Veterinary Internal Medicine
Diagnosing & Treating Internal Conditions In Pets
General practice internal medicine involves diagnosing and treating diseases and illnesses that affect your cat or dog's health. More specifically, we take a look at issues involving the heart, lungs, digestive tract, and other internal systems.
At Tournament Valley Veterinary Hospital, our facility is equipped with a range of diagnostic tools and treatment methods to address even the most challenging cases.
We are also connected with a network of veterinary specialists. If your furry friend does not respond to standard procedures or needs specialized expertise, we may be able to refer you to one of these specialists.
Specialist Referrals
Your pet's health comes first. If your pet needs a procedure or expertise that we do not offer, we will refer you to an experienced veterinary internal medicine specialist. We will work closely with your specialist to ensure your pet receives the best care possible.
Diagnosis & Treatment for Internal Diseases
Our team of veterinarians diagnose and/or treat general ailments in the following areas:
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Cardiology (heart-related disorders)
Dogs and cats, like people, can suffer from a range of heart diseases and disorders. With the technology in our in-house vet lab, our veterinarians can examine your pet for signs of heart disease then provide you with a diagnosis of your pet's condition along with treatment recommendations.
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Reproductive Issues
Our team of veterinary professionals at Tournament Valley Veterinary Hospital understands the financial investment and personal commitment that go into breeding companion animals properly. If your animal is experiencing reproductive difficulties, our veterinarians will work to diagnose the issue and offer appropriate treatment options to help resolve the issue.
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Immunology (immune system disorders)
The immune system is responsible for detecting foreign invaders or abnormal cells and beginning defensive action to protect the health of your pet. However, the immune system doesn't always work as it should, leading to immune-mediated disorders.
Anemia, arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, hypothyroidism, allergies, and skin diseases are some of the most common immune-mediated disorders seen in dogs and cats.
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Pulmonary Disorders (diseases of the lungs)
Your pet's respiratory system is responsible for delivering oxygen to the body and eliminating waste gases such as carbon dioxide. Since dogs and cats are unable to sweat the way people do, your pet's respiratory system is also essential for regulating their body temperature.
In dogs common pulmonary disorders include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), canine distemper virus, pneumonia, and lung tumours.
In cats asthma, bronchitis, parasitic worms, bacterial infections, and viruses are some of the most common pulmonary issues our vets see.
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Gastroenterology (digestive organs)
Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are conditions that affect the pet's stomach and intestines, interfering with the their ability to digest food properly and absorb nutrients.
Pets experiencing GI problems often show symptoms such as blood in stool, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, gas, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and weight loss.
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Oncology (tumours and cancer)
Sadly, cancer is a common disease in pets. However, when diagnosed in the earliest stages, many cancers in dogs and cats can be treated with a combination of surgeries, therapies, and other methods.
In dogs, commonly seen cancers include mast cell tumours, melanoma, lymphoma, and bone cancer. In cats, lymphoma, feline leukemia virus (FeLV), mammary cancer, and skin cancer are common.
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Urology (urinary functions, genitourinary tract)
Urology conditions such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) in dogs and feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) in cats are also covered under the umbrella term internal medicine.
The urinary tract consists of the kidneys, tubes that carry urine to the bladder, the bladder, and the urethra that conducts urine out of the body. Urinary tract disorders in pets are common and can affect any part of this system.
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Endocrinology (glands and their functions)
Your pet's endocrine system consists of a number of glands and the essential hormones secreted by those glands. When a dog or cat's endocrine system isn't working correctly, symptoms such as skin problems and poor coat condition can become evident.
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Neurology (brain and nervous system disorders)
Veterinary neurology is a branch of internal medicine covering conditions of the brain and spinal cord as well as neuromuscular dysfunction. Common neurological disorders our vets see in dogs and cats include seizures, IVDD, and tumours.
Cancer Diagnosis & Care
Cancer is one of the more common internal medicine conditions seen in cats and dogs. When detected early, many cancers can be managed through a combination of surgery and therapeutic treatments to help improve your four-legged friend's quality of life.
Following a diagnosis, our veterinarians will take time to explain your pet’s condition, recommend any additional tests, and review treatment options and prognosis.
At Tournament Valley Veterinary Hospital, our veterinarians are dedicated to giving pets with cancer the care they need and providing support for the families that love them.
In-House Lab & Diagnostics
Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective treatment. Our in-house lab is equipped with imaging and diagnostic tools that help our team identify your cat or dog's condition quickly and begin treatment without delay.
This includes bloodwork, imaging, and other specialized tests that allow us to detect disease early and monitor ongoing conditions more effectively.
New Patients Welcome
Tournament Valley Veterinary Hospital is welcoming new patients! Our veterinarians provide medical care for cats and dogs in Kamloops. Contact us today to schedule your pet’s first appointment.