Check-In and Appointment: 

Please allow 1-2 hours for the initial consulation.  Due to the critical nature of Internal Medicine, we do not accept drop-offs without an initial consultation.  If possible, please do not feed your pet the morning of the examination in case certain procedures need to be performed.  Water is allowed at all times.  If your pet has any specific dietary or medicine needs, please bring the appropriate items with you to the appointment.

Once you have checked in with the receptionist and the chart has been generated, an Internal Medicine technician will review your pet's medical information and current history.  Occassionally, we will need to contact your referring veterinarian for additional information on your pet.  Once all information is gathered, your doctor will come in to speak with you.  We may start diagnosis prior to the doctor's arrival (i.e. an ultrasound which your referring veterinarian requested) in an attempt to streamline the process.  Because it is common for emergencies which require immediate medical attention to show up, we apologize for any unforeseen delay in your original appointment time. 

Once the doctor has completed the exam, a plan of action, including diagnostics and therapeutics, will be discussed.  If x-rays or ultrasounds are performed, the results will be discussed with you.  Estimated fees, a consent form, and an explanation of hospital policies will be explained.

Our Internal Medicine doctors do not like to board the animal at our hospital unless it is absolutely necessary.  We try to keep the stress levels low for the whole family.  However, hospitalization is necessary in some cases.  While hospitalized, the doctor or technician will speak with you at least twice daily.  We ask that you call us around 9:30am and 4:00pm to get updates on your pet.  If the status of your pet changes, you will be notified immediately.  As the hospital has 24 hour care, you can call in at other times to check on your pet.  During hospitalization, we understand that the comfort of your pet is very important.  We provide all items necessary to care for and keep your animal comfortable.  Because personal items can easily get lost, we discourage leaving personal items for your pet during their hospitalization. 

Dismissal from the hospital:

Unfortunately, critically ill patients may be in the hospital for a long period of time.  Once your pet is ready to go home, we want to make the transition process as easy as possible.  Please allow at least 30 minutes for this process.  If your pet has more complicated problems such as a feeding tube or insulin injections, please allow an hour for this process.  During this process the staff will go over written discharge orders, medications to go home, and any other special instructions.  At this point, payment will be required.