The Small Animal Hospital Internal Medicine Service is responsible for investigating, diagnosing and treating diseases of the internal organs.
How we can help
Every case that is referred to us is under the direct supervision of one of our Internal Medicine Specialists who uses cutting edge techniques and expert knowledge to achieve the best possible outcome for your pet. We offer comprehensive consultation and support in the treatment and diagnosis of your pet.
State of the art facilities
to offer radio-iodine treatment for feline hyperthyroidism
for Radio-iodine therapy
Every case is handled by Specialist Vets
State of the Art Facilities
Our Internal Medicine department is home to state of the art equipment so you can rest assured that your pet is in safe hands. Some of the techniques utilised by this service includes (but is not limited to):
- Digital radiography and doppler ultrasonography
- Advanced imaging (CT, MRI, videofluoroscopy)
- Radioiodine therapy for feline hyperthyroidism
- Tracheal stenting for canine tracheal collapse
Radio-iodine Unit
The Small Animal Hospital Radio-iodine Unit at the University of Glasgow was the first in the UK to offer radio-iodine treatment for feline hyperthyroidism and continues to be one of the most active units. Feline hyperthyroidism is a complex condition and we understand it can be worrying and frustrating for owners to go through with their cats, radio-iodine treatment is generally the best treatment for feline hyperthyroidism. Our success rate is 95% on the first injection and, if a second injection is needed, our success rate is 100% on second injection.
When can radio-iodine treatment be used?
We have a very low complication rate for our radio-iodine therapy. Radio-iodine is suitable for most hyperthyroid cats but not all. Cats with other serious diseases who cannot be isolated for 2 to 3 weeks would be liable to further complications. We are able to treat 2 cats a week. We offer a one stop shop service (cats come to us and get the injections in one visit, rather than having to come back weeks later for the injection).
What happens at consultation when my cat is referred for radio-iodine therapy?
An initial consultation will explain treatment options to owners. A blood sample will be taken to check thyroid and kidney status. The dose of I-131 is calculated using the thyroxine results and can then be given after 2 or 3 days acclimatisation and observation, providing the cat has not received any carbimazole (Vidalta) or methimazole (Felimazole or Thyronorm) for at least 2 weeks. The cat will be isolated for 2 to 3 weeks after the injection during which time only minimal handling (cleaning and feeding) will be allowed.
After 14 days the cat is discharged from the hospital. A blood sample is taken for thyroid and kidney measurements. A letter will be sent to your practice at this stage confirming the success of treatment.
What does it cost?
The total estimated cost of this treatment is £2700 - £3500.
What are the benefits?
Average survival is 4 years post injection (compared to an average of 2 years with anti-thyroid drugs).
Requirements for referral
Referral letter from a veterinary surgeon detailing history and clinical signs. A thyroid and renal profile is strongly advised before referral.
Meet the team
ALISON RIDYARD BVSC DSAM DIPECVIM-CA MRCVS
European and RCVS-Recognised Specialist in Small Animal Internal Medicine
Alison graduated from the University of Bristol in 1992 and spent six years in general practice before moving to the Dick Vet (University of Edinburgh) in 1998 to undertake a residency in Small Animal Internal Medicine.
She remained at the Dick Vet as Lecturer then Senior Lecturer in Small Animal Internal Medicine, latterly running the ICU and Emergency Medicine Service. She moved to the University of Glasgow in October 2014 to take up a position as Senior Clinician in Small Animal Medicine. Alison is a European and RCVS Specialist in Small Animal Medicine and is interested in all aspects of internal medicine.
IAN RAMSEY BVSC PHD DSAM FHEA DIPECVIM-CA FRCVS
European Recognised Specialist in Small Animal Medicine
Ian is a Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and European Recognised Specialist in Small Animal Medicine. He returned to Glasgow University in 1998 and has been the Professor of Small Animal Medicine at since 2009.
He has published in the fields of infectious diseases, endocrinology and neuology but is interested in all aspects of small animal medicine. In 2015 he was awarded the BSAVA Woodrow Award for his contribution to small animal medicine. In 2016 he became of Fellow of the RCVS.
PATRICIA WARD DIPECVIM-CA MRCVS
European Specialist in Small Animal Medicine
Trish graduated from University College Dublin in 2009. She spent two years working in small animal practice, before completing an internship at the Small Animal Hospital in 2012, followed by an Internal Medicine residency at Dick White Referrals in Cambridgeshire. Trish had enjoyed her time at Glasgow University so much, that she returned to work with us as a Clinician in Small Animal Medicine in 2016. She is a European Recognised Specialist in Small Animal Medicine. She enjoys all aspects of internal medicine, particularly endoscopy and hepatic disease.
MARGAUX KUIJLAARS
DVM(Hons) MVM dipECVIM-CA MRCVS
European Veterinary Specialist in Internal Medicine
Margaux graduated from the University of Ghent in Belgium in 2011, after which she spent four years working in small animal practice in the Netherlands. She soon developed a special interest in all facets of internal medicine, and it is this passion that brought her to the University of Glasgow.
She joined the University Small Animal Hospital in February 2016 as a rotating intern and obtained her European Diploma in Small Animal Internal Medicine in 2022. Although still passionate about all aspects of internal medicine, she has developed a special interest in gastro-enterology.
Emily Fulton
BVSc MRCVS
Clinician in Internal Medicine and Emergency Critical Care
Emily graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2015. After graduating, she worked in first opinion practice for 18 months before returning to Liverpool to complete a rotating internship. Emily joined the University of Glasgow in 2019 and recently completed her residency in Internal Medicine; she has now taken on a new role as a Clinician in Small Animal Internal Medicine and Emergency and Critical Care. Emily enjoys all aspect of medicine but has a particular interest in acute medical cases and nephrology.
VASILIKI (VICKY) LANTZAKI DVM(HONS) MRCVS
Resident in Small Animal Internal Medicine
Vicky graduated from Aristotle University in Thessaloniki, Greece in 2016. Shortly after graduation she moved to England, initially to work in a busy general practice in Nottingham and to then start and complete a rotating and internal medicine internship at Paragon Veterinary Referrals. In the meantime she has been working towards a certificate in small animal medicine with the university of Liverpool.
Vicky joined the University of Glasgow Small Animal Hospital in April 2020 to start her Internal Medicine Residency. Vicky enjoys all aspects of internal medicine but has a strong interest in haematology and gastroenterology.
ANAIS FARGES
Resident in Internal Medicine
After graduating from the University of Toulouse in 2012, Anais worked 8 years in a mixed practice in the South-West of France. She became more and more interested in Small Animal Internal Medicine. In 2017, she went back to the University for a few weeks to pass an advanced degree of veterinary haematology and clinical pathology. Between 2018 and 2020 she also was a vet firefighter.
In September 2020, she moved to Scotland to start a 12-month rotating internship at Veterinary Specialist Scotland. She joined the Small Animal Hospital at the end of September 2021 as a Junior Clinician in Internal Medicine and intends to become a resident in the same discipline. Outside of work Anais can be found spending most of her time outdoors, running or hiking, with her dog Mordor. And when the weather is really bad, she takes to baking!
Ermioni Kyriakopoulou
Junior Clinician in Internal Medicine
Ermioni Kyriakopoulou graduated from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece in 2019. Since then she worked in a busy first line practice in Limassol, Cyprus and after completing an Internal medicine internship at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and a rotating Internship at Evidensia’s Hospital Hart van Brabant, Waalwijk, Netherlands. Ermironi is currently studying towards ESAVS Internal Medicine Certificate. Internal Medicine has always been her passion, while I have greatest interest in gastroenterology. Besides working, she enjoys spending free time with her family and friends, traveling, go for hiking and long walks with her dog.