Veterinary Internal Medicine

Internal Medicine Conditions

Is your pet displaying symptoms of an internal condition? Your veterinarian will perform a comprehensive physical exam for your pet to diagnose the issue and develop a detailed treatment plan tailored to their needs. 

Our vets diagnose and treat illnesses in these areas:

• Cardiology (heart-related disorders)

  Heart diseases and disorders can severely impact the lives of dogs and cats. With the technology in our in-house vet lab, our vets are able to assess your pet for signs of heart conditions so that you'll receive results quickly. Fast results mean treatment can be started 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 Sacramento, and work with your specialist to ensure that your pet receives the very best care. 

• Reproductive Issues

  Our team of veterinary professionals at Elkhorn-Walerga Animal Hospital in Sacramento understands the financial investment and personal commitment that owners put into properly breeding their companion animals. If your animal is facing reproductive difficulties, our vets will work to diagnose the issue and offer appropriate treatment options to help resolve the problem. 

• Immunology (immune system disorders)

  Your pet's immune system is responsible for detecting foreign invaders or abnormal cells and beginning defensive action to protect the animal's health. That said, the immune system doesn't always work as it should, in which case your pet will 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 does the essential work of delivering oxygen to the body and eliminating waste gases such as carbon dioxide. Because dogs and cats don't sweat the way people do, your pet's respiratory system also plays a key role in regulating body temperature.

  There are a number of 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 a common internal medicine issue seen by our Sacramento veterinarians. GI conditions affect your pet's stomach and intestines, interfering with the animal's ability to digest food properly and absorb nutrients.

  Pets suffering from GI problems often experience symptoms such as blood in stool, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, gas, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and weight loss.

• 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 Sacramento.  

• 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) 

  Neuromuscular dysfunction and conditions of the brain and spinal cord fall under a branch of veterinary internal medicine called neurology. Some of the most common neurological disorders in cats and dogs include IVDD, tumors and seizures. 

  If your animal needs diagnoses or care for neurological 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 Sacramento. Our vets will work closely with your specialist to ensure that your pet receives the best treatment possible.

Specialist Referrals

At Elkhorn-Walerga Animal Hospital, our highest priority is your pet's health. 

If your pet requires a procedure or expertise that we do not offer, we will refer you to a skilled veterinary internal medicine specialist near Sacramento.