Internal Medicine
Veterinary Internal Medicine is a specialized field within veterinary medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting internal organ systems in animals. Internal medicine veterinarians, also known as veterinary internists, are highly trained specialists who deal with complex medical conditions that often require in-depth knowledge of various organ systems.
Veterinary internal medicine services encompass a wide range of diagnostic and treatment modalities to address complex medical issues in animals. These specialists play a crucial role in promoting the health and well-being of pets by providing thorough and advanced medical care.
Diagnostic Services:
- Advanced Imaging: Veterinary internists use sophisticated imaging techniques such as ultrasound, X-rays, and CT scans to visualize internal organs and identify abnormalities.
- Endoscopy: This involves the use of a flexible tube with a camera to examine the internal structures like the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system, or urinary system.
Disease Management:
- Gastrointestinal Disorders: Diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the stomach, intestines, liver, and pancreas, such as inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, and liver diseases.
- Endocrine Disorders: Management of hormonal imbalances, including diseases related to the thyroid, adrenal glands, and diabetes mellitus.
- Respiratory Diseases: Evaluation and treatment of respiratory conditions like asthma, pneumonia, and bronchitis.
- Renal (Kidney) Disorders: Diagnosis and management of kidney diseases and urinary tract disorders.
- Hematological Disorders: Treatment of blood-related disorders such as anemia, clotting disorders, and immune-mediated diseases.
Infectious Disease Management:
- Vector-Borne Diseases: Identification and treatment of diseases transmitted by parasites like ticks and mosquitoes.
- Bacterial, Viral, and Fungal Infections: Diagnosis and management of various infectious diseases affecting internal organs.
Collaboration with Specialists:
We often collaborate with other specialists both internal to Boreal (ex. surgery, cardiology, oncology) and external (ex. dermatology), to provide comprehensive care for patients with complex medical conditions.
Chronic Disease Management:
Long-term Care: Many conditions managed by internal medicine veterinarians require ongoing care and monitoring. This may involve the development of customized treatment plans and lifestyle modifications.
Client Education:
Internists work closely with pet owners to educate them about their pet's condition, treatment options, and the importance of ongoing care.
Our Board Certified Internal Medicine Specialists
Dr. Sarah Flint, DVM, DVSc, Diplomate ACVIM
Board Certified Small Animal Internal Medicine SpecialistDr. Sarah Flint started her journey in veterinary medicine at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon, graduating in 2005 with the class gold medal. This was followed by a rotating internship at Washington State University, during which time she developed an interest in internal medicine.
Sarah completed her residency in Small Animal Internal Medicine at the University of Guelph (Ontario Veterinary College) in 2010, during which time she completed a Doctor of Veterinary Science degree. Her research projects involved the implementation of thromboelastography at the Ontario Veterinary College and evaluating its utility in dogs with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia. She became a Diplomate of the College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in 2010.
Sarah has been a member of the Edmonton veterinary community since 2010 and enjoys all aspects of internal medicine, particularly endoscopy, gastrointestinal disease, and auto-immune disease. When not at work, Sarah is a hockey mom, an avid equestrian and loves to be outside.
Dr. Kenneth Cockwill, BSc, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM
Board Certified Small Animal Internal Medicine SpecialistDirector of Specialty Services
Dr. Kenneth Cockwill has been a registered specialist in small animal internal medicine since 2007, prioritizing excellent patient care, client communication and referral veterinarian interfacing.
Dr. Cockwill did his undergraduate degree at the University of Lethbridge in agricultural biotechnology. He earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon in 2003 before completing a small animal rotating internship in medicine and surgery. He then completed a residency in small animal medicine achieving specialty status in 2007.
Dr. Cockwill was a staff specialist from 2008 to 2012 at the University of Sydney in Australia, co-supervising a team of interns and residents specializing in feline medicine, as part of the credentialing process for the Australia New Zealand college of Veterinary Scientists.
Following the birth of his daughter, he returned to Canada with his wife to work as an internal medicine specialist in private practice. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his house full of one dog, four cats and one tortoise. He is often found biking and dog walking at Terwillegar Dog Park, running, skiing, and swimming.