Veterinary Internal Medicine
Internal Conditions
We leverage veterinary internal medicine to treat diseases and disorders of animals' internal systems.
Our veterinarians have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating challenging cases, from disorders of the brain and nervous system to lung diseases, tumors and conditions of the immune system.
We use a variety of diagnostic tools and treatment methods at Bel Marin Animal Hospital, and can manage patients with multiple diseases or disorders. We also offer effective treatment alternatives for those who will not respond well to standard procedures and need other options.
Internal Medicine Conditions
If your vet suspects your pet is displaying symptoms of an internal condition, they will perform a comprehensive physical exam for your pet to diagnose the issue and develop a thorough treatment plan tailored to their needs.
Our veterinarians diagnose and treat ailments in these areas:
- Cardiology (heart-related disorders)
Similar to people, cats and dogs can suffer from heart disorders and diseases. We can examine your pet for signs of heart conditions using the technology in our in-house vet lab. You'll receive results quickly, and fast results mean treatment can begin 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 can refer you to a board-certified internal medicine vet near Novato, and work with your specialist to ensure that your pet receives the very best care.
- Reproductive Issues
Our team of veterinary professionals at Bel Marin Animal Hospital understands the personal commitment and financial investment breeders put into properly breeding 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)
Your pet's immune system has the important job of detecting foreign invaders or abnormal cells and triggering defensive action to protect the animal's health. However, the immune system doesn't always function as it should. In this case, your veterinarian will diagnose your pet with an immune-mediated disorder.
Arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, anemia, allergies, skin diseases and hypothyroidism are all common immune-mediated disorders in dogs and cats.
- Pulmonary Disorders (diseases of the lungs)
The respiratory system plays a critical role in delivering oxygen to the body and removing waste gases such as carbon dioxide. Because cats and dogs don't sweat the way people do, your pet's respiratory system also helps to regulate body temperature.
Dogs can suffer from numerous pulmonary disorders such as canine distemper virus, pneumonia, lung tumors and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Common pulmonary disorders in cats include parasitic worms, asthma, bacterial infections, viruses and bronchitis.
- Gastroenterology (digestive organs)
Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are a common internal medicine issue seen by our Novato 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 Novato.
- 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 Novato. Our vets will work closely with your specialist to ensure that your pet receives the best treatment possible.
Specialist Referrals
Does your pet need a procedure or expertise that we do not offer? We can refer you to an experienced veterinary internal medicine specialist near Novato.
We are connected with a network of exceptional veterinary specialists in Novato and throughout Bel Marin.
Laboratory & Diagnostics
Our comprehensive approach to dog and cat internal medicine is backed by advanced testing, imaging and other diagnostic procedures.
Our in-house veterinary lab is equipped with the technology we need to diagnose your pet's internal medicine condition quickly and accurately so that we can start treatment sooner.