Veterinary internal medicine is a specialised field within veterinary care that focuses on diagnosing and treating a variety of complex diseases affecting your pet’s internal organs, including issues such as digestive disorders, cancer, and immune system problems. At DWR, our internal medicine team members offer outstanding care to any pet referred to us, whilst providing expert advice and treatment.
It is important that for any veterinary internal medicine matter, that your pet’s records are up to date, and this is why the referral from your current veterinary clinician is essential. Our team will thoroughly assess any underlying conditions your pet may have and determine the most appropriate treatment and therapy.
Internal medicine often requires advanced diagnostic tools such as CT scans, blood tests, and ultrasounds. Rest assured, at DWR, we are equipped with the latest technology to provide comprehensive and effective care for your pet.
What is the Difference Between Veterinary Medicine and Internal Medicine?
Veterinary medicine is a comprehensive field that involves the care of pets, including diagnosing and treating illnesses, performing surgeries, and providing ongoing care in veterinary hospitals. It also includes veterinary internal medicine, which is a field under general medicine that manages serious diseases affecting pets and their internal organs.
Veterinary Medicine
General veterinary practice involves a wide range of services, from treating sick and injured animals to conducting surgeries and providing comprehensive care in various veterinary settings.
Veterinary Internal Medicine
Veterinary internal medicine, handled by a specialist known as an internist, focuses on intricate health issues and advanced care for pets. Internists are trained to conduct and interpret sophisticated tests and possess a deeper understanding of rare and complex diseases that may not be encountered in general practice or with routine exams.
To obtain board certification in veterinary internal medicine, a veterinarian must complete an undergraduate degree, four years of veterinary school, an internship, and a three-year residency in internal medicine.
How Our Internal Medicine Team Can Support Your Pet
At DWR, our veterinary internal medicine team is dedicated to more than just addressing typical symptoms and providing standard veterinary treatments. We truly care about your pet’s well-being and approach their health with the same attention and compassion as if they were our own.
We specialise in diagnosing and managing a wide range of veterinary internal medical conditions that can affect various organs and systems in your pet’s body, including:
- Digestive Issues: Whether your pet is dealing with acute diarrhoea or chronic inflammatory bowel disease, we offer thorough diagnostic services and customised treatment plans to your pet.
- Endocrine Disorders: From Addison's disease and Cushing's syndrome to diabetes, we focus on maintaining hormonal balance to keep your pet’s health on track.
- Respiratory Conditions: We help your pet breathe easier by diagnosing and treating respiratory problems like allergies and asthma with expert internal medicine care.
- Kidney and Liver Health: Our advanced veterinary internal medicine care includes monitoring these vital organs and creating personalised treatment plans to ensure their proper function.
- Immune System Problems: Our veterinary internal medicine team can help with immune system disorders, supporting your pet’s long-term health and overall quality of life.
- Cancer Care: In collaboration with our veterinary oncology experts, at DWR, we provide comprehensive cancer diagnostics, staging, and treatment options, including chemotherapy, tailored to your pet’s specific needs.
Additionally, our team can address other internal health concerns such as vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive thirst, lethargy, weight changes, anaemia, and fever, which could signal underlying issues. Find out how our expertise in veterinary internal medicine can make a difference for your pet, ensuring they receive the precise and compassionate care they deserve.
Veterinary Internal Medicine for Dogs and Cats
Veterinary Internal Medicine for Dogs
Our veterinary internal medicine specialists are skilled in diagnosing and managing complex dog medical issues like respiratory diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, endocrine imbalances, and immune system problems. They provide customised treatment plans to enhance your dog's quality of life, using advanced diagnostic tools and expertise to ensure the highest standard of care.
Veterinary Internal Medicine for Cats
Cats often suffer from internal health issues like kidney disease, liver disorders, heart conditions, and urinary tract problems. Therefore, DWR veterinary internal medicine experts have a deep understanding of feline physiology and can diagnose and treat these conditions. They focus on compassionate care and advanced treatment methods to improve your cat's health.
What to Expect During Your Visit
When you bring your pet to DWR, you may expect expert care, from initial consultation to aftercare.
After your pet’s initial consultation, our internal medicine team may run further tests like blood work, radiographs, ultrasounds, or endoscopies to get a clearer picture of your pet’s condition.
In some cases, if we discover that your pet has a condition that needs specialised care, such as surgery or cancer treatment, we may refer them to another team within our hospital. Our veterinary Internal Medicine team is here to provide:
- Detailed Consultations: We will take the time to thoroughly review your pet’s symptoms, medical history, and any diagnostic tests from your referring veterinarian to ensure we understand their condition fully.
- Comprehensive Examinations: Beyond a physical exam, we also review any previous medical records to get a complete picture of your pet’s health. This is why is it very important that your pet is referred to us by their current veterinary clinician.
- Tailored Treatment Plans: We work closely with you to create a treatment plan that fits your pet’s specific needs. This plan might involve further hospitalisation for monitoring, outpatient medication, or a mix of both, depending on what is best for your pet.
- Transparent Communication: We keep you informed every step of the way, making sure you understand your pet’s diagnosis and the treatment options available. We understand that diagnosis may bring tense moments, but we are here to help.
- Ongoing Aftercare: After your pet is discharged, our veterinary internal medicine team members at DWR will provide detailed guidance and support to help them stay healthy and recover fully.
Our goal is to ensure your pet receives the best possible care and to support you throughout the process. For more information on our veterinary internal medicine treatments and care, do not hesitate to contact us at DWR.
Learn more about DWR in our pet owners section.