Internal Medicine Specialist

Advanced Internal Medicine Care for Pets in LaPlace, LA

When your pet isn’t feeling well and the cause isn’t clear, our Internal Medicine Specialist is here to help. At Riverlands Animal Hospital, we look beyond the surface to find out why your pet is sick — not just treat the symptoms.

Catherine Garon, DVM, DACVIM, is a board-certified internal medicine specialist. That means she’s completed years of extra training to diagnose and treat complicated illnesses in dogs and cats.

What Is Veterinary Internal Medicine?

Internal medicine focuses on diseases that affect a pet’s internal organs — like the liver, kidneys, stomach, intestines, or immune system. These are often problems you can’t see from the outside, and they can be tricky to diagnose.

Our specialist uses a combination of advanced tests, medical imaging, and expert problem-solving to uncover what’s really going on. Once we know the cause, we create a personalized treatment plan to help your pet feel better and live a healthier life.

Why a Board-Certified Specialist Matters

Not all veterinarians are internal medicine specialists. To become board-certified, Dr. Garon completed:

· Four years of veterinary school

· A year-long internship

· A three-year residency in small-animal internal medicine · A rigorous certification exam through the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM)

This extra training gives her the tools and experience to diagnose complex illnesses that may not respond to standard treatments.

While many clinics can perform an ultrasound, a board-certified internist can interpret the results, connect the dots between systems, and find answers when tests alone don’t tell the full story.

When to See an Internal Medicine Specialist

Your pet may benefit from a consultation if they have:

· Unexplained weight loss

· Chronic vomiting or diarrhea

· Increased thirst or urination

· Ongoing infections that don’t improve

· Abnormal bloodwork results

· Complicated or recurring illness

You don’t need to have all the answers, that’s what we’re here for. We’ll take a detailed look at your pet’s medical history, perform targeted testing, and explain every step in simple terms.

Our Approach

At Riverlands Animal Hospital, we believe advanced care should still feel personal.

· Team-based: We work closely with your family veterinarian so your pet’s care is always connected.

· Thorough: We focus on identifying the root cause of illness — not just treating symptoms.

· Compassionate: We take time to explain results, options, and next steps so you can make informed decisions.

Whether your pet needs a single consultation or long-term management, our goal is to make each visit clear, supportive, and focused on helping your pet thrive.

Referring Veterinarians

We value collaboration and clear communication. Our team provides complete reports after each visit, keeps you informed, and returns patients to your care once stabilized.

If you’re a referring veterinarian, please contact us to schedule a case review or submit records by email at riverlands@riverlandsanimalhospital.com.