When it comes to keeping your canine companion healthy, the adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” rings true. The internal medicine specialists at Golden Gate Veterinary Specialists are here to help you keep an eye out for any potential issues and provide the best care for your pup.
Internal medicine specialists, also known as internists, focus on diseases and conditions that affect the internal organs. These include disorders of the heart, lungs, gastrointestinal system, liver, pancreas, urinary tract and more. Internal medicine specialists are uniquely trained to diagnose and treat these complex medical problems in dogs.
Signs Your Dog May Need an Internist
If your dog is showing any of these signs or symptoms they may need to see a canine internist:
• Vomiting or diarrhea that persists more than 24 hours
• Difficulty breathing or coughing
• Lethargy or lack of energy
• Weight loss or gain
• Excessive drinking/urinating
• Changes in appetite or activity level
Additionally, if your pup has been diagnosed with a chronic condition such as diabetes mellitus or Cushing’s Syndrome you should consider consulting an internist for specialized care.
Diagnosing Canine Health Conditions
Internists have access to specialized tests such as endoscopy (a minimally invasive procedure used to view inside organs), abdominal ultrasounds (used to diagnose abdominal conditions), ECGs (electrocardiograms used to detect cardiac abnormalities) and more that can help them accurately diagnose health conditions in pets. They often work together with board-certified surgeons in order to provide comprehensive care in complex cases.
Treatment Options for Dogs with Internal Medicine Conditions
Treatment plans are tailored based on each pet’s individual needs but may include medications such as antibiotics/anti-inflammatories/steroids/anti-seizure medications; radiographs; hospitalization; special diets; supplements; stem cell therapy and other advanced treatment options depending on the condition being treated. In some cases surgery may be recommended by an internist working together with a board-certified surgeon.
Caring for Your Dog’s Health With an Internist
An internist is not only able to diagnose canine health issues but also provide advice on preventative care which can help keep your pet healthy throughout their life span such as nutrition recommendations specific for your pet’s breed/age/activity level etc., recommendations for appropriate vaccinations based on lifestyle risk factors etc., screening tests such as blood work etc., advice on behavior modification techniques etc.. Following up regularly with an internist can help catch any potential issues early before they become serious health concerns leading potentially to longer life expectancy and better quality of life for our furry family members!
Golden Gate Veterinary Specialists: Your Trusted Source For Canine Internal Medicine Care
If you think that your pup may be suffering from a condition related to their internal organs please do not hesitate and contact Golden Gate Veterinary Specialists today! Our highly experienced team of board certified veterinarians will make sure that all aspects related to diagnosis and treatment are taken into consideration when creating a personalized plan tailored just right for your pup! Give us a call today at XXXX-XXXXXXX – we look forward taking care of you and your furry family member!