Veterinary Internal Medicine in Seattle, WA: Comprehensive Care for Complex Conditions
When your dog or cat has a chronic illness, unexplained symptoms, or a condition that isn't responding to routine treatment, veterinary internal medicine can provide the answers you've been looking for. At Timberline Veterinary Emergency & Specialty in Seattle, our internal medicine specialists evaluate and treat complex diseases affecting organ systems throughout the body—from the GI tract and kidneys to the endocrine system and beyond.
We also partner closely with primary care veterinarians by accepting referrals for advanced diagnostics, including ultrasound and endoscopy and CT, helping provide answers when cases require a deeper level of investigation.
If your veterinarian has recommended a specialist referral, or you're looking for a deeper level of care, contact us at (206) 828-6868.
When Does My Pet Need a Veterinary Internal Medicine Specialist?
Your pet may benefit from an internal medicine consultation if they are experiencing:
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Chronic vomiting, diarrhea, or unexplained weight loss
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Excessive thirst or urination
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Difficulty breathing or a persistent cough
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Abnormal bloodwork without a clear diagnosis
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A known condition such as diabetes or kidney disease requiring specialist management
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Symptoms that persist despite treatment at your primary care veterinarian
What to Expect During an Internal Medicine Visit
Your appointment begins with a thorough review of your pet's medical history and a complete physical examination. From there, our board-certified specialist may recommend advanced diagnostics such as bloodwork, urinalysis, ultrasound, or endoscopy. Once results are in, your specialist will walk you through the findings, explain your pet's diagnosis in clear, understandable terms and outline a clear treatment plan.
What Conditions Does Veterinary Internal Medicine Treat?
Internal medicine for dogs and cats covers a broad range of diseases, including:
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Gastrointestinal disease: inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, liver disease
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Endocrine disorders: diabetes, Cushing's disease, Addison's disease, hyperthyroidism
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Kidney & urinary disease: chronic kidney disease, recurrent UTIs, protein-losing nephropathy
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Respiratory disease: asthma, pneumonia, pleural effusion
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Blood disorders: anemia, immune-mediated thrombocytopenia, coagulation disorders
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Infectious disease: tick-borne illness, fungal infections, chronic infections
Your Veterinary Internist in Seattle
Nicole Smee, DVM, MS, DACVIM Veterinarian
Dr. Nicole Smee graduated from Kansas State University in 2008 and completed a rotating internship at VCA Veterinary Specialty Center in Lynnwood, Washington. She then returned to Kansas State University to complete her internal medicine residency and earn her master’s degree in 2012. Following completion of her board-certification in small animal internal medicine (DACVIM), Dr. Smee has spent many years in specialty practice, including time in Kansas City and over a decade in a busy private practice in Las Vegas.
Dr. Smee values the relationships she builds with both patients and their families and is committed to clear, compassionate communication alongside thoughtful, high-quality medical care. She has advanced experience in diagnostic ultrasound, which she has practiced since her internship, and has a special interest in urinary tract disease.
Outside of work, Dr. Smee enjoys spending time on her farm, where she rescues and cares for special needs animals.
Why Choose Timberline for Internal Medicine in Seattle?
Timberline's internal medicine team includes board-certified specialists—veterinarians who have completed advanced training and ACVIM certification beyond veterinary school. Our Seattle specialty hospital is equipped with in-house diagnostics, including advanced ultrasound, endoscopy and CT, so your pet gets answers faster. We also work closely with referring veterinarians to provide advanced diagnostic support when cases require it. And because we're a combined emergency and specialty practice, if your pet's condition changes unexpectedly, emergency support is immediately available under the same roof. Call us at (206) 828-6868 if your pet needs comprehensive care.
