Internal Medicine
The Internal Medicine team at AESC specializes in the diagnosis and management of a variety of complex medical conditions. In addition to utilizing all previous history and diagnostics from your primary veterinarian, we use minimally invasive tools, such as endoscopy , and advanced imaging modalities, such as ultrasound and CT scanning, to obtain a diagnosis for your pet. By utilizing all of this information, and discussing symptoms with the person who knows your pet best (that’s you!), our internal medicine service provides expert insight and treatment for your pet’s condition. Patients are seen by referral appointment and can be managed long-term by our internal medicine team.
If your pet is diagnosed with a condition commonly treated by an internist, or your pet is ill but the cause is unclear, your veterinarian may refer you to our internal medicine team. Some conditions commonly in need of referral include diabetes mellitus, Cushing’s disease and other adrenal gland pathology, high blood pressure, immune mediated disorders, kidney and urinary tract disease, liver disease, respiratory disease, and gastrointestinal disorders. Additionally, internists often serve as veterinary “detectives,” using special tools and training to uncover what is causing symptoms and what can be done to help a pet feel better.
Evaluation by an internist involves a thorough review of your pet’s history and previous medical care and records, physical examination, and diagnostic testing and treatments tailored to your pet’s needs, performed after a detailed discussion between you and the doctor. We work very closely with you and your veterinarian to develop a thorough understanding of your pet’s condition and plan for the future, including followup, to ensure the treatment plan is effective and fits your comfort level as a caregiver.
AESC Internal Medicine Service compassionately cares for pets with a broad range of conditions, including:
- Infectious, immune-mediated, or inflammatory diseases of the internal organs
- Respiratory disease (nasal discharge, coughing, lung pathology, pleural effusion)
- Endocrine disorders (Cushing’s or Addison’s disease, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus or insipidus)
- Hematologic disorders (anemia, thrombocytopenia, polycythemia)
- Urogenital conditions (chronic urinary tract infections, kidney failure, protein-losing nephropathy)
- Gastrointestinal signs (chronic vomiting and/or diarrhea, weight loss)
- Hepatobiliary signs (icterus/jaundice, elevated liver enzymes, pancreatic disorders)
Cassandra G. Brown
DVM, DACVIM (Internal Medicine)
Dr. Brown received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine. Her diverse academic background includes a dual major in wildlife ecology and philosophy, also from the University of Wisconsin.
Continuing her veterinary studies, she completed a one-year rotating internship in small animal medicine, surgery, and emergency at VCA Veterinary Care Animal Hospital in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Dr. Brown returned to the midwest for her three-year residency in small animal internal medicine at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine.
Prior to joining Animal Emergency and Specialty Center, Dr. Brown practiced in Portland, Oregon at VCA Northwest Veterinary Specialists and in Gig Harbor, Washington at Puget Sound Veterinary Specialists. In Portland, in addition to working alongside multiple internists and other specialists, she founded and maintained a radioactive iodine program for cats with hyperthyroidism.
Dr. Brown has extensive experience and is skilled in all aspects of internal medicine, including ultrasound, endoscopy, feeding tube placement, bone marrow sampling, and transfusion medicine. While she finds all facets of internal medicine rewarding to treat, her particular interests include endocrinology and immune-mediated disease. She is committed to providing top-notch care to her patients and her clients with compassion, clear communication, and kindness.
When not working, Dr. Brown enjoys travel, yoga, and cooking vegetarian meals. She lives with her husband Philip, two adorable dogs Otter and Beans!, two obsessively handsome cats Lightbulb and ChonkTabClassic (who give back to their community – they are blood donors!), and five charming semi-retired chickens.