Veterinary Internal Medicine

Internal Medicine Conditions

Conditions that affect the internal structures of your pet's body can trigger a wide range of symptoms. If your veterinarian believes that your dog or cat may be suffering from an internal medicine condition a thorough examination will be performed and further testing may be recommended.

Once your pet's condition has been diagnosed, a customized treatment plan will be created to address your pet's unique healthcare needs.

At Saint John Animal Hospital we regularly diagnose and treat ailments in the following areas:

• Cardiology (heart-related disorders)

  Dogs and cats, like people, can suffer from a range of heart diseases and disorders. With the technology in our in-house vet lab, our vets can examine your pet for signs of heart disease then provide you with a diagnosis of your pet's condition and treatment recommendations. 

  If your vet is unable to diagnose or treat your dog or cat's heart condition as part of our internal medicine care we will be sure to forward you to a Board Certified Internal Medicine Vet in the Saint John area, and work with your specialist to ensure that your pet receives the very best care. 

• Reproductive Issues

  At Saint John Animal Hospital we understand the financial investment and personal commitment that go into breeding companion animals properly. If your animal is experiencing reproductive difficulties, our veterinarians will work to diagnose the issue and offer appropriate treatment options to help resolve the issue. 

• Immunology (immune system disorders)

  The immune system is responsible for detecting foreign invaders or abnormal cells and beginning defensive action to protect the health of the animal. However, the immune system doesn't always work as it should, leading to immune-mediated disorders.

  Anemia, arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, hypothyroidism, allergies, and skin diseases are some of the most common immune-mediated disorders seen in dogs and cats.

• Pulmonary Disorders (diseases of the lungs)

  Your pet's respiratory system is responsible for delivering oxygen to the body and eliminating waste gases such as carbon dioxide. Since dogs and cats are unable to sweat the way people do, your pet's respiratory system is also essential for regulating their body temperature.

  In dogs common pulmonary disorders include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), canine distemper virus, pneumonia, and lung tumours.

  In cats asthma, bronchitis, parasitic worms, bacterial infections, and viruses are some of the most common pulmonary issues our vets see. 

• Gastroenterology (digestive organs)

  Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are a common internal medicine issue for pets. GI conditions affect your animal's stomach and intestines, interfering with your pet's ability to digest food properly and absorb nutrients.

  Pets experiencing GI problems often have symptoms such as blood in stool, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, gas, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and unexplained weight loss.

• Oncology (tumours and cancer)

  Sadly, cancer is a common disease in animals. However, when diagnosed in the earliest stages, many cancers in dogs and cats can be treated with a combination of surgeries, therapies, and other methods.

  In dogs, commonly seen cancers include mast cell tumours, melanoma, lymphoma, and bone cancer. In cats, lymphoma, feline leukemia virus (FeLV), mammary cancer, and skin cancer are common.

  If your pet requires diagnosis or cancer treatment that we are unable to provide at Saint John Animal Hospital, our team will refer you to a veterinary oncology specialist in the Saint John area.  

• Urology (urinary functions, genitourinary tract)

  Urology conditions such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) in dogs and feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) in cats are also covered under the umbrella term internal medicine.

  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. Urinary tract disorders in pets are common and can affect any part of this system.  

• Endocrinology (glands and their functions)

  Your pet's endocrine system consists of a number of glands and the essential hormones secreted by those glands. When a dog or cat's endocrine system isn't working correctly, symptoms such as skin problems and poor coat condition can become evident. 

• Neurology (brain and nervous system disorders) 

  Veterinary neurology is a branch of internal medicine covering conditions of the brain and spinal cord as well as neuromuscular dysfunction. Common neurological disorders our vets see in dogs and cats include seizures, IVDD, and tumours.

  If your pet requires diagnoses or care for neurologic conditions that are beyond the scope of our team, we will refer your pet to a veterinary internal medicine specialist or veterinary neurologist in the Saint John area for advanced care.

In-House Lab & Diagnostics

Targeted testing, imaging and other diagnostic procedures play a key role in providing 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 other equipment that allows our team of professionals to diagnose your pet's condition as quickly as possible so that treatment can begin right away.

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Specialist Referrals

Ensuring that your pet receives the best care possible is our highest priority. If your dog or cat requires a procedure or expertise that we do not offer at our Saint John animal hospital, we will refer you to a veterinary internal medicine specialist.

A veterinary internal medicine specialist has advanced training in the diagnosis and treatment of veterinary internal medicine, including a one-year internship and a three-year residency after veterinary school.

In many cases, specialist animal hospitals are also equipped with technology not typically found in standard veterinary hospitals.