A veterinary internal medicine specialist, or vet internist, is a vet with several years of advanced training in diagnosing and managing complex diseases of the internal organs. If your pet has a puzzling illness, a chronic condition that is hard to control, or needs advanced diagnostics like endoscopy, your general vet may refer you to one.
This guide is part of our guide to veterinary specialists.
What does a vet internist treat?
| Body system | Examples |
|---|---|
| Hormones (endocrine) | Diabetes that is hard to regulate, Cushing’s disease, Addison’s disease, thyroid disease |
| Kidneys and urinary tract | Chronic kidney disease, recurrent infections, bladder stones, protein loss in urine |
| Digestive system and liver | Chronic vomiting or diarrhoea, inflammatory bowel disease, liver disease, pancreatitis |
| Blood and immune system | Anaemia, immune-mediated diseases, clotting disorders |
| Respiratory system | Chronic cough, airway disease, nasal disease |
| Infectious disease | Complex or unusual infections, including tick-borne diseases |
Some internal medicine specialists also focus on related fields such as cardiology, oncology or neurology.
When to ask for a referral
- Your pet has symptoms without a clear diagnosis after initial tests.
- A chronic condition is not responding to treatment.
- Your vet recommends procedures such as endoscopy, advanced ultrasound or specialised testing.
- Your pet has more than one complex condition interacting.
- You want a second opinion on a serious diagnosis.
What to expect at a referral appointment
- The specialist reviews records and test results from your vet before you arrive.
- A long consultation covers history and a thorough exam.
- The specialist proposes a diagnostic plan with an estimate.
- Tests may include specialised blood tests, abdominal ultrasound, endoscopy with biopsies, or hormone testing.
- Results and a treatment plan are shared with you and your regular vet, who usually continues routine care.
Training and credentials
In the US and Canada, board-certified internists are Diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM). In Europe, the equivalent is the European College (ECVIM). Board certification typically follows a veterinary degree, an internship, a multi-year residency and a demanding exam. Other countries, including India, have postgraduate (MVSc and PhD) qualifications in veterinary medicine.
How to find one
- Ask your vet for a referral; they often know local specialists.
- Search specialty college directories where available.
- Check veterinary college teaching hospitals, which often have internal medicine departments.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral to see an internist?
Many specialists prefer or require a referral so they receive your pet’s history and test results.
Is a specialist visit expensive?
Specialist consultations and advanced tests cost more than general practice. Ask for an estimate. See our vet costs guide and help paying vet bills.
Related guides
This guide is general information for pet owners and is not a substitute for an examination by a licensed veterinarian. If your pet is unwell, contact your vet.
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