These specialists focus on diagnosing and treating diseases of the internal systems. Where the diagnosis is known, an internist may confirm the diagnosis and treatment, providing piece of mind. If a diagnosis is proving elusive or therapy is not proving effective, the Internist may be better able to find the diagnosis or adjust treatment plans to get your animal back to health. Examples of conditions for which your family veterinarian might refer your animal to an Internist are:
- Anemia or other blood disorders
- Chronic vomiting or diarrhea
- Complicated pancreatic disease
- Coughing & other breathing problems
- Endocrine disease (adrenal tumors, complicated diabetes, thyroid disorders)
- Infectious disease
- Kidney or bladder disease
- Liver inflammation
- Unexplained weight loss
- Heart problems
- Cancer