Internal Specialist for Dogs & Cats in Houston County
Like us, our pets can experience diseases and disorders of their internal systems. The dedicated team at Smith Animal Hospital has experience in treating these conditions with veterinary internal medicine.
Our vets are able to diagnose and treat challenging cases, from disorders of the heart and immune system to tumors. We also have a variety of diagnostic tools and treatment methods at our disposal.
We have the ability to manage patients with multiple diseases or disorders and to provide effective treatment alternatives for those who do not respond well to standard procedures.
Internal Medicine Conditions in Pets
If your pet is showing signs of an internal condition, your vet will perform a comprehensive physical exam for your pet to diagnose the issue and create a detailed treatment plan tailored to their needs.
Our veterinarians diagnose and treat ailments in these areas:
- Cardiology (heart-related disorders)
Just like their humans, cats and dogs can suffer from heart disorders and diseases. In our in-house vet lab, we leverage technology to examine your pet for signs of heart conditions so that you'll receive results quickly. Fast results mean treatment can start 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 Houston County, and work with your specialist to ensure that your pet receives the very best care.
- Reproductive Issues
At Smith Animal Hospital in Houston County, our team of veterinary professionals understands the financial investment and personal commitment that many people make to properly breed companion animals. If your animal is experiencing reproductive challenges, our vets will work to diagnose the problem and offer appropriate treatment options to help resolve the issue.
- Immunology (immune system disorders)
A robust immune system detects foreign invaders or abnormal cells and triggers defensive action to protect your pet's health. That said, animals' immune systems don't always work as they should, in which case the vet will diagnose your pet with an immune-mediated disorder.
Common immune-mediated disorders in cats and dogs include arthritis, hypothyroidism, allergies, skin diseases, irritable bowel syndrome and anemia.
- 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 Houston 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 Houston 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 consists of their kidneys, the tubes that carry urine to the bladder, the bladder, and the urethra that conducts urine out of your animal's body. 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 Houston County. Our vets will work closely with your specialist to ensure that your pet receives the best treatment possible.
Vet Internist Referrals
Our highest priority at Smith Animal Hospital is to keep your pet healthy for as long as possible.
If your pet needs a procedure or expertise that we do not offer, we can refer you to an experienced veterinary internal medicine specialist near Houston County.
Laboratory & Diagnostics in Houston County
Our comprehensive approach to dog and cat internal medicine is backed by advanced testing, imaging and other diagnostic procedures.
In our in-house veterinary labs at both of our locations, we have access to the technology we need to diagnose your pet's internal medicine condition quickly and accurately so that we can start treatment sooner.