Internal Medicine FAQs

What types of problems are evaluated by Large Animal Medicine clinicians?

The LAM service evaluates horses, cattle, small ruminants, camelids, and occasionally pigs. Internal medicine includes neonatology, neurology, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and most infectious diseases that do not require surgery.

We routinely evaluate horses for fever, colic, gastric ulcers, diarrhea, pneumonia, neurologic diseases, anemia, liver disease, nasal discharge, poor performance, and many other conditions. We work with cardiology and dermatology to evaluate diseases of the heart and skin.

Will my horse have to stay overnight?

The great majority of outpatient appointments can be completed in on the same day. If your horse requires additional testing or intensive care, we may recommend keeping them in the hospital for one or more days.

What is a large animal internist and why should I bring my animal to a specialist?

The senior clinician (faculty) assigned to your animal will have completed advanced training in internal medicine of large animals. After graduation from veterinary school, they have each completed at least a one year internship (or private practice equivalent) followed by a two- to three-year residency program in internal medicine. They have each achieved board certification by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in the specialty of Large Animal Internal Medicine. Each case will also have a resident clinician. Our residents are veterinarians who have completed at least a one year internship (or private practice equivalent). They are currently pursuing advanced training in internal medicine. So, consulting with a veterinary specialist is just like consulting with a specialist MD – just for your animal!

University of Florida

IFAS

As part of both the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences and UF Health, Veterinary Medicine is dedicated to advancing animal, human and environmental health through teaching, research, extension and patient care.

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University of Florida

Animal Hospitals

Need animal care? Visit the UF Small Animal and Large Animal Hospitals. From dogs, cats, birds and exotics to horses, cattle, llamas, pigs and many other large farm or food animals, our experienced veterinary staff is ready to assist.

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Syndicated Podcast

Animal Airwaves

Animal Airwaves is a daily radio series that features one-minute segments relating to animal health, ranging from insights into animal behavior to veterinary patient care breakthroughs and trends.

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