Pets that are referred to a veterinary internal medicine specialist (or veterinary internist), often have diseases that are difficult to diagnose, are multifaceted in nature, and involve several organ systems.
Our board-certified veterinary internists are experienced with finding a diagnosis in challenging cases. They have an arsenal of specialized diagnostic tools and methods available, and are capable of managing patients that have multiple disorders or diseases that do not respond well to standard protocols.
At Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital, our Internists also work closely with other on-site board-certified specialists in critical care, surgery, radiology, oncology and neurology to provide timely, collaborative, and seamless care.
Reaching a diagnosis and caring for a sick pet can be scary, frustrating and confusing. Our internal medicine specialists are dedicated to allaying fears and helping clients to make sense of their pet’s options and ongoing care.
At Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital, our board-certified internal medicine specialists are trained to diagnose and manage complex or chronic conditions—especially when a pet’s symptoms are unclear or don’t respond to standard treatments. Using a wide range of advanced diagnostic tools available in-house, they work to pinpoint the underlying cause of illness and develop a tailored treatment plan that meets your pet’s ongoing needs. If multiple health issues are involved, they also coordinate with other board-certified specialists in critical care, surgery, cardiology, neurology and oncology, ensuring your pet benefits from truly comprehensive, coordinated care.
Caring for a pet with a serious or long-term illness can be overwhelming. It’s normal to feel uncertain or anxious about what comes next. That’s why our internal medicine team is committed not only to treating your pet, but also to supporting you every step of the way. We take time to explain medical conditions and treatment options in clear, compassionate language, guide you through home care and follow-up, and remain available to answer questions throughout the process.
Our goal is to make the path forward as clear and manageable as possible—so you can feel confident that your pet is receiving the right care, and that you’re never navigating it alone.
At BBVSH, our internal medicine specialists have access to advanced, in-house diagnostic technology to help pinpoint the cause of illness—especially in cases where symptoms are complex or unclear. Diagnostic tools include ultrasound and other advanced imaging techniques that allow for non-invasive evaluation of internal organs, as well as endoscopy, which uses a small camera to examine the gastrointestinal tract and collect biopsies. C-arm fluoroscopy provides real-time moving X-rays to assess swallowing disorders, airway disease, and other conditions.
For more detailed imaging, we use CT scans to evaluate the chest, abdomen, and nasal passages, and MRI scans to assess soft tissue structures such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, eyes, brain, and spinal cord. Our specialized in-house bloodwork and laboratory testing can detect infections, metabolic disorders, and immune-related conditions. With this full range of diagnostic tools, our internal medicine team is equipped to investigate even the most challenging cases—and to work diligently toward answers for pets with complex medical concerns.
Our hospital is specially equipped with minimally invasive diagnostic tools such as endoscopic cameras, CT scanner, MRI and C-ARM fluoroscope (real-time video imaging) to provide diagnostic evaluation and treatment for your pet’s condition.
A referral from your family veterinarian ensures the proper transfer of medical information. It is beneficial to your pet and the specialty veterinarian to have all relevant medical information and will help your pet receive appropriate care.
You are welcome to contact us directly without a referral if you believe your pet would benefit from specialty or behaviour care. However, we believe strongly in working hand-in-hand with your family veterinarian to provide comprehensive care, and if it is possible to provide records or a referral from your family vet, it is helpful. Please contact us at 604-514-8383 or at info@bbvsh.com.
Referrals to our Surrey, BC Hospital
Online form | Download PDF form
PDFs can be emailed to info@bbvsh.com or faxed to 604-427-2494
Referrals to our hospital in Bellingham, WA
Online form | Download PDF form
PDFs can be emailed to bellingham@bbvsh.com or faxed to 1-888-867-6928
Walk-ins are welcome; no appointment is required.
If you are able, call ahead and let us know you are coming.
Our phone number is (604) 514-8383
There are so many reasons to bring your pet to us for specialty services or an emergency. Here are our top seven.
