Diagnosing & Treating Internal Conditions in Pets
Veterinary internal medicine concerns conditions that impact the health of your cat or dog's internal systems.
Diagnosing and treating veterinary internal medical conditions, such as neurological disorders, heart disease, kidney failure, and cancer, is a regular part of what we do.
At Picton Animal Hospital, we treat patients with multiple diseases or disorders and can provide treatment alternatives for pets that don't respond well to standard procedures.
Internal Medicine Conditions
If your pet is exhibiting symptoms of an internal condition, your veterinarian will conduct a thorough physical exam to diagnose the issue and create a treatment plan customized to their needs.
Common internal ailments can affect the following areas:
- Cardiology (heart-related disorders)
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 veterinarians can examine your pet for signs of heart disease and then provide you with a diagnosis of your pet's condition along with treatment recommendations.
- Reproductive Issues
Our team of veterinary professionals at Picton Animal Hospital understands the financial investment and personal commitment that go into breeding companion animals properly. If your animal is experiencing reproductive difficulties, our veterinarians 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 pet. 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 pet'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, your pet's 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 pet's 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.
- Oncology (tumours and cancer)
Sadly, cancer is a common disease in pets. However, when diagnosed in the earliest stages, many cancers in dogs and cats can be treated with a combination of surgeries, therapies, and other methods.
In dogs, commonly seen cancers include mast cell tumours, melanoma, lymphoma, and bone cancer. In cats, lymphoma, feline leukemia virus (FeLV), mammary cancer, and skin cancer are common.
- 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 pet's endocrine system consists of several 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 vets see in dogs and cats include seizures, IVDD, and tumours.
Cancer Diagnosis & Care
Unfortunately, cancer is a common internal medicine condition seen in pets. If detected early, many cancers in dogs and cats can be treated with a combination of surgeries and therapies to help improve your pet's quality of life.
Following your pet's cancer diagnosis, we will take the time to explain your pet's condition, discuss additional diagnostic testing if appropriate, and provide you with treatment options.
At Picton Animal Hospital, our veterinarians are dedicated to giving pets with cancer 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 when it comes to providing an accurate diagnosis of your cat or dog's condition.
Our in-house veterinary lab is equipped with a range of diagnostic imaging technologies and other equipment that allows our veterinary team to diagnose your pet's condition as quickly as possible, and begin treatment.