine specialist is board certified. What does that mean?
Board certification is a rigorous credentialing system veterinary internal medicine specialists go through to enhance their education and experience and to bring you the most current knowledge and skills. For more detailed information, you can visit the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) website, which provides an overview of board certification in veterinary specialties.
Our Internal Medicine Doctors
Vet Tech Profiles
Shelley Lander, RVT
Internal Medicine Service Lead
Job responsibilities
Perform various treatments and tests on hospitalized patients. Place IV catheters/central lines and do venous blood draws. Assist with ultrasounds and scoping procedures. Facilitate new patients and recheck exams. Field incoming phone calls. Create a technician schedule and ensure the day’s exams/procedures flow well.
Vet Tech education
Associates of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology of Gaston College (she was in the program’s first graduating class).
Hometown
Originally from Chillicothe, Ohio, I spent 15 years in Columbus and moved to CLT in 1988. “I now call NC my home.”
Pets
Blu (Blue Heeler/Border Collie cross) and Trouble (Blue Heeler). “You may have seen their crazy but sweet faces around the clinic.”
Hobbies
Reading, walking/hiking, gardening (flowers/indoor plants), and binge-watching any documentary.
The best part of her job
“Watching a patient’s health improve. I love to see that first tail wag or the spark in their eyes when they start feeling better. When I can see them make that curve, and their tail wags, there’s no better feeling.”
Her favorite thing when she’s not at work
“Finding new places to explore and hike – chasing waterfalls. I love going to South Mountain and Crowder’s Mountain. I can’t pick a favorite waterfall because they’re all beautiful and unique.”
Favorite movies about animals/pets
“‘Dumbo.’ It’s all about the fact that the little guy is being bullied and learns that you are better than they expect. and ‘Charlotte’s Web,’ the special bond between Charlotte and the little pig is so strong. It teaches him so much about living after a loss.”
Originally posted as part of CARE’s celebration of National Veterinary Technician Week (Oct. 16-22, 2022).
Videos
Our advanced medical center for pets is open 24/7, so pets with internal medicine needs—such as diabetes, kidney disease, gastrointestinal disorders, or hormonal imbalances—can receive expert care the moment it’s needed. Whether it’s a sudden change in symptoms, overnight monitoring, or ongoing management of a chronic illness, our experienced veterinarians and highly-trained nursing staff are here around the clock to provide continuity, precision, and peace of mind—day or night.
CARE at Night
Recent Internal Medicine Blog Posts
Chronic kidney disease in pets (CKD) can be a frustrating condition. Many pets show no signs of illness at home; cats are especially good at masking issues until a problem becomes advanced. The disease can be slowed and managed but neither cured nor reversed. Some...
Your veterinarian just told you that your pet has elevated liver values. That doesn’t necessarily indicate liver disease, but it does mean a specialist has to do detective work to find the cause of abnormal results and tailor a treatment plan. The good news is that...
Once a pet has been diagnosed with cancer, owners and doctors enter a close relationship. Initial procedures happen at a facility such as CARE, but owners must follow up with further appointments and/or at-home treatments. Caring for a pet with cancer at home is a...
Old age brings near-inevitable illness to every species. Sooner or later, cataracts cloud human eyes. Three-quarters of senior dogs suffer from heart disease. And kidneys begin to fail in cats, sometimes so dramatically that they develop chronic kidney disease (CKD),...
This month marks the ninth anniversary of the most advanced emergency and specialty care for pets in the Charlotte region, CARE. Since 2015, CARE has been the vision of three veterinary specialists: surgeon Laura Dvorak, neurologist/neurosurgeon Amy Fauber, and...
According to the National Cancer Institute, more than one out of every 20 living Americans has survived cancer. Chemotherapy, sometimes along with radiation or surgery, has saved them. But what about pets who get cancer? There, too, chemotherapy for pets can be a...