Internal medicine experts (internists) treat disorders of the gastrointestinal and urinary tract, liver, pancreas, kidneys, lungs, the respiratory, endocrine, and blood systems, and immune-mediated infectious illnesses. If your pet suffers from complicated ailments, the diagnosis is elusive, or they are not responding to conventional therapies, The primary care vet might suggest that you consult an internist.
Internists function as an extension of your veterinarian’s office, providing access to high-tech diagnostic tools and unrivaled therapeutic resources, including referrals to other specialists as needed. Internists work closely with other experts to ensure that each pet has a complete range of care and collaborative and cumulative expertise.
Internal Medicine Conditions
Getting an accurate diagnosis is vital when you believe your pet may be suffering from a severe chronic illness. A veterinarian can quickly determine your pet’s condition using sophisticated diagnostic methods like endoscopy, ultrasonography, as well as an in-house laboratory. Internists can address the following conditions.
Joints or Arthritis Condition (Polyarthritis)
Polyarthritis is a condition where dogs show lameness in various joints, typically the wrist, hock, knee, and elbow. The diagnosis is usually determined by looking at radiographs of the joints to rule out other illnesses by removing joint fluids to be examined and cultured and performing blood tests to rule out any other ailments that are similarly affected. Immunosuppressive medicines are used to treat the condition.
Liver Disorders
Numerous kinds of liver disease are prevalent in both dogs and cats. Portosystemic Vascular Anomalies (PSVA) and Microvascular Dysplasia are two of the most pervasive conditions (MVD).
These genetic problems are more common in small dog breeds. PSVA is also seen in large breed dogs and, to a lesser extent, in cats.
PSVA is different from MVD in that it involves one or sometimes two significant veins that carry blood directly through the liver to the heart. Contrarily, MVD involves microscopic blood capillaries inside the liver. For your pet dental care, visit the “Vet dentistry” page of a veterinary website.
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 inflammatory liver injury usually mediated through your immune system. It could start as a primary illness process or result from another disease condition or toxic, pharmacological, or virus exposures. Click here for more details on parasite prevention on pets.
Feline Hepatic Lipidosis (FHL)
The most frequently occurring acute liver disease in cats is characterized by severe jaundice and the possibility of death without prompt treatment. FHL is a disorder brought on by an inability to eat lasting several days. As a result, numerous primary disease processes are involved in FHL and must be dealt with in conjunction with FHL diagnosis and treatment.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease or IBD
Pets with IBD typically exhibit diarrhea, weight loss, and sometimes vomiting. The loss of appetite, vomiting, weight loss, and diarrhea are frequent symptoms of IBD in cats. The intestine is examined through endoscopy, or surgery is necessary for a conclusive diagnosis.
A small intestine biopsy is necessary to differentiate small intestinal lymphoma properly from inflammatory bowel disease. Prednisolone, vitamin supplements, and chlorambucil can be employed in the treatment. Cats suffering from small cell lymphoma have a better chance of survival.
Leptospirosis in Dogs
Leptospirosis could be a fatal disorder leading to liver and renal failure. An extensive history and physical examination, blood and urine testing, and diagnostic imaging all contribute to recognizing the condition.
Sometimes, dogs need to be admitted to a vet for a prolonged period to get intravenous fluids and antibiotics for kidney diseases. Prognosis is good when kidney function is restored. Visit a veterinary website like DenverVet.com for more information.
