What is Veterinary Internal Medicine?
When it comes to maintaining your pet’s health, veterinary medicine offers a wide range
of specialties. Veterinary internal medicine is a branch of veterinary medicine that
specializes in diagnosing and managing complex diseases affecting an animal’s internal
organs and systems. A veterinary internist is a doctor of veterinary medicine who must
go through additional education as well as a rigorous internship and board certification.
How Is It Different from My Regular Vet?
While your regular vet handles routine care and common medical conditions, a
veterinary internist steps in when standard diagnostics don’t provide answers or when a
pet’s condition requires specialized, long-term management. Internists use advanced
diagnostics and therapies to uncover the root cause of complex health issues, with
particular emphasis on organ system functions.
Common diagnostics used by veterinary internists include bloodwork, CT scans,
ultrasounds, MRIs, and endoscopy. These tools help diagnose a wide range of
conditions, often uncovering multiple issues at once. Below are the top 7 conditions a
veterinary internist may help diagnose and treat:
1-Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes is a common endocrine disorder in dogs and cats that disrupts blood sugar
regulation, and may lead to symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urination,
weight loss and lethargy. If left unmanaged, diabetes in dogs and cats can lead to
serious and potentially life-threatening conditions like diabetic ketoacidosis, cataracts
and blindness, urinary tract infections, kidney failure, and nerve damage.
2-Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
CKD is a progressive condition, often seen in older pets, that impairs the kidneys’ ability
to effectively filter waste from the blood. Symptoms include increased thirst and
urination, weight loss, vomiting, and lethargy. Early detection and management can
improve quality of life and slow disease progression.
3-Cushing’s Disease (Hyperadrenocorticism)
Caused by excessive cortisol production, this endocrine disorder is more common in
dogs but can also occur in cats. Cushing’s disease is often resulting from a benign
tumor in the pituitary or adrenal glands. Symptoms include increased thirst and
urination, increased appetite, weight gain, a pot-bellied appearance, and thinning skin.
4-Hypothyroidism
Most commonly seen in dogs, hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland fails to
produce enough hormones necessary for metabolism regulation. Symptoms include
weight gain, lethargy, a dry or thinning coat, and skin infections. Proper diagnosis and
treatment can resolve many of these issues.
5-Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
IBD is a condition characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI)
tract, which interferes with digestion and can lead to malabsorption of nutrients.
Symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea, and decreased appetite. IBD requires
long-term management and dietary adjustments to control symptoms.
6-Pancreatitis
This condition is marked by inflammation of the pancreas due to a variety of factors,
leading to digestive issues, abdominal pain, and lethargy. Pancreatitis can be acute or
chronic, and early intervention is crucial to prevent severe complications.
7-Addison’s Disease (Hypoadrenocorticism)
Addison’s disease is an endocrine disease where the adrenal glands don’t produce
enough cortisone to regulate bodily functions. This often results in lethargy, vomiting
and diarrhea, increased thirst, and frequent urination. Addison’s Disease requires
lifelong management but is treatable with hormone replacement therapy.
Conclusion
Veterinary internal medicine plays a pivotal role in maintaining the health of our pets by
addressing the most complex and challenging medical issues. Specialists in this field not only
diagnose and treat diseases but also provide long-term care and support for chronic conditions,
ensuring that pets live healthier, longer lives. Whether managing multi-system diseases,
providing advanced diagnostics, or collaborating with other veterinary professionals, internal
medicine veterinarians are at the heart of comprehensive pet care. Their expertise helps our
furry companions receive the best possible treatment and quality of life, even when facing
difficult health challenges.
If you’d like to learn more about how veterinary internal medicine can improve and extend your
pet’s quality of life, contact Tell Tail Moonlight Veterinary Center at (760) 652-5002 to
schedule a consultation.
