Commonly Treated Conditions

Veterinary internal medicine encompasses the disciplines of endocrinology, gastroenterology, hematology, immunology, infectious disease, nephrology/urology, cardiac and respiratory diseases, oncology, and non-surgical neurology.

Internal medicine specialists (internists) focus on diagnosing and treating diseases of all organ systems. An internist can provide greater understanding of complicated disease processes as well as greater knowledge of the unusual, uncommon, or rare diseases in dogs and cats. Internists also have expertise in advanced laboratory testing, diagnostic imaging, endoscopic procedures, special diagnostic procedures, and advanced therapeutic options. Examples of conditions for which your veterinarian may refer your pet to an internist are:

Cardiology

Heart failure, valve disease, high blood pressure

Endocrinology

Adrenal gland disorders (Addison's disease, Cushing's disease), thyroid disorders (canine hypothyroidism, feline hyperthyroidism), pancreatic disorders (diabetes mellitus, pancreatitis)

Gastroenterology

Disorders of the esophagus, stomach, intestine, colon, pancreas, liver, and biliary tract

Hematology

Red blood cell, platelet, and white blood cell disorders

Immunology

Immune-mediated, auto-immune and immunodeficiency diseases

Infectious Diseases

Bacterial, viral, fungal infections

Nephrology/Urology

Disorders of the kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra

Neurology (non-surgical)

Seizures, meningitis, encephalitis

Oncology

Cancers such as lymphoma, hemangiosarcoma, transitional cell carnicoma, and others

Respiratory disease

Disorders of the upper airways (nasal passages, pharynx, trachea) and lower airways (lungs)