Arthrocentesis is the sampling of joint fluid. This is typically done in dogs and cats with lameness secondary to joint disease. Most causes of joint effusion (excessive fluid in joints) are immune-mediated polyarthritis (IMPA), joint infection, and tick borne diseases. The diagnosis of IMPA is based on the sampling of multiple joints. Findings include inflammation without evidence of bacterial infection on culture. Rarely fungal disease (e.g. blastomycosis) and cancer may be found in the joint. Treatment of septic arthritis (infected joint) is based on chronic aggressive antibiotic therapy. While treatment of IMPA is based on chronic immuneosuppressants to help prevent that body from continuing to attack the joints.
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Internal Medicine

The Internal Medicine department is committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care for you and your pet. 

Internal Medicine Specialists obtain additional training to diagnose and manage complex disease processes. Internists have extensive knowledge regarding the diagnostic evaluation and management of pets with immune-mediated disease, endocrine disorders, infectious diseases, respiratory disease, kidney/urogenital disease, liver disease, gastrointestinal disease, heart disease, bone marrow disorders, cancer, and age-related conditions.

The Internal Medicine team utilizes our on-site digital radiography, ultrasound, CT, and our in-house laboratory as well as outside reference laboratories when needed. Internal Medicine Specialists are adept at using a wide array of endoscopic procedures including rhinoscopy, bronchoscopy, cystoscopy, gastrointestinal endoscopy to evaluate specific areas and obtain samples. Internists may also employ minimally invasive diagnostic procedures such as joint fluid collection, cerebrospinal fluid tap, mass biopsies and bone marrow collection for additional information. Internists are trained to analyze this diagnostic data in relation to the clinical picture and develop a treatment plan for your pet.

Consultations with the internal medicine team can be made by referral from your family veterinarian. We look forward to participating in your pet’s care.
 

Our Internal Medicine Services

Abdominocentesis
Arthrocentesis
Bronchoalveolar lavage BAL
Bronchoscopy

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