Exploring the Role of Feline Internal Medicine Specialists
As pet owners, we want to ensure that our furry friends are receiving the best care possible. When it comes to feline health, internal medicine specialists can play an important role in diagnosing illness and providing specialized treatment plans. If you are a pet parent in the Sausalito or Northern California Bay area, Golden Gate Veterinary Specialists have highly-trained professionals who specialize in feline internal medicine and can help assess your cat’s health.
What is Feline Internal Medicine?
Feline internal medicine is a specialty that focuses on diagnosing and treating various illnesses that affect cats. An internal medicine specialist is a veterinarian who has undergone extensive additional training and specializes in recognizing illnesses by looking at a wide range of possible symptoms. This type of vet will be able to analyze your cat’s overall health with thoroughness and accuracy that other vets may not possess.
Signs Your Cat Might Need an Internal Medicine Specialist
If your cat is displaying any of the following signs, it may be time to seek out an internal medicine specialist:
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Difficulty breathing
• Change in behavior or activity level
• Weight loss or gain without change in diet
These are just some common signs but any changes you notice in your cat should be taken seriously as they can be indicative of more serious underlying issues. Your regular vet will likely be able to provide some basic diagnosis but if they suspect something more serious, they might refer you to an internal medicine specialist for further testing and diagnosis.
Diagnostic Tests Used by Internal Medicine Specialists
An experienced veterinarian specializing in feline internal medicine will have access to advanced diagnostic tools such as X-rays, ultrasounds, blood tests, urine tests and more which can help them get a better understanding of what is causing your cat’s symptoms. They may also use endoscopy which involves inserting a small camera into the body so they can better examine the gastrointestinal tract which could help them detect any issues such as tumors or ulcers that might not show up on other types of tests.
Conclusion
It’s important for pet parents to recognize when their cats may need specialized medical care from an experienced professional like those at Golden Gate Veterinary Specialists who specialize in feline internal medicine. If you notice any changes or symptoms mentioned above, it’s important to speak with your primary vet right away about seeking out additional diagnosis from a specialist if needed.