Diagnosis & Treatment of Internal Conditions
General practice internal medicine focuses on diagnosing and treating diseases affecting your pet’s internal systems.
Our veterinarians have experience managing internal conditions across all body systems. They are committed to going the extra mile to help your dog or cat feel better.
At Diablo View Veterinary Medical Hospital, we can manage patients with multiple diseases or disorders and provide effective treatment alternatives for those who do not respond well to standard procedures.
If your pet's needs are more complex or require treatment we do not provide, our team can refer your dog or cat to a veterinary internal medicine specialist for advanced care.
Internal Medicine Conditions
If your pet is showing signs of an internal disease, your veterinarian will do a thorough physical exam to identify the problem as well as provide a detailed treatment plan tailored to their specific circumstances.
Our veterinarians diagnose and treat ailments in the following areas:
- Cardiology (heart-related disorders)
Much like people, dogs and cats can suffer from heart diseases and cardiovascular disorders. With the technology in our in-house veterinary lab, our veterinarians can perform a range of tests in-house, so you get answers fast and treatment can start sooner.
If we are unable to diagnose or treat your dog or cat's heart condition as part of our internal medicine checks, we will be sure to forward you to a Board Certified Internal Medicine veterinarian near Pleasant Hill and work with your specialist to ensure that your pet receives the very best care.
- Immunology (immune system disorders)
Your pet's immune system identifies foreign invaders or abnormal cells and initiates a defensive response to preserve the animal's health. That said, the immune system doesn't always work as it should, in which case 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)
Your pet's respiratory system does the essential work of delivering oxygen to the body and eliminating waste gases. Since dogs and cats don't sweat like people, their respiratory systems also play a key role in regulating body temperature.
There are a number of common pulmonary disorders in cats, including asthma, bronchitis, parasitic worms, bacterial infections and viruses.
Common pulmonary disorders seen in dogs, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), canine distemper virus, pneumonia and lung tumors.
- Gastroenterology (digestive organs)
Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are a common internal medicine issue seen by our Pleasant Hill veterinarians. GI disorders impact your pet's stomach and intestines, impairing the animal's ability to digest food and absorb nutrients.
Pets suffering from GI problems often experience symptoms such as blood in stool, abdominal pain, constipation, gas, diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite and weight loss.
- Oncology (tumors and cancer)
Cancer is a disease that can impact even the healthiest animals. In many cases, when diagnosed in the earliest stages, cancers in dogs and cats can be treated with a combination of surgeries, therapies and other methods.
Some of the most common cancers include lymphoma, feline leukemia virus (FeLV), mammary cancer and skin cancer. In dogs, some of the most common cancers include mast cell tumors, melanoma, lymphoma and bone cancer.
If your pet requires diagnosis or cancer care beyond the scope of our skilled veterinarians, we will refer you to a veterinary oncology specialist near Pleasant Hill.
- Urology (urinary functions, genitourinary tract)
Veterinary internal medicine also covers urologic conditions, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) in dogs and feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) in cats.
Your pet's urinary tract consists of the kidneys, the tubes that carry urine to the bladder, the bladder, and the urethra, which conducts urine out of your animal's body. Urinary tract disorders can affect any part of this system.
- Endocrinology (glands and their functions)
A variety of glands work hard to release essential hormones into your pet's body. The endocrine system of your pet is made up of these glands and hormones. Skin issues and poor coat quality can occur when your pet's endocrine system is not functioning properly.
- Neurology (brain and nervous system disorders)
Neurology is a branch of veterinary internal medicine covering conditions of the brain and spinal cord, as well as neuromuscular dysfunction. Some of the most common neurological disorders in dogs and cats include seizures, IVDD, and tumors.
If your animal requires diagnoses or care for neurologic conditions that are beyond the scope of our experienced veterinarians, we will be happy to refer you to an animal internal medicine specialist or veterinary neurologist near Pleasant Hill. Our doctors will work closely with your specialist to ensure that your pet receives the best treatment possible.
Specialist Referrals
While our team of general practice veterinarians is experienced in treating a wide range of internal health issues in dogs and cats, there are times when more advanced care may be beneficial.
If your pet needs a procedure or expertise that we do not offer, we will refer you to an experienced veterinary internal medicine specialist near Pleasant Hill.
Laboratory & Diagnostics in Pleasant Hill
Advanced testing, imaging, and other diagnostic methods supplement our complete approach to dog and cat internal medicine.
Our in-house veterinary lab is equipped with the technology we need to diagnose your pet's internal medicine condition quickly and accurately, so that treatment can begin sooner.