Internal medicine specialists (internists) specialize in conditions of the urinary tract, liver, pancreas, kidneys, lungs, blood, endocrine, respiratory systems, and immune-mediated and infectious diseases. If your pet suffers from complex ailments, the diagnosis is elusive, or does not respond to standard treatments; the primary vet might suggest that you consult an internist.
Internists function as an extension of the vet’s office, providing access to the most advanced diagnostic techniques and unparalleled therapeutic resources, including the referral of other specialists when needed. Internists collaborate closely with other specialists to ensure that every pet receives a full range of care and collaborative and shared knowledge.
Internal Medicine Conditions
Making an accurate diagnosis is essential when you fear your pet is suffering from a severe and chronic disease. A veterinarian can quickly determine the problem with your pet using advanced diagnostic methods, such as endoscopy ultrasonography and an in-house laboratory. Internists can treat the following ailments.
Joints or Arthritis Condition (Polyarthritis)
Polyarthritis is a condition where dogs experience lameness in various joints and joints, with the most frequent being the wrist, hock, knee, and elbow. The diagnosis is usually determined by looking at radiographs of joints to rule out other issues, extracting joint fluid to examine and test, and doing blood tests to rule out other conditions that present similarly. Immunosuppressive medicines are used for treating the disease. Visit a veterinary website like DenverVet.com for more details.
Liver Disorders
Many types of liver diseases are prevalent in both dogs and cats. Portosystemic Vascular Anomalies (PSVA) and Microvascular Dysplasia are two of the most frequently occurring conditions (MVD).
These congenital genetic conditions are more prevalent in tiny dog breeds. PSVA can also be found within large breeds of dogs and cats to a lesser degree.
PSVA differs from MVD because it is a result of one or rarely two prominent veins that transport blood directly through the liver to the heart. In contrast, MVD involves microscopic blood capillaries located in the liver.
Chronic Hepatitis
Chronic hepatitis can be a prevalent illness in dogs. It is characterized by increased liver enzyme activity over several weeks to months and with only a clear clinical sign in the initial stages.
This illness is characterized by an ongoing liver injury that is inflammatory and frequently mediated by the immune system. It may begin as the primary cause of disease or arise from a different condition and toxic or pharmacological, or viral exposures.
Feline Hepatic Lipidosis (FHL)
The most frequent acute liver disease in cats is characterized by severe jaundice and the possibility of death with no prompt and prompt care. FHL is a complication triggered by a period of inappetence lasting several days. This is why several diseases are responsible for FHL and must be handled together alongside FHL diagnosis and treatment. A veterinarian will also offer pet dental care.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease or IBD
Dogs with IBD frequently exhibit weight loss, diarrhea, and vomiting. Appetite loss, vomiting, weight loss, and diarrhea are common symptoms of IBD among cats. An intestine biopsy through endoscopy or surgical procedure is required for a definite diagnosis.
A small intestine biopsy is necessary to correctly distinguish small intestinal lymphoma from inflammatory intestinal disease. Vitamins, supplements to prevent prednisolone, and chlorambucil are frequently used in treatment. Cats with small-cell lymphoma have a better chance of survival. Visit this page for more information.
Leptospirosis in Dogs
Leptospirosis is a deadly disorder that can lead to renal and liver failure. A thorough history and physical exam, urine and blood testing, and diagnostic imaging are all factors to the diagnosis.
Dogs are often admitted to a vet for a prolonged period to receive intravenous fluids and antibiotics to treat kidney illness. Prognosis is favorable for as long as the kidney function is restored.