VIMS
Veterinary Internal Medicine Specialist
Referral service for cats & dogs
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Diplomate of ACVIM
American boarded specialist
Advanced diagnostics & minimal invasive diagnostic modalities
Advanced diagnostic is usually needed for more complicated cases. Internist received advanced training in each of these modalities. They will formulate an individual diagnostic plan for each patient.
Blood testing: Many test results are influenced by the timing of sampling, particular medication or other diseases. Therefore it is essential to review tests critical and plan them accurately.
Ultrasound: This is the most often used modality by internists. Ultrasound is very safe and allows to view the inner organs for structural change. If organ disease is suspected the ultrasound examination will lead the way in the workup.
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Ultrasound-guided organ sampling:
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Needle aspiration: This involves the aspiration of organs with a small needle under ultrasound control. It allows the sampling from cells and examination under the microscope. It can be very helpful if certain round cell cancer or infectious disease are suspected. ​
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Needle biopsy: This involves taking a small tissue sample with a biopsy needle. The sample allows the review of the architecture of the diseased organ with the cells surrounding structural tissue. Which cases are eligible for this procedure will need to be assessed by the internist first.
Endoscopy: An endoscope is a long, thin, flexible tube that has a light source and camera at one end. Images of the inside of the body are relayed to a television screen and biopsies can be taken via a biopsy channel without the need for surgery. The great advantages of endoscopy are that it is non- invasive, the pets are able to go home the same day and most therapies can be started right after the procedure. Dr Saskia Quante offers endoscopy of the upper & lower gastrointestinal tract, upper and lower respiratory tract and the lower urogenital tract.
Computertomographie: CT allows to view the inner organs in detail. It allows a great overview in larger dogs where ultrasound has its limits. Further, it is very helpful in assessing the vascular system, bones and structures of the chest where the ultrasound is not able to see all parts. Ultrasound and Ct often act complementary in the diagnosis of diseases.