What Types of Diseases Can Veterinary Internal Medicine Treat?

Veterinary medicine has seen significant advances over the past few years. In particular, the specialty of veterinary internal medicine, which primarily deals with diagnosing and treating diseases that affect pets’ internal systems, has exponentially evolved.

A Closer Look at Veterinary Internal Medicine

Before heading to the veterinary internal medicine that treats diseases, it would be pretty valuable to quickly dive into what it entails.

Not unlike human internal medicine, veterinary internal medicine is a specialty that involves the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases in the body’s internal systems. It is the go-to for ailing pets with issues that can’t be resolved by primary veterinary care. For instance, a veterinary internist in Norristown, PA, would use advanced diagnostic procedures and treatments to care for pets with complex medical conditions that elude a typical vet’s scope.

Diseases Detected and Treated by Vet Internists

Veterinary internal medicine has a wide reach concerning the diseases it handles. We categorize these diseases based on the body systems they affect.

1. Digestive System Diseases

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): This chronic condition involves ongoing inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms like chronic diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, and decreased appetite. It can affect the stomach and intestines, causing discomfort and nutritional deficiencies.
• Gastric Ulcers: Ulcers in the stomach lining can develop due to various factors, including stress, medications, or bacterial infections. Pets with gastric ulcers may experience abdominal pain, vomiting blood, dark stools, and a decreased appetite.
• Intestinal Parasites: Worms and other parasites can infest the digestive system, causing symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, bloating, and even anemia in severe cases. These parasites can have harmful effects on nutrient absorption and overall health.
• Pancreatic Insufficiency: Inadequate production of digestive enzymes by the pancreas can lead to improper digestion and malabsorption of nutrients. Pets with this condition may have chronic diarrhea, weight loss, and poor coat condition due to nutrient deficiencies.

2. Endocrine System Diseases

• Cushing’s Disease: Also known as hyperadrenocorticism, this condition occurs when the adrenal glands produce excessive cortisol. Pets may exhibit increased thirst and urination, weight gain, hair loss, and a pot-bellied appearance.
• Addison’s Disease: This condition, hypoadrenocorticism, results from insufficient adrenal gland function. It can lead to weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and potentially life-threatening electrolyte imbalances.
• Hypoparathyroidism: A disorder where the parathyroid glands produce insufficient parathyroid hormone, causing low calcium levels. Pets may experience muscle tremors, weakness, seizures, and difficulty standing or walking.
• Thyroid Tumors: Growths in the thyroid glands can disrupt thyroid hormone production, affecting metabolism, energy levels, and overall health. Symptoms may include appetite, weight loss, and changes in fur texture.

3. Respiratory System Diseases

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Also known as “kennel cough” or “canine asthma,” COPD leads to chronic inflammation of the airways. Pets may exhibit persistent coughing, wheezing, exercise intolerance, and labored breathing, especially during physical activity or excitement.
• Upper Respiratory Infections: Viral or bacterial infections, such as feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirus, can cause sneezing, nasal discharge, coughing, and conjunctivitis. These infections are common in crowded environments like shelters or catteries.
• Lung Tumors: Cancerous growths in the lungs can impair respiratory function, leading to coughing, difficulty breathing, lethargy, and weight loss. Lung tumors may be primary or secondary (metastatic) tumors from other body parts.
• Pleural Effusion: Fluid accumulation around the lungs, often due to heart failure, infections, or cancer, can lead to difficult breathing, decreased lung capacity, and lethargy.

4. Cardiovascular System Diseases

• Arrhythmias: Irregular heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia, can cause weakness, lethargy, and fainting spells.
• Heartworm Disease: Transmitted by mosquito bites, heartworms can obstruct blood vessels and damage the heart, leading to coughing, exercise intolerance, and eventually heart failure.
• Valvular Heart Disease: Degeneration of heart valves, especially in older pets, can result in heart murmurs, fluid retention, and fatigue due to compromised circulation.
• Thromboembolism: Blood clots can block blood vessels, particularly in the lungs, leading to sudden pain, difficulty breathing, and limb paralysis.

5. Neurological System Diseases

• Seizures: Abnormal electrical activity in the brain can lead to sudden and uncontrolled convulsions, muscle twitching, and even loss of consciousness. These episodes can be distressing for pets and their owners, and managing seizures often involves medication and close monitoring.
• Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD): This condition involves the degeneration or herniation of spinal discs, leading to back pain, limb weakness, and potential paralysis. Depending on the severity, pets may need medical management or surgical intervention to alleviate pain and restore mobility.
• Vestibular Disease: Inner ear problems can disrupt a pet’s sense of balance and coordination. Pets with vestibular disease may exhibit head tilting, unsteady walking, circling, and sometimes nausea. With proper care and supportive treatment, many pets recover from this condition.
• Encephalitis: Brain inflammation can result from infections, immune responses, or other factors. Symptoms may include seizures, disorientation, behavioral changes, head pressing, and coma. Treatment aims to address the underlying cause and manage symptoms to minimize long-term effects.

6. Urinary System Diseases

• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Gradual deterioration of kidney function can lead to a range of symptoms, including increased thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, and lethargy. CKD is a progressive condition that requires careful management, often involving dietary adjustments, medication, and fluid therapy.
• Urinary Tract Infections: Bacterial infections affecting the urinary system can lead to discomfort during urination, frequent trips to the litter box, and sometimes blood in the urine. Prompt antibiotic treatment is essential to prevent the infection from spreading and causing more severe issues.
• Bladder Stones: The formation of mineral deposits in the bladder can lead to urinary obstruction, discomfort, and recurrent urinary tract infections. Treatment may involve dietary changes, medication, or surgical removal depending on the size and type of stones.
• Acute Renal Failure: Sudden and severe kidney function impairment can occur due to toxins, infections, or other factors. Pets with acute renal failure may exhibit vomiting, decreased appetite, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances. Immediate veterinary attention is crucial to stabilize and treat the pet’s condition.

When Dentistry Meets Veterinary Medicine

Remember, your pet’s oral health is as important as any other facet of their well-being. This is where veterinary dentistry makes its grand appearance. A professional veterinary dentist in Norristown, PA, will ensure to prevent, diagnose, and treat oral diseases in pets, providing another level of comprehensive healthcare for your pet.

Conclusion

Veterinary internal medicine is the safety net for those issues that primary veterinary care cannot resolve. It covers a multitude of diseases across various body systems, ensuring pets live long and healthy lives. Remember, your pet’s health is a holistic concept—oral health included. Combining veterinary dentistry with internal medicine gives your pet the comprehensive care they deserve.