Veterinary Internal Medicine
Internal Conditions
With veterinary internal medicine, we're able to treat diseases and disorders of animals' internal systems.
Our veterinarians have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating challenging cases, from disorders of the heart, brain and nervous system to reproductive and gastrointestinal issues, and various tumors.
At Palmyra Animal Clinic, we leverage a range of diagnostic tools and alternative treatment methods. We can also manage patients with multiple diseases or disorders.
Laboratory & Diagnostics
Our comprehensive approach to dog and cat internal medicine is backed by advanced testing, imaging and other diagnostic procedures.
In our in-house veterinary lab, we have the technology we need to quickly and accurately diagnose your pet's internal medicine condition so that treatment can begin sooner.
Internal Medicine Conditions
Is your pet displaying symptoms of an internal condition? Your vet will perform a comprehensive physical exam for your pet to diagnose the issue and develop a detailed treatment plan customized to their needs.
During the physical exam, your vet will carefully assess your pet's vital signs, such as heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature. They will also examine your pet's body condition and look for any abnormalities or signs of pain.
They may also perform diagnostic tests to get a better understanding of your pet's internal health.
Our veterinarians diagnose and treat ailments in the following areas:
- Cardiology (heart-related disorders)
Similar to people, cats and dogs can suffer from heart diseases and disorders. Using the technology in our in-house vet lab, our vets can examine your pet for signs of heart conditions so that you receive results quickly. Fast results mean starting treatment sooner.
If your vet is 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 Vet near Palmyra, and work with your specialist to ensure that your pet receives the very best care.
- Reproductive Issues
Our team of veterinary professionals at Palmyra Animal Clinic understands the financial investment and personal commitment that must be put into breeding companion animals properly. If your animal is having reproductive challenges, our vets will work to diagnose the problem and offer appropriate treatment options to help resolve the issue.
- Immunology (immune system disorders)
Your pet's immune system has the critical role of detecting foreign invaders or abnormal cells and triggering defensive action to protect the animal's health. However, the immune system doesn't always function as it should, in which case your pet will be diagnosed with an immune-mediated disorder.
Common immune-mediated disorders in cats and dogs include anemia, arthritis, allergies, skin diseases, hypothyroidism and irritable bowel syndrome.
- Pulmonary Disorders (diseases of the lungs)
Your pet's respiratory system delivers oxygen to the body and removes waste gases such as carbon dioxide. Because cats and dogs do not sweat the way people do, your pet's respiratory system also plays a critical role in regulating body temperature.
Dogs can suffer from numerous common pulmonary disorders, including canine distemper virus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung tumors and pneumonia.
In cats, common pulmonary disorders include asthma, bacterial infections, bronchitis, viruses and parasitic worms.
- Gastroenterology (digestive organs)
Our veterinarians in Palmyra often see pets come in with gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. GI conditions impact your pet's stomach and intestines, interfering with an animal's ability to properly digest food and absorb nutrients.
Pets suffering from GI issues commonly experience symptoms such as gas, blood in stool, diarrhea, constipation, weight loss, abdominal pain or loss of appetite.
- Oncology (tumors and cancer)
Cancer is a disease that can impact even the fittest humans and animals. When diagnosed in the earliest stages, in many cases cancers in dogs and cats can 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 requires diagnosis or cancer care beyond the scope of our skilled veterinarians, we will refer you to a veterinary oncology specialist near Palmyra.
- Urology (urinary functions, genitourinary tract)
Veterinary internal medicine also covers urology 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 their kidneys, the tubes that carry urine to the bladder, the bladder, 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 thanks to the hard work of 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 should, symptoms can include skin problems and poor coat condition.
- 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 Palmyra. Our vets will work closely with your specialist to ensure that your pet receives the best treatment possible.
Specialist Referrals
If your veterinarian determines that your pet requires a procedure or expertise that we do not offer, we can refer you to an experienced veterinary internal medicine specialist near Palmyra.
We are connected with a network of exceptional veterinary specialists throughout the area.
Potential Signs of Internal Conditions in Pets
Internal conditions can be hard to detect, so it is important for pet owners to be able to recognize the signs that may be pointing to a serious illness. Regular checkups with a veterinarian are also crucial to ensure early detection of any internal conditions that may not be readily apparent
If you notice any of the symptoms listed below, book an appointment with one of our veterinarians:
- Runny nose
- Persistent diarrhea
- Itchy, flaky skin
- Severe weight fluctuation
- Vomiting
- Coughing
- Gagging
- Difficulty breathing
- Excessive urination
- Red, swollen gums
- Lack of appetite (for 24+ hours)
- Runny eyes
- Lack of sociability
- Low energy levels