Internal Medicine

At North Springs Veterinary Referral Center, our Internal Medicine Department is led by board-certified Internists who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management of complex and chronic disease processes. From endocrine disorders and gastrointestinal conditions to respiratory disease, immune-mediated illness, and more, our team uses advanced diagnostics and personalized treatment plans to uncover answers and provide relief. When your pet’s condition requires deeper investigation and expert care, we’re here with the knowledge, tools, and dedication to support their health journey—every step of the way.

Internal Medicine Services

Specialized Bloodwork

Blood Pressure Measurement & Monitoring

Diagnostic Imaging

Digital Radiographs
Ultrasonography

Advanced Diagnostics and Procedures

Arthrocentesis & Joint Fluid Analysis
Bone Marrow Sampling
Esophageal Ballooning
Foreign Body Retrieval
Airway Sampling
Free Fluid Collection (abdominocentesis, thoracocentesis)
Ultrasound-Guided Aspirates

Endoscopic Procedures

Upper GI (gastroduodenoscopy)
Colonoscopy
Rhinoscopy
Bronchoscopy
Urethroscopy & Cytoscopy
Esophageal Ballooning
Foreign Body Retrieval
Feeding Tube Placement (nasal, esophageal) & Nutritional Management
Transfusion Therapy

Emily K. Purswell

DVM, MSpVM, DACVIM (SAIM)

Dr. Emily Purswell received her undergraduate degree from the University of Denver in 2004 and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State University in Ames, IA, in 2010. After completing a small animal rotating internship, she was commissioned into the U.S. Army, serving 14 years as an Active Duty veterinarian. During her military service, Dr. Purswell completed her clinical residency in internal medicine at North Carolina State University in 2018, subsequently becoming board-certified in small animal internal medicine. Dr. Purswell’s clinical interests include renal & gastrointestinal diseases. She lives in Colorado Springs with her partner, Scott, & they enjoy spending time together in the mountains, taking advantage of all that Colorado has to offer.

Kellie Barreto

BVMS, MRCVS; Practice Limited to Internal Medicine

Dr. Kellie Barreto earned bachelor’s degrees from Florida International and Florida State Universities and graduated from the University of Glasgow School of Veterinary Medicine in 2013. She went on to complete a rotating internship, a specialty internship in internal medicine and critical care, and a residency in Internal Medicine, passing the specialty board exam in 2019. Her clinical interests include immune-mediated blood disorders, endoscopy, and ultrasonography. Dr. Barreto’s commitment to collaborative, compassionate care extends beyond the clinic, fostering partnerships with clients and advocating for animal welfare in both her professional and personal life. Outside of her veterinary work, Dr. Barreto enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, camping, and photography. She shares her life with her cat, Joon, a retired blood donor, and her adventurous Catahoula rescue pup, Buster.