Veterinary Internal Medicine by BluePearl Augusta GA

BluePearl Pet Hospital
Augusta, GA
Internal Medicine

Emergency and Specialty
706.733.7458
410 Topgolf Way Augusta, GA 30909
[email protected]
Emergency:
Mon-Thu: 24 hours
Fri: 12 am 7 am; 9 am-12 am
Sat & Sun: 24 hours
Specialty:
Tue-Fri by appointment
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Pet internal medicine by BluePearl.

A veterinarian examines a cat using a stethoscope.

Conditions treated

Learn which conditions our specialty team can help diagnose and treat, so your pet gets the right care for their needs.

Vet tech prepares dog for imaging

Success stories

Discover how other pets have overcome their diagnoses with specialized care, giving you hope for your pet’s recovery.

A veterinarian meets with a client and her medium sized white and grey dog in a comfortable, welcoming exam room.

Request appointment

Take the next step toward answers and treatment by scheduling a specialty consultation for your pet.

Advanced veterinary expertise you can trust.

We understand that seeing your pet experience unusual symptoms or act out of the ordinary can be stressful – especially if you don’t know what’s wrong. Fortunately, our veterinary internal medicine team is made up of experts in diagnosing and treating diseases of your pet’s various body systems, and we’re here to help. 

Our commitment is not just to treat illnesses; it’s to enhance the well-being of your pet and be with you every step of the way.

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Conditions we treat.

A BluePearl anesthesiology and pain management vet prepares to fix an anesthetic facemask on a yellow lab while a vet tech helps hold the dog on the exam table.

If your pet has an acute or chronic condition, you’ll have an entire internal medicine team helping to improve your pet’s quality of life so you can get back to what matters most – spending precious moments together.

  • Respiratory diseases like asthma in cats or bronchitis in dogs
  • Autoimmune diseases such as lupus or Addison’s disease
  • Gastrointestinal diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease or pancreatitis
  • Liver diseases like hepatic lipidosis or cirrhosis
  • Kidney diseases such as chronic urinary infection or renal failure
  • Endocrine diseases, including Cushing’s disease or diabetes mellitus
  • Hematologic diseases like hemolytic anemia or thrombocytopenia
  • Infectious diseases such as leptospirosis or blastomycosis

Services we offer.

Your pet will receive unparalleled medical care during their time at the hospital (and they’ll be spoiled with love and attention, too).

Advanced diagnostics

Your pet can’t tell us what’s wrong, so we use sophisticated diagnostics and imaging tools to uncover the cause of symptoms like fever, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite or other unexplained symptoms, helping your pet feel better faster.

  • Blood/urine testing
  • Radiography (x-rays) 
  • Ultrasound
  • Endoscopy
  • Biopsies

Treatment plans

Just as no two patients are the same, neither are their treatment plans. Our internal medicine team has experience with a range of advanced procedures and minimally invasive options to get your pet on the path to wellness, including:

  • Medication 
  • Nutritional support 
  • A variety of surgical options
A BluePearl veterinary internist interacts with a yellow dog while a vet tech helps hold them still and their owner looks on happily.
A BluePearl veterinary internist weighs a long-haired orange cat wearing a tuxedo collar.
Three BluePearl veterinary internists monitor a dog getting an MRI in progress.
A BluePearl veterinary internist holds a dog in her arms in an exam room.
A BluePearl veterinary internist crouches to examine a dog’s paw while a vet tech helps hold them still.
A BluePearl veterinary internist smiles while holding a black and white cat in her arms.

Our board certified specialists and internal medicine team.

Experience makes all the difference. 

Our internal medicine team is made up of veterinarians, vet technicians and assistants, and support staff with rigorous training and experience in specialty medicine. The team works hand in hand to provide the comprehensive, compassionate care your pet needs and deserves. Because we’re a multidisciplinary hospital, the team can consult the expertise of other specialty departments, too.

Candice Bailey

DVM, MS, DACVIM (SAIM)
Board Certified in Small Animal Internal Medicine
Internal Medicine
Servicing locations
BluePearl Pet Hospital Augusta, GA
Education
  • Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Small Animal Internal Medicine)
  • Residency, Small Animal Internal Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis
  • Master of Science, Veterinary Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis
  • Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, Michigan State University, East Lansing
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Tuskegee University, AL
  • Bachelor of Science, Biology, Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC

Diana McGovern

BVM&S, DACVIM (SAIM)
Board Certified in Small Animal Internal Medicine
Internal Medicine
Servicing locations
BluePearl Pet Hospital Augusta, GA
On the job

Dr. Diana McGovern enjoys building relationships with clients and their pets. She is particularly interested in gastrointestinal (GI) and liver diseases.

Education
  • Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Small Animal Internal Medicine)
  • Residency, Small Animal Internal Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge
  • Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, Kansas State University, Manhattan
  • Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, University of Glasgow, Scotland
  • Bachelor of Science, Microbiology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins
  • Associate of Arts, Business, University of Central Florida, Orlando
Off duty

Dr. McGovern is married with two daughters and many pets. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, visiting breweries, traveling to foreign countries and scuba diving.

Publications & Articles

Tristan K. Weinkle

DVM, DACVIM
Affiliated Veterinarian
Board Certified in Veterinary Internal Medicine
Internal Medicine
Servicing locations
BluePearl Pet Hospital Augusta, GA
Education
  • Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine
  • Residency, Small Animal Internal Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
  • Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, Angell Memorial Animal Hospital, Boston, MA
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
  • Bachelor of Science, Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
Call us at 706.733.7458

What to expect.

We want you to be prepared for your pet’s visit to the internist, so you have one less thing to worry about. Our entire BluePearl team will be with you every step of the way.

Before your visit

  • Make an initial appointment by calling us directly or via referral from your pet’s primary vet. 
  • We’ll request records from your primary or emergency vet before your first visit and collaborate with them to discuss your pet’s history and current condition.

During your visit

  • When possible, we’ll examine your pet with you by their side to make them more comfortable. If additional tests are needed for a diagnosis, we’ll discuss those options with you.
  • You’ll have plenty of time and opportunity to ask questions as we go over your pet’s diagnosis together.
  • Before you leave, you’ll receive a detailed treatment plan, discharge instructions and any recommended medications. We’ll schedule a recheck appointment and make sure you’re aware of any symptoms you should watch out for at home.

After your visit

  • Our team will continue to partner with your primary veterinarian as part of the ongoing management of your pet’s care.
  • You know your pet better than anyone, and you play a crucial role in their treatment plan. If you have any concerns about providing care at home (such as giving medication, maintaining a specific diet or monitoring your pet’s symptoms), let us know – we’re here for you.

Frequently asked questions.

At BluePearl, our veterinary internal medicine specialists diagnose and treat complex conditions affecting a pet’s internal organs and systems. These include diseases of the kidneys, liver, gastrointestinal tract, endocrine glands and immune system. Using advanced diagnostic tools, our internists find the root cause of illness and develop personalized treatment plans to help pets feel better and stay healthy.
Your pet may benefit from seeing an internal medicine specialist if they have ongoing symptoms that are difficult to diagnose or manage, such as unexplained weight loss, vomiting, chronic diarrhea, increased thirst or changes in appetite. A referral is also common when advanced testing or specialized care is needed.
Your primary care veterinarian handles your pet’s routine care, such as exams, vaccines and basic diagnostics. BluePearl’s internal medicine specialists have advanced training in diagnosing and managing complex or chronic illnesses. We work closely with your family veterinarian to provide an additional layer of expertise when your pet’s condition requires specialized care.
An internal medicine specialist (also called an internist) focuses on diagnosing and treating challenging or multi-system diseases. While your regular veterinarian manages general health and preventive care, BluePearl’s internists have access to advanced imaging, endoscopy and lab testing to uncover conditions that may not be easily identified in a general practice setting.
At BluePearl, your pet’s appointment begins with a detailed review of their medical history and symptoms. Our internist will perform a thorough physical exam and may recommend diagnostic tests such as bloodwork, imaging or specialized procedures. Once results are reviewed, we’ll discuss a diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to your pet’s needs.
BluePearl’s internal medicine specialists may recommend tests such as blood and urine analysis, ultrasound, x-rays, endoscopy, or advanced imaging like CT scans. These tools help us understand how your pet’s organs are functioning and identify underlying causes of illness that may not be visible on the surface.
Many pets with chronic diseases (like diabetes, kidney disease or inflammatory bowel disease) can live full, happy lives with proper management. Our internal medicine specialists create individualized care plans and monitor your pet’s progress to help maintain the best possible quality of life.
At BluePearl, our internists use a combination of medication, diet and regular monitoring to manage chronic illnesses such as diabetes, kidney disease and endocrine disorders. Treatment focuses on controlling symptoms, preventing complications and helping your pet stay comfortable over the long term.
No. We accept referrals from primary care veterinarians to ensure coordinated care, but you can also make an appointment without a referral by calling our hospital directly. If your vet suspects a complex condition, they can share your pet’s records with our team to support a smooth transition to specialty care.
Bring your pet’s medical history, recent test results and a list of medications or supplements. Depending on the tests planned, your BluePearl team may ask that your pet fast before the appointment. Our staff will provide specific instructions so your visit goes as smoothly as possible.
A typical BluePearl internal medicine appointment lasts one to two hours, depending on your pet’s condition and the diagnostic tests needed. Some advanced tests or procedures may take longer. Our team will keep you informed throughout your visit so you know what to expect.
Yes. At BluePearl, we believe in partnership. Your family veterinarian remains a key part of your pet’s healthcare team. After each visit, our specialists share detailed reports and treatment recommendations to ensure seamless communication and coordinated care.
If your pet’s condition becomes urgent, such as difficulty breathing, collapse or severe pain, contact your nearest BluePearl emergency hospital or your primary veterinarian right away. Our emergency and internal medicine teams work together to provide prompt, advanced care when your pet needs it most.

Success stories.

"Boomer’s diagnosis was pancreatitis, and if we hadn’t gone to BluePearl, my dog wouldn’t be alive today. They are the most compassionate people, and they work with you and make sure you know everything going on. My dog made some new friends with the dog whisperer!"
Read Boomer's story.
Sharon
Sharon
“I am so grateful to everybody at BluePearl for taking such good care of her. All of the vets and all the vet techs, and even the front desk staff were amazing."
Read Amber's story.
Jodi
Jodi
“I’m really relieved that she hasn’t had it anymore. I just wanted to thank BluePearl so much for being so helpful and always being there.”
Read Zoe's story.
Tatiana
Tatiana

Make an appointment.

A veterinary technician holding a dog and smiling

Take the first step to getting your pet back to their best self – call us to speak with the internal medicine team and make an appointment.

Prioritize your pet’s health with the experts in specialty medicine.

Call us at 706.733.7458
Request Appointment