Internal Medicine

Internal medicine is a very extensive field. In our referral center, we cover this entire area of internal medicine as comprehensively as possible. Veterinarians who have intensively specialized at the highest level for many years in the fields of internal medicine, oncology, neurology, cardiology, and anesthesia on a European level, offer your pet care that is up-to-date with the latest scientific advancements. In treating your pet, their well-being is our top priority.

Clinical Pictures in Internal Medicine

We offer comprehensive diagnostics and therapy for internal medicine patients, utilizing state-of-the-art imaging technologies and laboratory facilities. Using ultrasound, changes in the abdominal and chest areas can be examined gently and non-invasively, while our expert in diagnostic imaging evaluates X-ray, MRI, and CT scans immediately. We have a wide range of endoscopy equipment that enables bronchoscopy, rhinoscopy, gastroscopy, colonoscopy, rectoscopy, and cystoscopy (examinations of the trachea and bronchi, nose, stomach, small and large intestines, and bladder).

For the internal medicine consultation, a detailed preliminary report is essential in the first instance. Details that may seem small and unimportant to you as an owner can be crucial for us internists in making a diagnosis. Therefore, you can support us by providing the preliminary report as comprehensively as possible. Additionally, brief video or audio recordings of any noticeable symptoms can often convey more information than a hundred words.

Of utmost importance to us are the examinations that have already been conducted on your pet beforehand, whether blood tests, fecal/urine tests, X-rays, or ultrasound images. The more complete these preliminary examinations are available to us before your first appointment, the more information we have and unnecessary tests can be avoided, ultimately benefiting your pet. Each examination entails a certain level of stress for our patients, which we naturally strive to minimize as much as possible.

Please assist us by sending all previous findings to the following email address at least 24 hours before your initial appointment: info@frontier.vet. This way, specialists like us can familiarize ourselves with your case beforehand and prepare optimally for you and your pet.

The basis for evaluating internal medicine patients includes, after obtaining the preliminary report, the general examination of the animal. During this examination, the patient’s overall condition is assessed, including their nutritional and grooming status, skin, and coat. Clinically important parameters we measure include heart and respiratory rate, as well as internal body temperature. We also check the color and moisture of the mucous membranes, assess circulation including pulse measurement, and palpate the abdominal organs and lymph nodes. This examination is completely painless. You as the owner will be present during this examination and can provide comforting reassurance to the animal if needed.

We strive to accommodate the specific needs of each individual patient as best as possible. For example, some anxious patients prefer to be examined on the owner’s lap rather than on the examination table.

Based on previous findings, the preliminary report, and the clinical examination, we as veterinarians will discuss calmly with you as the owner which further diagnostic tests are sensible and necessary in the individual case.

The most important part of the appointment is usually the comprehensive preliminary report (anamnesis). Our internist will conduct a detailed conversation with you and ask some questions. Please bring all results of previous examinations, as well as important information regarding your pet’s vaccination and deworming status.

Following this, a thorough clinical examination of your pet will be conducted.

Depending on the issue, laboratory tests and imaging procedures are often performed next. The latter include: X-rays, ultrasound, cross-sectional imaging (CT, MRI), and endoscopy. Additional appointments may be necessary for these procedures. Some of these examinations are conducted under sedation or anesthesia. A highly specialized anesthetist is always available to monitor the sleeping patients closely.

Many test results are available immediately and can be discussed directly with you. For other tests, we rely on external laboratories. We will discuss these results with you as quickly as possible in the following days, either by phone or email.

Once all examination results are received, an individualized treatment plan will be discussed with you. This plan may involve medications, a special diet, or even a surgical procedure.

For many internal medicine conditions, continuous follow-up care is essential. Therefore, follow-up appointments will typically be necessary. As we are a referral center, our concept is to release the patients back to the care of the referring veterinarian once a diagnosis is made and a treatment plan is established, provided they are stable. The referring veterinarian can then continue treatment with appropriate monitoring, with the option to correspond with us as needed.

Dr. Désirée Ballhausen

Senior Physician Internal Medicine
DECVIM-CA (Internal Medicine)
EBVS European Veterinary Specialist in Small Animal Internal Medicine
Fachtierärtzin für Innere Medizin der Kleintiere

 

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or need assistance. We are happy to help you. 

e-Mail: info@frontier.vet
phone: +49 (0) 89 904 29 56-0