Pet Care Progress: CVM re-opens Small Animal Internal Medicine Service
Thursday, January 2, 2025
Media Contact: Taylor Bacon | Public Relations and Marketing Manager | 405-744-6728 | cvmcommunications@okstate.edu
The Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine is known for its dedication for delivering top-tier education to veterinary students and outstanding care to clients.
Now, with the opening of the Small Animal Internal Medicine Service, the college is poised to elevate its impact even further. This newly reopened service will not only enhance clinical training for students but also offer cutting-edge diagnostics and treatments for pets in need.
In summer 2024, OSU’s SAIM service opened under the guidance of Dr. Ana Costa, clinical associate professor. Costa has been a board-certified internist since 2014. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Escola Universitaria Vasco da Gama in Portugal and completed a SAIM residency and master’s at Washington State University.
Establishing a small animal internal medicine service is essential for the community, students and patients alike.
By consulting directly with an internist, clients will gain a clearer understanding of their pet’s condition and can collaborate on tailored treatment plans that suit their family’s needs.
“The service fosters a culture of compassion, expertise and education, ultimately improving pet health and well-being,” said Miranda Hicks, veterinary technician.

The SAIM service can see more complex cases such as gastrointestinal disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, autoimmune disorders, respiratory problems, urinary conditions and more.
“Access to this next-level care often reduces unnecessary suffering by lowering stress and anxiety in affected families, as well as improve overall animal health,” Costa said.
In addition to serving pre-existing and new clients, the new SAIM service aims to serve as a valuable resource for primary veterinarians in Oklahoma. The service will offer support for discussions, guidance and referrals for complex cases requiring advanced diagnostics and detailed treatment plans.
“We hope to strengthen communication between primary and specialty care to empower the primary veterinary population and help support their patients and clients,” Costa said.
Access to an internal medicine service offers fourth-year veterinary students invaluable hands-on experiences with complex and chronic cases, enhancing their diagnostic and treatment skills through exposure to advanced tools and techniques.
With the launch of this service, CVM students now can immerse themselves in hands-on learning alongside a skilled specialist.
The SAIM rotation allows students to explore complex cases involving actual patients with several health problems. The rotation helps students understand the thought process of diagnosing.
“This rotation benefits students because you get to see very complex cases where the patients all have multiple problems,” said Alyssa Loveday, fourth-year veterinary student.
Photos By: Taylor Bacon
Story By: Kinsey Reed | Vet Cetera Magazine