Trinity Internal Medicine Referral Center (TIMRC) is dedicated to providing advanced diagnostic and treatment services for pets with complex or uncommon medical conditions. Operating separately from Trinity Veterinary Hospital, TIMRC is a referral-only facility designed to work in partnership with local veterinarians, pet owners, and our board-certified internal medicine specialist, Dr. Jill Brunker, DACVIM. Together, we aim to deliver exceptional care and long-term management tailored to each patient’s needs.
What is TIMRC?
TIMRC is an outpatient referral center dedicated to supporting area veterinarians with complex or uncommon cases that benefit from the expertise of an internal medicine specialist. Our board-certified internist, Dr. Jill Brunker, is skilled in diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions, including cardiac, respiratory, gastrointestinal, urogenital, endocrine, and hematologic disorders, as well as neoplasia and infectious diseases. Beyond patient care, we collaborate closely with referring veterinarians to ensure effective long-term case management. At TIMRC, we foster a true partnership between the referring veterinarian, the patient and their family, and our internist.
An internal medicine specialist, or internist, is a veterinarian who has undergone advanced training and achieved board certification as a Diplomat of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (DACVIM). This level of expertise goes far beyond a general practitioner who may focus their practice on internal medicine. Internists specialize in diagnosing and treating the most complex medical cases, offering unparalleled expertise and care.
Why Choose TIMRC for Your Pet?
At TIMRC, we specialize in outpatient internal medicine cases referred by primary veterinarians. Led by Dr. Brunker, our team focuses on providing expert care for complex conditions that require advanced diagnostics and therapeutic procedures.
Referrals to TIMRC can help:
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Develop effective treatment plans for challenging medical issues.
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Perform advanced procedures tailored to your pet's needs.
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Provide clarity and reassurance about your pet’s health.
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Offer expert insights for long-term care and management.
Our services address a range of conditions, including:
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Cardiac and respiratory health
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Gastrointestinal and urogenital systems
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Endocrine and hematologic disorders
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Infectious diseases and neoplasia
With a collaborative approach, we work closely with your primary veterinarian to ensure continuity of care. Once a diagnosis is reached and initial treatment is provided, your pet’s ongoing care is transitioned back to their trusted primary vet.
How Referrals Work
TIMRC operates strictly on a referral-only basis, meaning all patients must be referred by their primary veterinarian. To ensure the best possible care:
- The referring veterinarian provides a detailed medical history and relevant patient records.
- TIMRC evaluates the referred condition exclusively, with routine or unrelated concerns directed back to the primary veterinarian.
- Long-term treatment and follow-up care remain under the management of the referring veterinarian unless otherwise discussed.
- Collaboration and communication are central to our process, ensuring a seamless experience for pet owners, referring veterinarians, and patients alike.
TIMRC Case Studies
- Presentation: Heidi Sue, a Chihuahua, was referred to Dr. Jill Brunker at TIMRC after 5 months of declining health following a collapse and emergency care. Symptoms included lethargy, anorexia, and withdrawal.
- Initial Response: Dr. Brunker conducted a detailed review of Heidi Sue’s medical records and performed a thorough physical exam.
- Diagnostics:
- Bloodwork revealed critical electrolyte imbalances: severe hyperkalemia and hyponatremia.
- Clinical suspicion of Addison’s disease (hypoadrenocorticism) was high.
- ACTH stimulation testing was initiated to confirm the diagnosis.
- Treatment Plan & Referral:
- Immediate IV fluid therapy was started at TIMRC.
- Patient was transferred to Veterinary Surgical Center of Stillwater (VSCS) for overnight monitoring.
- Outcome: Heidi Sue returned to TIMRC the next morning for reassessment; electrolytes had normalized and she was discharged later that day. She has since made a full recovery and remains stable and thriving on maintenance therapy.
- Presentation: Kallie arrived after being hit by a car; she was non-ambulatory and in severe pain.
- Initial Response: Carried directly to the treatment area; IV pain medications administered immediately after exam.
- Diagnostics:
- Chest and abdominal radiographs ruled out internal bleeding.
- Radiographs of the hind limbs revealed a comminuted fracture of the left femur.
- Wound Management:
- Large open wound on the right inner thigh was flushed, debrided, and treated with a tie-over bandage system.
- Wound was cleaned and debrided twice daily for 3 days while maintaining limb stabilization and pain control.
- Surgical Decision: Once the right leg could bear weight, the severely fractured left leg was amputated to avoid likely failure and further complications.
- Post-Op Recovery: Kallie remained hospitalized for 4 additional days for continued wound care and monitoring.
- Outcome: After over a week of in-hospital care and 45 days of at-home wound management, the wound fully closed. Kallie now thrives on three legs.
- Presentation: Walnut, an 8-year-old cat, had a 6-month history of intermittent vomiting and lethargy, requiring repeated supportive care from his primary veterinarian.
- Referral: Recurrent symptoms led to a referral to TIMRC for advanced diagnostic evaluation.
- Diagnostics:
- Abdominal ultrasound showed normal small intestines but a thickened gallbladder wall.
- Upper GI endoscopy was performed.
- Biopsies of the stomach and duodenum confirmed inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
- Treatment Plan:
- Started prednisolone for IBD management.
- Prescribed a course of antibiotics to address suspected gallbladder inflammation.
- Outcome: At his recheck with his primary veterinarian, Walnut had not experienced any further vomiting episodes and was thriving under the new treatment plan.
TIMRC Reviews
"As a general practice veterinarian, I’ve had the pleasure of working with Dr. Jill Brunker on numerous internal medicine cases, and I can’t say enough about the level of care, professionalism, and collaboration she brings to every patient interaction. Dr. Brunker is incredibly thorough in her diagnostics and treatment planning, and her communication with both referring veterinarians and clients is exceptional. She approaches each case with thoughtful expertise and a genuine commitment to patient wellbeing, which makes her an invaluable resource in complex or evolving medical situations. What I appreciate most is her respectful and team-oriented approach. Dr. Brunker is always available to discuss cases, answer questions, and offer guidance, making the referral process smooth and supportive from start to finish. Her compassion, clinical insight, and responsiveness have helped me provide better care to my patients and more reassurance to their families. I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Brunker to any veterinarian looking for a trusted and experienced internal medicine partner."
♥ from Dr. Robertson, Nichols Hills Pet Clinic
"As a practicing veterinarian for over thirty years, I not only send my internal medicine referrals to Dr. Brunker and her team, I also took my beloved dog to her when I needed a specialist. I can give no higher recommendation than that."
♥ from Dr. J Harvey from Mannford Veterinary Services
Contact Us
If your pet’s primary veterinarian has recommended a referral to TIMRC, our team is here to guide you through the process. To learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment, please email or call our referral coordinator today at (405) 633-6360.
At TIMRC, we’re committed to making every referral a seamless, supportive experience for pets, owners, and referring veterinarians alike.
Operating Hours
Wed: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thur: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Fri: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM