Veterinary Internal Medicine

Animal Internal Medicine Conditions

If your pet is exhibiting symptoms of an internal condition, your vet will conduct a comprehensive physical exam of your pet to diagnose the issue and create a detailed treatment plan customized to their needs. 

Our veterinarians diagnose and treat ailments in the following areas:

• Cardiology (heart-related disorders)

  Just like people, cats and dogs suffer from disorders and diseases affecting their hearts. With the technology and tools  in our in-house vet lab, our vets can examine your pet for signs of heart conditions so that you have results quickly. Fast results mean starting treatment sooner. 

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

• Reproductive Issues

  Our team of veterinary professionals at Aptos-Creekside Pet Hospital in Santa Cruz County understands the financial investment and personal commitment that go into breeding companion animals properly. If your pet is experiencing reproductive difficulties, our veterinary team will work to diagnose their issue and offer appropriate treatment options in order to help resolve the issue.

• Immunology (immune system disorders)

  Your pet's immune system is responsible for detecting foreign invaders or abnormal cells and defending their body against them. That being said, your companion's immune system may not always work as intended. In cases like this, your pet will be diagnosed with an immune-mediate disorder. 

  Common immune-mediated disorders in dogs and cats include anemia, arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, hypothyroidism, allergies, and skin diseases.

• Pulmonary Disorders (diseases of the lungs)

  Your pet's respiratory system does the essential work of delivering oxygen to the body and eliminating waste gases such as carbon dioxide. Because dogs and cats don't sweat the way people do, your pet's respiratory system also plays a key role in regulating body temperature.

  There are a number of common pulmonary disorders seen in dogs, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), canine distemper virus, pneumonia, and lung tumors.

  Common pulmonary disorders in cats include asthma, bronchitis, parasitic worms, bacterial infections, and viruses. 

• Gastroenterology (digestive organs)

  Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are a common internal medicine issue seen by our Santa Cruz County veterinarians. GI conditions affect your pet's stomach and intestines, interfering with the animal's ability to digest food properly and absorb nutrients.

  Pets suffering from GI problems often experience symptoms such as blood in stool, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, gas, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and weight loss.

• Oncology (tumors and cancer)

  Cancer is a disease that can impact even the fittest humans and animals. When diagnosed in the earliest stages, in many cases cancers in dogs and cats can be treated with a combination of surgeries, therapies, and other methods.

  Some of the most common cancers in dogs include mast cell tumors, melanoma, lymphoma, and bone cancer. In cats, some of the most common cancers include lymphoma, feline leukemia virus (FeLV), mammary cancer, and skin cancer.

  If your pet requires diagnosis or cancer care beyond the scope of our skilled veterinarians, we will refer you to a veterinary oncology specialist near Santa Cruz County.  

• Urology (urinary functions, genitourinary tract)

  Veterinary internal medicine also covers urology conditions such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) in dogs and feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) in cats.

  Your pet's urinary tract includes their kidneys, bladder and urethra as well as the tubes that carry urine to their bladder. Urinary tract disorders can affect any part of this system.

• Endocrinology (glands and their functions)

  Essential hormones are secreted into your pet's body thanks to the hard work of a number of glands. These glands and hormones are your pet's endocrine system. When your pet's endocrine system isn't working the way it should, symptoms can include skin problems and poor coat condition. 

• Neurology (brain and nervous system disorders) 

  Neurology is a branch of veterinary internal medicine covering conditions of the brain and spinal cord as well as neuromuscular dysfunction. Some of the most common neurological disorders in dogs and cats include seizures, IVDD, and tumors.

  If your animal requires diagnoses or care for neurologic conditions that are beyond the scope of our experienced veterinarians, we will be happy to refer you to an animal internal medicine specialist or veterinary neurologist near Santa Cruz County. Our vets will work closely with your specialist to ensure that your pet receives the best treatment possible.

Specialist Referrals

If your pet needs a procedure or expertise that we do not offer, we will refer you to an experienced veterinary internal medicine specialist near Santa Cruz County.

We are connected with a network of exceptional veterinary specialists in Santa Cruz County and throughout the area.