Diagnosing & Treating Internal Conditions in Cats & Dogs
Veterinary internal medicine involves diagnosing and treating diseases and conditions of your pet's internal systems, such as their lungs, heart, or immune system.
Our veterinarians bring extensive experience in diagnosing and treating challenging cases, from disorders of the brain and nervous system to lung disease and tumours.
We work with patients who have a variety of diseases or disorders and offer treatment options for those who do not respond well to standard procedures.
Types of Internal Conditions in Pets
If your cat and dog is exhibiting symptoms of an internal condition, your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical exam to diagnose the problem and develop a treatment plan tailored to their specific needs.
Common veterinary internal ailments are:
- Cardiology
Dogs and cats, like people, can suffer from a range of heart diseases and disorders. With the technology in our in-house vet lab, our veterinarian can examine for signs of heart disease then provide you with a diagnosis of your furry friend's condition along with treatment recommendations.
- Reproductive Issues
If your friend is experiencing reproductive difficulties, our veterinarian will work to diagnose the issue and offer appropriate treatment options to help resolve the issue.
- Immunology (Immune System Disorders)
The immune system is responsible for detecting foreign invaders or abnormal cells and beginning defensive action to protect the health of your cat and dog. However, the immune system doesn't always work as it should, leading to immune-mediated disorders.
Anemia, arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, hypothyroidism, allergies, and skin diseases are some of the most common immune-mediated disorders seen in dogs and cats.
- Pulmonary Disorders (Diseases of the Lungs)
Your friend's respiratory system is responsible for delivering oxygen to the body and eliminating waste gases such as carbon dioxide. Since dogs and cats are unable to sweat the way people do, their respiratory system is also essential for regulating their body temperature.
In dogs, common pulmonary disorders include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), canine distemper virus, pneumonia, and lung tumours.
In cats, asthma, bronchitis, parasitic worms, bacterial infections, and viruses are some of the most common pulmonary issues our vets see.
- Gastroenterology (Digestive Organs)
Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are conditions that affect the stomach and intestines interfering with their ability to digest food properly and absorb nutrients.
Pets experiencing GI problems often show symptoms such as blood in stool, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, gas, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and weight loss.
- Urology (Urinary Functions, Genitourinary Tract)
Urology conditions such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) in dogs and feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) in cats are also covered under the umbrella term 'internal medicine'.
The urinary tract consists of the kidneys, tubes that carry urine to the bladder, the bladder, and the urethra that conducts urine out of the body. Urinary tract disorders in pets are common and can affect any part of this system.
- Endocrinology (Glands and Their Functions)
Your furry friend's endocrine system consists of a number of glands and the essential hormones secreted by those glands. When a dog or cat's endocrine system isn't working correctly, symptoms such as skin problems and poor coat condition can become evident.
- Neurology (Brain and Nervous System Disorders)
Veterinary neurology is a branch of internal medicine covering conditions of the brain and spinal cord as well as neuromuscular dysfunction. Common neurological disorders our veterinarians see in dogs and cats include seizures, IVDD, and tumours.
Cancer Diagnosis & Care
Unfortunately, cancer is a common condition in pets. Many cancers in dogs and cats, if detected early, can be treated with a combination of surgeries and therapies to help extend your cat and dog's quality of life.
Following a cancer diagnosis, we will take the time to explain your furry friend's condition, discuss additional diagnostic testing if appropriate and provide you with treatment options.
Our veterinarians are dedicated to providing your cat and dog with the care they need and providing support for the families that love them.
In-House Lab & Diagnostics
Targeted testing, imaging and other diagnostic procedures play a key role in providing pet owners with an accurate diagnosis of their dog or cat's condition.
Our in-house veterinary lab is outfitted with a variety of diagnostic imaging technologies and other equipment, allowing our team to quickly diagnose your pet's condition so that treatment can begin.