UF Small Animal Hospital
Infectious Disease Clinic
Our clinic treats illnesses anywhere in the body that are caused by microorganisms: bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites.
What does an Infectious Disease Clinician do?
Pets can contract diseases from other animals, the environment, and ticks or other insects.
The role of an infectious disease clinician is to review your pet’s medical data, including records, X-rays and laboratory reports. They will perform a physical examination at the time of consultation.
Laboratory studies are often necessary and may include blood studies and cultures of wounds or body fluids. They may order blood serum studies for antibodies indicating the presence of unusual or uncommon diseases. These studies may help explain the results of studies that may already have done.
The care provided by these clinicians utilizes the minimal level of medication possible for the safest, most successful outcomes in patients with bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections. Clinicians may utilize other novel treatments such as novel drugs, immunotherapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, cryotherapy and electroporation.
When do you need to see the Infectious Disease Clinic?
When a fever raises the suspicion that you may have an infection, when an infection is potentially serious, or when problems occur with treatment, it may be necessary to consult the infectious disease clinic. It is important to recognize that not every pet who has an infectious disease needs an infectious disease clinician. Primary Care veterinarians can take care of most infections. Sometimes specialized expertise is needed to either diagnose or manage specific infectious diseases. These situations can arise when there is a:
- Persistent or unexplained infections
- Recurrent infections not responding to treatment
- Exposure to specific viruses or bacteria
- Management of chronic infections
Infectious disease clinicians can provide special insight into tests that will be helpful in diagnosing and understanding the infection and preventing recurrent infections. They can often help determine what treatment you need, if any, and whether you should receive prescription drugs. You may not require any treatment, but if you do, they may discuss with your primary care veterinarian about which diagnostic testing and forms of treatment are best suited to your pet’s needs.
How do Infectious Disease Clinicians work with other clinicians?
An Infectious disease clinician will work hand-in-hand with other veterinarians while pets are hospitalized, in an outpatient setting, and through over the phone consultations.
It is important to recognize that infectious disease clinicians are focused on diagnosing and treating the infectious disease only. We recommend that owners continue seeking care and treatment from you for all other healthcare needs. Once referred to an Infectious Disease clinician, owners may be:
- Asked to return to the infectious disease clinician for one or multiple follow-up visits.
- Asked to follow up with you until we feel confident that the infection will not recur.
What to Expect During Your First Visit?
An infectious disease clinician focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing complex infections. This allows them to ensure accurate diagnosis and personalized care, particularly for pets with chronic, recurrent, or hard-to-treat infections.
How long does the first appointment usually take?
Initial visits often last longer than routine appointments to allow for thorough evaluation and discussion. There are countless possible causes of infectious disease. Our clinicians are detectives who investigate every possible cause. They spend a lot of time talking with owners and you to determine an accurate diagnosis and plan treatment. An infectious disease clinician will investigate recent travel, other animal interactions, food consumed as well as examining many other possible sources of infection. They will use advanced diagnostic tools and methods to determine the exact organism(s) causing the infection. This is essential information to choose effective treatment.
Preparing for Your First Appointment
Before seeing an infectious disease clinician, consider:
- Bringing previous medical records and test results
- Listing current medications and supplements
- Noting recent travel, exposures, or symptoms
- Writing down questions or concerns
These details allow the infectious disease clinician to gain a complete understanding of your health history.
What Happens During the Initial Evaluation?
Comprehensive Medical Review
Your infectious disease clinician will begin by reviewing your pet’s medical history, symptoms, and any previous treatments. This discussion may include questions about lifestyle, recent travel, and possible exposure risks.
Physical Examination
A focused physical exam helps identify signs of infection and may help determine which systems may be affected. This exam supports accurate diagnosis and next-step planning.
Diagnostic Testing
Testing may be recommended to confirm or rule out infections. This can include blood tests, cultures, imaging, or other specialized diagnostics. Early and accurate testing is essential for effective treatment planning.
Will I receive a diagnosis during my first visit?
In some cases, a diagnosis is made quickly. In others, additional testing may be needed before confirming a condition.
Personalized Treatment and Prevention Planning
Once results are reviewed, your infectious disease clinician will create a care plan tailored to your condition.
This may include:
- Targeted medication or therapy
- Ongoing monitoring and follow-up visits
- Preventive strategies to reduce reinfection risk
Ongoing Care and Follow-Up
Infectious diseases often require close monitoring to ensure treatment effectiveness. Follow-up appointments may be with your infectious disease clinician or your primary care veterinarian. This allows your infectious disease clinician to adjust care plans, review test results, and address any new symptoms or concerns. This collaborative approach helps achieve better outcomes and long-term health stability.
Our Team
Domenico Santoro
