Diagnosing & Treating Internal Conditions
Veterinary internal medicine involves treating diseases and disorders that impact the internal systems of pets.
Our veterinary team is experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of complex cases, including disorders of the brain and nervous system, lung disease, and tumors.
At Wiggins Veterinary Hospital, we have an in-house lab with a variety of diagnostic tools and treatment methods at our disposal.
We can provide treatment and management plans for patients with multiple diseases or disorders, and provide effective treatment alternatives when appropriate.
Areas of Concern
Our veterinariy professionals can diagnose and treat diseases and disorders in the following areas:
- Cardiology (heart-related disorders)
Pets, much like humans, can be impacted by heart issues. With the technology in our in-house vet lab, our vets can examine your pet for signs of heart conditions so that you have results quickly. Getting results sooner means that we can begin treatment quickly, leading to the best possible outcomes.
If your vet is unable to diagnose or treat your pet's heart condition during our general internal medicine checks, we will refer you to a specialist near Wiggins. We will work closely with the specialist to ensure that your pet receives the best care.
- Reproductive Issues
Our team of veterinary professionals at Wiggins Veterinary Hospital understands the financial and personal investments that go into breeding companion animals properly. If your animal is experiencing reproductive difficulties, our vets can help diagnose the issue and create a treatment plan.
- Immunology (immune system disorders)
Your pet's immune system helps to detect foreign invaders or abnormal cells and begins defensive action to protect their health. Your pet's immune system doesn't always work as well as it should. In these cases, they may be diagnosed with an immune-mediated disorder.
Common immune-mediated disorders in dogs and cats include anemia, arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, hypothyroidism, allergies, and skin diseases.
- Pulmonary Disorders (diseases of the lungs)
Your pet's respiratory system delivers oxygen to the body and eliminates waste gases. Because cats and dogs don't sweat to cool off, your pet's respiratory system also plays a key role in regulating body temperature.
There are many common pulmonary disorders seen in dogs, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), canine distemper virus, pneumonia, and lung tumors.
Common pulmonary disorders in cats include asthma, bronchitis, parasitic worms, bacterial infections, and viruses.
- Gastroenterology (digestive organs)
Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are commonly seen by our Wiggins veterinary team. GI conditions affect your pet's stomach and intestines. This can impact their ability to digest food properly and absorb the nutrients they need to stay healthy.
If your pet is experiencing GI problems, they may show symptoms such as blood in stool, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, gas, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and weight loss.
- Oncology (tumors and cancer)
Cancer can impact any pet, regardless of age or health. If diagnosed in the earliest stages, many cases of cancer 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, mammary cancer, and skin cancer.
If your pet requires advanced cancer care that we are unable to provide, we will refer you to a veterinary oncology specialist near Wiggins.
- Urology (urinary functions, genitourinary tract)
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 are conditions that can affect any part of this system.
Veterinary internal medicine addresses conditions such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) in dogs and feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) in cats.
- Endocrinology (glands and their functions)
There are glands throughout your pet's body that secrete essential hormones. These glands and hormones make up your pet's endocrine system, and if this system isn't functioning well, 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. Cats and dogs can experience a range of neurological disorders, including seizures, IVDD, and tumors.
If your pet has a neurologic condition that is beyond the scope of our experienced veterinary professionals, we will refer you to an animal internal medicine specialist or veterinary neurologist near Wiggins. Your veterinarian will work closely with your specialist to ensure that your pet receives the best treatment possible.
Specialist Referrals
The health of your pet is our top priority.
If your pet requires complex care that we are unable to offer, we will refer you to an experienced veterinary internal medicine specialist near Wiggins.
Laboratory & Diagnostics
We are proud to take a comprehensive approach to dog and cat internal medicine with advanced testing, imaging, and any other diagnostic procedures they may need.
Our in-house veterinary lab is fully equipped with the technology we need to diagnose your pet's internal medicine condition quickly and accurately, so that treatment can begin sooner. The sooner that we begin treatment, the better the potential outcomes can be.