OUR MEDICAL SERVICES

INTERNAL MEDICINE
Internists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of complex problems of the respiratory, gastrointestinal, hepatic (liver), renal (kidney), endocrine, hematologic, cardiac and neurologic systems. Our internal medicine team works closely with your veterinarian in managing your pet's problems and establishing a specific diagnosis, especially in cases where the signs are vague or perplexing. Internists deal with a variety of clinical signs including loss of appetite, weight loss, fever, anemia, vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, and seizures. Specialized diagnostic tools such as endoscopy allows noninvasive diagnostic capabilities.

ENDOSCOPY
A fiber optic instrument is used to visualize and take small tissue samples of the stomach, small & large intestine, nasal cavity and respiratory system. The word "endoscopy," denotes the use of fiberoptic instruments to investigate and possibly biopsy certain body cavities. It is a "noninvasive" procedure which means no surgical incisions are required. For the patient, this means a short anesthetic period with a rapid recovery. All endoscopies in small animals require full anesthesia, and therefore may require pre-anesthetic evaluations such as blood tests, radiographs (xrays), and/or ultrasound. Endoscopies are usually considered among the low-risk procedures in veterinary medicine. For more detailed information about gastroscopy, bronchoscopy, rhinoscopy, colonoscopy, cystoscopy, and patient preparation: scoping details.

ONCOLOGY
Oncology is the study of cancer. Ten common signs of cancer in animals are abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow, sores that do not heal, weight loss, loss of appetite, bleeding or discharge from any body opening, offensive odor, difficulty eating or swallowing, hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina, persistent lameness or stiffness, difficulty breathing, urinating, or defecating. With prompt diagnosis and treatment, many cancers which were considered untreatable just a few years ago are now treated with better predictable outcomes. Oncology patients at PVS have available the most current and effective forms of therapy that focus on providing the best quality of life for your pet. For more detailed information about cancer treatment: cancer details.

DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING
PVS offers advanced diagnostic imaging capabilities for a variety of diseases including orthopedic, intra-abdominal, cardiac, and a number of other disorders. These capabilities include digital diagnostic radiology (x-rays) and ultrasound. Ultrasound allows diagnostic tests to be performed with the aid of safe, sound waves. The waves bounce off the animal's internal organs (or a mass), and are decoded into an image on the monitor. This is a powerful and versatile technique in which a skilled ultrasonographer can see, measure, and assess the health of many internal organs. In many cases, it can preclude the need for major surgery. For more information about ultrasound: ultrasound details.

SURGERY
PVS is equipped with the latest in specialized surgical equipment. Our state of-the-art surgery suite is equipped with modern anesthesia machines, heated surgery tables, and patient monitoring devices. Our surgeon specializes in soft tissue and orthopedic surgeries. Many Maine veterinarians refer more complicated procedures to our surgeon. A wide variety of orthopedic, oncologic (cancer), thoracic, intra-abdominal, and reconstructive problems can be treated effectively through expert surgical intervention. The safest anesthetic agents are used and patients are continuously monitored throughout surgery. The latest pain relief medications are utilized to assure the highest degree of comfort possible. Comprehensive pre-, intra-, and post-operative care is provided at PVS. surgery details.
DERMATOLOGY
Dermatologists have extensive training and specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of various disorders of skin, ears, hair, and nails. Dermatologists also specialize in treatment of allergies, including air borne and contact allergies (atopic dermatitis or atopy), allergies to food and flea allergies. Our dermatologist will work closely with your veterinarian in managing your pet's problems and establishing a specific diagnosis, especially in cases where the signs are complicated or perplexing.

 

 
CARDIOLOGY
Cardiologists have extensive training in all aspects of heart disease. Cardiologists employ sophisticated diagnostic techniques in the detection and management of heart diseases including arrhythmias, congenital heart defects and acquired diseases of the heart. The cardiologist will work closely with your referring veterinarian to provide comprehensive care for your pet.

EMERGENCY AND CRITICAL CARE
Emergency and Critical Care (ECC) veterinarians specialize in any pet emergency situation.  They provide care for seriously ill or injured pets, and pets with life threatening disease and trauma.


emergency


HYPERTHYROIDISM /
RADIOIODINE THERAPY
Hyperthyroidism is a common medical condition affecting cats generally over six years of age. The condition results in most cases from a benign tumor of the thyroid gland, which results in excess thyroid hormone secretion. Hyperthyroidism is a progressive but highly treatable illness. For more information about Hyperthyroidism and Radioiodine Treatment: hyperthyroidism details


Photo at left: Moxie - a cat treated for
hyperthyroidism at Portland Veterinary Specialists.

 

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Read about Hyperthyroidism in cats in our library.

Portland Veterinary Specialists
Tel: (207) 780-0271
2255 Congress Street, Portland, Maine 04102

All materials copyright (c) 2004 Portland Veterinary Specialists, Inc.


Also visit our full service hospital for small animals located in Brunswick Maine. Additional general services include grooming, daycare, kennel and pet store.