Veterinary Internal Medicine in Des Moines

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)

  Like people, dogs and cats can suffer from heart diseases and disorders. With the technology 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 we aren't able to diagnose or treat your cat or dog's heart condition as part of our regular internal medicine treatments, we will be sure to forward you to a Board Certified Internal Medicine Vet near Des Moines, and work with your specialist to ensure that your pet receives the very best care. 

• Reproductive Issues

  Our team of veterinary professionals at Des Moines Veterinary Hospital in Des Moines understands the financial investment and personal commitment that go into breeding companion animals properly. If your animal is experiencing reproductive difficulties, our vets will work to diagnose the issue and offer appropriate treatment options to help resolve the problem. 

• Immunology (immune system disorders)

  Your pet's immune system is responsible for detecting foreign invaders or abnormal cells and beginning defensive action to protect the animal's health. That said, the immune system doesn't always work as it should, in which case your pet will be diagnosed with an immune-mediated disorder.

  Some immune-mediate disorders that are commonly found in dogs and cats include arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, allergies, skin diseases 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)

  GI—or gastrointestinal—disorders are a commonly encountered internal medicine issue that our Des Moines vets can treat. These conditions affect your pets stomach and intestines and can interfere with their ability to properly digest food and absorb the nutrients they need to stay healthy.

  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 Des Moines.  

• 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.

  The urinary tract of your pet includes their kidneys, bladder, urethra and the tubes that carry their urine to their bladder. Urinary tract disorders can affect any (to all) parts 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 Des Moines. Our vets will work closely with your specialist to ensure that your pet receives the best treatment possible.

Specialist Referrals

If your pet requires expertise or a procedure that we aren't able to offer, we will refer you to an experienced veterinary internal medicine specialist in the Des Moines area. 

We are connected with a network of exceptional veterinary specialists across Washington state and will work closely with them to ensure your pet gets the care they need.