Addressing Internal Conditions in Lethbridge Pets
Veterinary internal medicine involves the diagnosis and treatment of conditions that impact your pet's internal systems.
Some of the conditions that may affect your furry friend include neurological disorders, heart disease, kidney failure, and cancer. These are all serious medical issues that may be the source of pain and discomfort for your furry friend.
Our veterinarians focus on a comprehensive diagnosis of the health issues affecting your pets to help them achieve optimal health.
At Northside Veterinary Clinic, we work with patients with multiple diseases or disorders and provide treatment alternatives for those who do not respond well to standard procedures.
Addressing Internal Health Conditions
If your pet is displaying any unusual or concerning symptoms, your veterinarian will conduct a comprehensive physical exam to diagnose the issue and create a treatment plan customized to their needs.
Common veterinary internal ailments can impact the following systems:
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Cardiovascular (Heart & Blood Vessels)
Pets can develop a range of heart diseases and disorders. With the technology in our in-house veterinary lab, our veterinarians will evaluate your pet for signs of heart disease and then provide you with a diagnosis of their health condition along with treatment recommendations.
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Pulmonary (Lungs & Respiratory)
The respiratory system helps deliver oxygen to the body and eliminates waste gases such as carbon dioxide. Your pet is unable to sweat the way we do, so their respiratory system is also essential for regulating their body temperature. Certain pulmonary conditions are more common in certain types of pets.
Dogs - In dogs, common pulmonary disorders include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), canine distemper virus, pneumonia, and lung tumours.
Cats - In cats, asthma, bronchitis, parasitic worms, bacterial infections, and viruses are some of the most common pulmonary issues our veterinarians see.
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Gastrointestinal (Digestive Organs)
Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are conditions that can impact your dog or cat's stomach and intestines, interfering with their ability to digest food properly and absorb nutrients.
If your pet is experiencing gastrointestinal problems, they may show symptoms such as blood in stool, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, gas, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and weight loss.
These are all signs of a serious issue and you should contact your veterinarian or nearest emergency animal hospital right away.
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Urinary (Renal System)
Urology conditions such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) in dogs, and feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) in cats are considered veterinary internal medicine conditions.
The urinary tract consists of the kidneys, tubes that carry urine to the bladder, the bladder, and the urethra that conducts urine out of the body. Pets of any breed, species, size or age can be affected by urinary issues.
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Endocrine (Glands)
Your pet's endocrine system consists of several glands and the essential hormones secreted by those glands. The hormones produced help ensure that your dog or cat's body is working as it should be. When their endocrine system isn't working correctly, symptoms such as skin problems and poor coat condition can become evident.
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Neurological (Brain & Nervous System)
Veterinary neurology is a branch of internal medicine covering conditions of the brain and spinal cord as well as neuromuscular dysfunction. Dogs and cats can experience neurological conditions including seizures, IVDD (intervertebral disc disease), and tumours.
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Immune System
The immune system is made up of organs, cells and proteins that are designed to detect foreign invaders or abnormal cells and begin defensive action to protect the health of your pet. However, some immune-mediated disorders can impact its effectiveness.
Anemia, arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, hypothyroidism, allergies, and skin diseases are some of the most common immune-mediated disorders seen in dogs and cats.
Cancer Diagnosis & Care (Oncology)
Sadly, cancer is a common internal condition diagnosed in all types of pets. With early diagnosis, many types of cancer can be treated with a combination of surgeries and therapies to help extend your pet's quality of life.
If your pet has been diagnosed with cancer, we will take the time to explain your pet's condition, discuss additional diagnostic testing if appropriate and provide you with treatment options and prognosis.
Our veterinarians are dedicated to giving pets with cancer the care they need.
In-House Lab & Diagnostics
At Northside Veterinary Clinic, we use a combination of diagnostic tests and imaging techniques to provide pet owners with an accurate diagnosis of their dog or cat's condition.
Our in-house veterinary lab is equipped with a range of diagnostic imaging technologies and tools that allow our team of professionals to diagnose your pet's condition as quickly as possible so that treatment can begin right away.