Some pets face medical issues that can’t be solved by one specialty alone. At BluePearl Sandy Springs, our internal medicine and surgery teams work side-by-side to manage complicated health conditions – helping pets get the care they need from diagnosis through treatment.

A veterinarian smiles while wearing a surgical mask and scrubs with a stethoscope.

When pets need multiple specialties.

A case may require both internal medicine and surgery if your pet:

  • Has a foreign object or tumor that needs removal
  • Suffers from GI issues like chronic vomiting or blockages
  • Needs advanced diagnostics before surgery (e.g., ultrasound or endoscopy)
  • Has endocrine or immune conditions that complicate anesthesia
  • Requires ongoing disease monitoring post-surgery

Collaboration ensures nothing is missed and your pet’s care plan is fully coordinated.

What does the internal medicine team provide?

Our veterinary internists are trained to:

  • Diagnose diseases involving the GI tract, kidneys, liver, and more
  • Run advanced tests like abdominal ultrasound, biopsies, or hormone panels
  • Stabilize patients who are not yet surgical candidates
  • Manage chronic diseases like diabetes, IBD, and Addison’s

Their diagnostic skills help ensure that surgical plans are safe and tailored to each pet’s full health picture.

What does the surgery team handle?

Our surgical specialists step in when:

  • A mass, foreign object, or damaged organ must be removed
  • Orthopedic repairs or emergency abdominal procedures are required
  • A biopsy or exploratory surgery is necessary to confirm a diagnosis
  • Supportive surgical care is part of a broader treatment plan

With internists providing pre-op insight and post-op follow-up, our surgeons can focus fully on the technical procedure.

Coordinated care, better outcomes.

At BluePearl Sandy Springs, collaboration means:

  • Shared case reviews between internists and surgeons
  • Seamless handoffs from diagnosis to treatment
  • Streamlined communication with your family veterinarian
  • Faster decision-making during urgent cases

You’re never managing multiple specialists alone – our teams are connected behind the scenes so you don’t have to be.

An Associate smiles and laughs while hugging a canine patient who is laying down.

Internal medicine and surgery coordinated care in Sandy Springs — FAQ.

Some medical issues that necessitate collaboration between internal medicine and surgery include the presence of foreign objects or tumors that need removal, gastrointestinal (GI) issues such as chronic vomiting or blockages, and cases requiring advanced diagnostics like ultrasounds or endoscopies.

The internal medicine team specializes in diagnosing diseases affecting the GI tract, kidneys, liver, and more. They conduct advanced tests, stabilize patients who are not yet surgical candidates, and manage chronic diseases like diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and Addison’s disease, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of each pet's health before surgery.

Our surgical specialists are responsible for performing procedures that involve the removal of masses, foreign objects, or damaged organs. They also handle orthopedic repairs, emergency abdominal surgeries, and biopsies or exploratory surgeries to confirm diagnoses, all while collaborating closely with the internal medicine team for optimal care.

Collaboration ensures that nothing is overlooked in your pet's care plan. With shared case reviews, seamless communication, and coordinated treatment strategies, our teams work together to provide comprehensive care that leads to better health outcomes for your pet.

You can expect a thorough and coordinated approach to your pet's treatment. This includes shared insights from both the internal medicine and surgery teams, streamlined communication with your family veterinarian, and faster decision-making during urgent cases, ensuring your pet receives the best possible care.

We prioritize seamless communication with your family veterinarian by keeping them informed throughout the diagnosis and treatment process. This collaborative approach ensures that all parties involved in your pet's care are aligned and working towards the same health goals.

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