Your pet’s body is made up of a network of systems that work together to keep them healthy. When a problem starts in one part and spreads to other parts of the body, the resulting difficult signs can be hard to comprehend. While certain diseases can be cured, chronic diseases usually require lifelong maintenance for pets to have a better quality of life.
When it comes to veterinary medicine specialties, internal medicine is one of the broadest. A veterinary internist can help when baseline diagnostic testing fails to diagnose a sick pet, traditional treatments fail to adequately control the disease, or a condition does not respond to therapy.
Veterinary Internal Medicine Specialist: What You Should Know
Many pet owners are unaware that veterinary medicine has specialists. There are many different specialties for pets, just as for humans. One of them is Internal Medicine. An internist is a veterinarian who is a board-certified specialist in internal medicine. Find out more about them right here.
What are the responsibilities of veterinary internists?
Internists have received extensive training on the complex interactions of your pet’s organs and body systems and how to address disease’s underlying causes. They specialize in assessing, diagnosing, and treating liver, kidney, gastrointestinal tract, and lung/airway disorders in cats and dogs.
Specialized diagnostic testing is usually required to get an accurate diagnosis. Fortunately, we can run the majority of these tests in-house, allowing us to provide quick results. Ultrasound, CT scan, blood chemistries, biopsies, endoscopy, and other procedures, performed with the most up-to-date technology will provide the clearest picture of what is going on in your pet, allowing the best course of treatment to be created. Click this link for more information about veterinary internists.
Complex disease management for pets
Some pets have diseases or complications that are rare or difficult to treat, requiring more advanced treatment and monitoring. The internal medicine specialists can collaborate with other specialists at hospitals, such as veterinary oncologists or neurologists, to develop the best treatment plan for your pet and their skill and expertise.
Internal medicine specialists can treat a wide range of illnesses, including the following:
- Endocrine diseases — Diseases involving hormone production and management, such as diabetes, Cushing’s disease, Addison’s disease, and thyroid disorders, can be difficult to manage since hormone levels are influenced by various external conditions.
- GI disorders – Gastrointestinal tract conditions, such as pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and liver disease, can create plenty of issues throughout the body that require careful management.
- Cardiovascular illnesses – such as heart failure and hypertension, need constant monitoring and evaluation with advanced tools, such as cardiac ultrasound, to preserve good function and avoid problems.
- Respiratory problems – If not treated properly, asthma, pneumonia, and other respiratory diseases can compromise a pet’s vital oxygen levels. They can provide continuous oxygen therapy or ventilator breathing control if necessary.
- Kidney disease – Kidney failure is a common disease that mostly affects elderly pets, and with proper care, they can live for months or years longer than they would otherwise.
- Urinary system problems — Without correct therapy, several urinary ailments, such as bladder stones and proteinuria, can recur or cause chronic problems.
- Blood and bone marrow diseases — Your pet’s bone marrow produces a variety of blood cell types. A marrow problem can lead to serious illnesses like chronic anemia or leukemia, which needs special treatment.
- Infectious diseases – Because infectious diseases, such as parvo or canine influenza, are contagious and often have devastating consequences, vigorous therapies are usually required to treat them. In addition, the specialty hospital offers an isolation ward with specially trained staff to avoid illness transmission.
Be a Responsible Pet Owner
As a pet owner, you have a huge responsibility on your shoulders. Your new cat or dog will eventually rely on you to provide him with basic necessities. As a good, knowledgeable pet owner, it is your responsibility to ensure that he lives a happy, healthy life by making a routine in his life and following the pet care guidelines. Find out more about veterinary services right here.
Find helpful pet dental care and health tips, research, and talk to other pet owners. Your pet has basic requirements that you must meet. Of course, he requires a constant supply of cold drinking water, nutritious dog or cat food, shade or shelter, and regular grooming, but he also wants you to provide him with a loving home and warm environment in which to live.
Final Thoughts
Advanced medication should be provided to every pet, no matter how complex or challenging, to help them overcome disease and enjoy a long, healthy life. Internal medicine specialists are crucial to the mission’s success. Contact your veterinarian to see if internal medicine specialists can help diagnose or manage your pet’s challenging condition.
