Internal Medicine

Our specialists in Internal Medicine are certified by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. This College is comprised of the following disciplines:

Endocrinology

Gastroenterology

Infectious Disease

Nephrology/Urology

Reproduction

Respiratory Medicine

Transfusion Medicine

Endocrinology

Endocrinology is the study of the endocrine system, consisting of the thyroid gland, the adrenal glands, the pancreas, and the hypothalamus and pituitary gland (hormone-secreting regions of the brain). Common endocrine diseases that are diagnosed and managed by our internists include diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, hyper and hypoparathyroidism, hyper and hypothyroidism, hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s disease), and hypoadrenocorticism (Addison’s disease).

Gastroenterology

Gastroenterology is the study of the gastrointestinal tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, liver, gall bladder and pancreas. Our internal medicine specialists utilize small, flexible scopes to perform esophagoscopy, gastroduodenoscopy, and colonoscopy. These procedures are a minimally invasive means to visualize the gastrointestinal tract and obtain biopsies. This can aid in the diagnosis of conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, food allergies, gastrointestinal ulcers, or cancer. Additionally, these scopes are occasionally used to retrieve foreign bodies in the esophagus or stomach.

Nephrology

Nephrology is the study of the kidneys. Our internists specialize in the diagnosis and management of both acute and chronic kidney disease. Hemodialysis and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) are available for use in appropriate patients. Urology is the study of the lower urinary tract, which is comprised of the bladder and urethra. Ultrasound and cystoscopy (using a scope to visualize the lower urinary tract) are commonly performed diagnostic tests utilized to diagnose common urologic disorders. Some typical disorders are bladder stones, feline lower urinary tract disease, polyps, tumors, or ectopic ureters.

Respiratory Medicine

Respiratory medicine is the study of the upper respiratory tract (including the nose, nasopharynx, larynx and trachea), and the lower respiratory tract (including the bronchi and lower airways). Our internists often utilize radiographs and advanced imaging, including a CAT scan or MRI and rhinoscopy (using a scope), to visualize the nasal cavity, and sometimes obtain biopsies. We can also use a bronchoscope to assess the structure and function of the larynx, the trachea, and the lower airways. This can be useful in the diagnosis of common conditions such as collapsing trachea and laryngeal paralysis. Procedures such as an endotracheal wash or a bronchoalveolar lavage can be performed to examine cells from the lower airways, and can be useful in the diagnosis of conditions such as canine chronic bronchitis, feline asthma, and pneumonia in both species.