Veterinary Internal Medicine

Internal Medicine Conditions

If your cat or dog is displaying symptoms of an internal issue, your vet will implement a complete physical examination of your pet in order to diagnose the condition and develop a treatment plan that is customized to their needs. 

Our vets are able to diagnose and treat ailments in the following areas:

• Cardiology (heart-related disorders)

  Like people, cats and dogs are able to develop and experience heart diseases and disorders. With the technology we have at our disposal at our in-house vet lab, we can examine your furry friend for any signs of a heart condition, and get the results to you fast. Quick results mean that treatment can begin earlier.

  If your vet can't diagnose or treat your pet's heart condition with our usual internal medicine checks we will refer you to a Board Certified Cardiologist near Cave Creek, and work with them to guarantee that your pet gets the very best care. 

• Immunology (immune system disorders)

  The immune system of your pet has the task of detecting foreign invaders or abnormal cells and starting defensive actions to protect the animal's health. However, the immune system doesn't always operate the way that it's supposed to, in a situation like this 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)

  The respiratory system of your pet has the important job of delivering oxygen to the body and eliminating waste gases such as carbon dioxide. Because dogs and cats can't sweat the same way as humans, your pet's respiratory system also has a key role in regulating body temperature.

  There is a handful of pulmonary disorders that are common in dogs, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), canine distemper virus, pneumonia, and lung tumors.

  The pulmonary disorders that are often seen in cats include parasitic worms, asthma, bronchitis, bacterial infections, and viruses. 

• Gastroenterology (digestive organs)

  Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are common internal medical issues seen by our vets in Cave Creek. GI conditions affect your pet's stomach and intestines, interfering with the animal's ability to digest food properly and absorb nutrients.

  Pets that suffer from GI conditions often experience symptoms like diarrhea, gas, blood in stool, constipation, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, vomiting, and weight loss.

• Oncology (tumors and cancer)

  Cancer is a disease that can affect even the healthiest pets and humans. When cancer is diagnosed in its earliest stages in dogs and cats it can often be treated with a combination of surgeries, therapies, and other methods.

  Some of the most common cancers in dogs include mast cell tumors, 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 needs cancer care or a diagnosis that is beyond the abilities of our experienced vets, we will send you to a veterinary oncology specialist near Cave Creek.  

• Urology (urinary functions, genitourinary tract)

  Veterinary internal medicine also consists of urology conditions including urinary tract infections (UTIs) in dogs and feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) in cats.

  The urinary tract of your pet consists of their bladder, the tubes that carry urine to the bladder, the kidneys, 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 because of the hard work performed by a number of glands. These glands and hormones are your pet's endocrine system. When your pet's endocrine system isn't working the way it's supposed, your companion could develop symptoms including skin problems and poor coat condition. 

• Neurology (brain and nervous system disorders) 

  Neurology is the part of veterinary internal medicine that covers conditions of the spinal cord, brain, and neuromuscular dysfunction. A few of the most common neurological disorders in cats and dogs include seizures, tumors, and IVDD.

  If your pet needs a diagnosis or care for a neurologic condition that goes past the scope of our talented veterinarians, we will refer you to an animal internal medicine specialist or veterinary neurologist near Cave Creek. Our vets will work as a team with your specialist to make sure your cat or dog gets the best possible treatment.

Specialist Referrals

Our number one priority is the health of your pet.

If your cat or dog requires expertise or a procedure that we don't offer, we'll refer you to an experienced veterinary internal medicine specialist near Cave Creek.