Diagnosis & Treatment of Internal Conditions in Pets
Veterinary internal medicine involves treating diseases and disorders of an animal's internal systems.
Our veterinarians bring extensive experience in diagnosing and treating challenging cases, from disorders of the brain and nervous system to lung disease and tumours.
At Rice Lake Animal Hospital, we have a variety of diagnostic tools and treatment methods at our disposal.
We can help patients with multiple diseases or disorders, and for those who do not respond well to standard procedures, alternative treatment options are available.
Internal Medicine Conditions
If your pet is exhibiting symptoms of an internal condition, your vet will conduct a comprehensive physical exam of your pet to diagnose the issue and create a detailed treatment plan customized to their needs.
Our veterinarians diagnose and treat ailments in the following areas:
- Cardiology (heart-related disorders)
Like people, dogs and cats can suffer from heart diseases and disorders. With the technology in our in-house vet lab, our vets can examine your pet for signs of heart conditions so that you have results quickly. Fast results mean starting treatment sooner.
If your vet is unable to diagnose or treat your dog or cat's heart condition as part of our internal medicine checks we will be sure to forward you to a Board Certified Internal Medicine Vet and work with your specialist to ensure that your pet receives the very best care.
- Reproductive Issues
Our team of veterinary professionals at Rice Lake Animal Hospital in Bailieboro understands the financial investment and personal commitment that go into breeding companion animals properly. If your animal is experiencing reproductive difficulties, our vets will work to diagnose the issue and offer appropriate treatment options to help resolve the problem.
- Immunology (immune system disorders)
Your pet's immune system is responsible for detecting foreign invaders or abnormal cells and beginning defensive action to protect the animal's health. That said, the immune system doesn't always work as it should, in which case your pet will be diagnosed with an immune-mediated disorder.
Common immune-mediated disorders in dogs and cats include anemia, arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, hypothyroidism, allergies, and skin diseases.
- Pulmonary Disorders (diseases of the lungs)
Your pet's respiratory system does the essential work of delivering oxygen to the body and eliminating waste gases such as carbon dioxide. Because dogs and cats don't sweat the way people do, your pet's respiratory system also plays a key role in regulating body temperature.
There are several common pulmonary disorders seen in dogs, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), canine distemper virus, pneumonia, and lung tumours.
Common pulmonary disorders in cats include asthma, bronchitis, parasitic worms, bacterial infections, and viruses.
- Gastroenterology (digestive organs)
Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are a common internal medicine issue seen by our Bailieboro veterinarians. GI conditions affect your pet's stomach and intestines, interfering with the animal's ability to digest food properly and absorb nutrients.
Pets suffering from GI problems often experience symptoms such as blood in stool, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, gas, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and weight loss.
- Oncology (tumours and cancer)
Cancer is a disease that can impact even the fittest humans and animals. When diagnosed in the earliest stages, in many cases cancers in dogs and cats can be treated with a combination of surgeries, therapies, and other methods.
Some of the most common cancers in dogs include mast cell tumours, melanoma, lymphoma, and bone cancer. In cats, some of the most common cancers include lymphoma, feline leukemia virus (FeLV), mammary cancer, and skin cancer.
If your pet requires diagnosis or cancer care beyond the scope of our skilled veterinarians, we will refer you to a veterinary oncology specialist.
- Urology (urinary functions, genitourinary tract)
Veterinary internal medicine also covers urology conditions such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) in dogs and feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) in cats.
Your pet's urinary tract consists of their kidneys, the tubes that carry urine to the bladder, the bladder, and the urethra that conducts urine out of your animal's body. Urinary tract disorders can affect any part of this system.
- Endocrinology (glands and their functions)
Essential hormones are secreted into your pet's body thanks to the hard work of several glands. These glands and hormones are your pet's endocrine system. When your pet's endocrine system isn't working the way it should, symptoms can include skin problems and poor coat condition.
- Neurology (brain and nervous system disorders)
Neurology is a branch of veterinary internal medicine covering conditions of the brain and spinal cord as well as neuromuscular dysfunction. Some of the most common neurological disorders in dogs and cats include seizures, IVDD, and tumours.
If your animal requires diagnoses or care for neurologic conditions that are beyond the scope of our experienced veterinarians, we will be happy to refer you to an animal internal medicine specialist or veterinary neurologist. Our vets will work closely with your specialist to ensure that your pet receives the best treatment possible.
Specialist Referrals
Your pet's health is our highest priority.
If your pet needs a procedure or expertise that we do not offer, we will refer you to an experienced veterinary internal medicine specialist.
Laboratory & Diagnostics
We support our comprehensive approach to dog and cat internal medicine with targeted testing, imaging and other diagnostic procedures.
Our in-house veterinary lab is equipped with the technology we need to assist in diagnosing your pet's internal medicine condition quickly and accurately so that treatment can begin sooner.