Diagnosing & Treating Conditions Hidden Deep Within the Body
Veterinary internal medicine focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions that impact the health of your dog or cat's internal systems. This includes diagnosing and treating conditions as broad-ranging as cancer and allergies, kidney disease and digestive disorders or heart disease and diabetes.
Our goal is to provide the best care possible to your furry friend. If your pet is diagnosed with an internal medical condition, we are equipped with the tools and medications to treat them. To complement conventional treatment options, we also offer nutritional counselling and cold laser therapy to help resolve or manage uncomfortable symptoms associated with internal medical conditions.
If your pet is diagnosed with an internal medical condition that requires care beyond general medicine, we may refer them to an internal medicine specialist. We are connected with a network of veterinary specialists who we will work closely with throughout your pet's treatment.
The Field of Veterinary Internal Medicine
Common areas of focus for internal medicine veterinarians include:
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Cardiology (heart-related disorders)
Dogs and cats can suffer from a range of heart diseases and disorders. At Selkirk Veterinary Hospital, our veterinarians can use the tools and technology in our in-house veterinary lab to investigate any signs of heart disease and then provide you with a diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
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Reproductive Issues
Our team of veterinary professionals at Selkirk Veterinary Hospital understands the financial investment and personal commitment that go into breeding companion animals properly. If your dog or cat is experiencing reproductive difficulties, our veterinarians will work to diagnose the issue and offer appropriate treatment options to help resolve the issue.
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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 your pet. 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.
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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 veterinarians see.
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Gastroenterology (digestive organs)
Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are conditions that affect the pet's stomach and intestines, interfering with the their ability to digest food properly and absorb nutrients.
Pets experiencing GI problems often show symptoms such as blood in stool, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, gas, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and weight loss.
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Oncology (tumours and cancer)
Sadly, cancer is a common disease in pets. 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, mammary cancer, and skin cancer are common.
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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.
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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.
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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 veterinarians see in dogs and cats include seizures, IVDD, and tumours.
Cancer Diagnosis & Care
Unfortunately, cancer is a common condition that we see in pets. If detected early, many cancers in dogs and cats can be treated with a combination of surgeries and therapies to help extend your pet's quality of life.
Following your pet's cancer diagnosis we will take the time to explain your companion's condition, discuss additional diagnostic testing if appropriate and provide you with treatment options and prognosis.
At Selkirk Veterinary Hospital, our veterinarians are dedicated to giving pets with cancer the care they need and providing support for the families who love them.
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.