Internal Medicine
Wondering whether internal medicine is the right next step? Our team can help you understand how to get started.
Contact COVE
Clarity for complex cases
More than a single symptom.
Veterinary internal medicine focuses on diseases affecting the body’s internal systems and organs. COVE’s experienced, board-certified internists evaluate the full picture when an illness is persistent, involves multiple systems, or needs specialized testing.
We work closely with your family veterinarian to review previous findings, choose targeted diagnostics, and build a practical treatment or management plan for your pet.
Conditions we investigate
When the answer is not obvious.
Internal medicine can help when symptoms recur, treatment is not working as expected, or several health concerns may be connected.
Digestive disease
Vomiting, diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease, colitis, appetite loss, and other ongoing gastrointestinal concerns.
Hormonal disorders
Diabetes and other endocrine conditions that require detailed testing, medication, and long-term monitoring.
Liver & kidney disease
Abnormal bloodwork, changes in thirst or urination, organ dysfunction, and chronic disease management.
Urinary concerns
Recurring infections, urinary changes, stones, inflammation, and complex lower or upper urinary tract disease.
Autoimmune disease
Immune-mediated conditions that can affect blood cells, joints, skin, organs, and overall wellbeing.
Calcium & electrolyte disorders
Hypercalcemia, hypocalcemia, and other imbalances that may point to a broader underlying problem.
Suspected cancer
Diagnostic evaluation of masses, abnormal imaging, unexplained weight loss, or concerning laboratory results.
Pre-surgical assessment
Medical evaluation and stabilization when another health condition may affect anesthesia or surgery.
Advanced diagnostics
A closer look, with less guesswork.
Our internists use routine and advanced diagnostics to understand what is happening inside your pet and guide the next decision.
Ultrasound
Non-invasive imaging used to evaluate the size, shape, texture, and function of organs and tissues.
Endoscopy & colonoscopy
A flexible camera allows our team to examine the gastrointestinal tract and, when appropriate, retrieve a foreign body or collect a biopsy.
Ultrasound-guided sampling
Targeted aspirates and biopsies collect tissue or cells for further evaluation while helping avoid more invasive surgery.
Endotracheal washes
A respiratory procedure that collects samples to help evaluate disease affecting the lungs and airways.
Feeding tube placement & management
Nutritional support for pets who cannot or will not eat enough because of illness.
Meet the team
Expertise for complex cases.
Meet COVE’s two internal medicine specialists. Anisha, RVT, provides dedicated support as a member of Dr. Surman’s team.
Anisha
Dedicated technical support throughout diagnostic procedures, treatment, and communication.
Listed as a member of Dr. Surman’s internal medicine team.
Helpful resources
Internal Medicine Guides
Clear, practical information about specialist care, diagnostic testing, chronic symptoms, and conditions commonly managed by veterinary internists.
Understanding Internal Medicine
Symptoms and Diagnostic Testing
These guides are educational and do not replace an examination or diagnosis by a veterinarian.
What to expect
A focused path forward.
Every case is different. The goal is always the same: understand the problem, explain the options, and help you make an informed decision.
Start with the history
We review symptoms, previous testing, medications, diet, and how your pet has responded to treatment.
Choose targeted diagnostics
Your internist recommends the tests most likely to answer the important questions without testing simply for the sake of testing.
Leave with clear next steps
We explain findings and options, then coordinate the plan with you, your family veterinarian, and other COVE specialists when needed.