Internal Medicine
About Internal Medicine at AMC
AMC’s specialists in Internal Medicine are certified by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. Areas of this specialty service include:
- Endocrinology
- Gastroenterology
- Hematology
- Immune Mediated Disease
- Infectious Disease
- Nephrology
- Reproductive Medicine
- Respiratory 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 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. These scopes are also occasionally used to retrieve foreign bodies in the esophagus or stomach.
Hematology
Hematology is the study of disorders of the blood system. Many of these disorders result in anemia, or a lack of red blood cells in the body. Anemia can be caused by many factors and disease states, but in general terms it is caused by blood loss, auto destruction of red blood cells (hemolysis), or lack of bone production by the bone marrow. Other diseases of the blood system include increased red blood cell production (erthrocytosis) or diseases of the clotting mechanism such as a lack of platelets (thrombocytopenia). At the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center, we have the capability of properly diagnosing all of the hematologic disorders of dogs, cats, and exotic animals and, with our extensive bank of blood and blood products, are also equipped to provide all the care your pet may need.
Immune-Mediated Disease
The role of the immune system is to fight off disease caused by foreign pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Immune-mediated (or auto-immune) disease occurs when the immune system starts working against the cells and tissues of your pet instead. This can result in a myriad of clinical syndromes including diseases of the joints, skin, brain, kidneys, blood, and more. At the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center, our goal is to effectively diagnose the cause of the auto-immune disorder and prescribe the most targeted therapy to heal the immune system.
Infectious Disease
Dogs, cats, and exotic species suffer from an ever-expanding list of infectious diseases. Some are unique to each species and some are common to many, including man (zoonotic disease). Using the most advanced testing available, we are able to definitively diagnose the cause of infectious diseases in pets and prescribe the most effective therapies to eradicate them.
Nephrology and Urology
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 patients that qualify.
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 common diagnostic tests used to identify common urologic disorders, such as bladder stones, feline lower urinary tract disease, polyps, tumors, or ectopic ureters.
Reproductive Medicine
Reproductive medicine is the medical aspect of treating dogs, cats, and exotic species that are intact and likely to reproduce. This includes disorders of the heat cycles of intact females, disorders of pregnancy, birth, and lactation. AMC’s Internal Medicine team is equipped to provide the best possible care for breeding animals and their offspring.
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 use radiographs and advanced imaging (including CAT scan, MRI, and rhinoscopy) to visualize the nasal cavity and obtain biopsies as necessary. We’ll 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. Diagnostic procedures like an endotracheal wash or a bronchoalveolar lavage can be performed to examine cells from the lower airways, which aid in the diagnosis of conditions such as canine chronic bronchitis, feline asthma, and pneumonia in both species.