Internal Medicine

Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs that may arise from infection, aspiration, or underlying disease. It often causes coughing, breathing difficulties, fever, and lethargy. Diagnosis is based on clinical examination and imaging. Treatment is directed at the underlying cause and supporting respiratory function.

Chronic bronchitis is a long-term inflammation of the lower airways. It commonly results in persistent coughing and may be accompanied by respiratory distress or reduced exercise tolerance. Diagnosis relies on clinical signs and additional diagnostic testing. Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation and supporting respiration.

In tracheal collapse, the trachea partially loses its structural rigidity and collapses during breathing. This can lead to coughing, respiratory distress, and exercise intolerance. Diagnosis is established through clinical examination and imaging, sometimes supplemented by fluoroscopy or endoscopy. Treatment ranges from medical management to surgical intervention, depending on severity.

Pleural effusion and lung masses can severely impair lung function. This often results in respiratory distress, coughing, and reduced exercise tolerance. Diagnosis is made using imaging and, when necessary, analysis of pleural fluid. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include drainage, medication, or surgery.

Vomiting is a common complaint in pets and can have a wide variety of causes. It may indicate disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, but also systemic disease. The nature, frequency, and duration of vomiting provide important diagnostic clues. A targeted approach is required to correctly treat the underlying cause.

Diarrhea and constipation are common gastrointestinal problems in pets. They may be acute or chronic in nature and have diverse causes. Changes in frequency, consistency, and duration of feces provide important diagnostic information. An accurate diagnosis is necessary to initiate appropriate treatment.

Food intolerances and allergies can cause both gastrointestinal and dermatological signs. Typical symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, pruritus, and ear infections. Diagnosis is usually made through an elimination diet. Treatment consists of avoiding the triggering dietary components.

IBD is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the intestines. It often causes persistent diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss. Diagnosis requires specialized testing and exclusion of other causes. Treatment focuses on controlling inflammation and improving quality of life.

An intestinal obstruction occurs when intestinal passage is blocked, for example by a foreign body, tumor, or torsion. This can lead to severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and rapid deterioration of general condition. Diagnosis is based on clinical examination and imaging. Prompt medical or surgical intervention is often necessary to prevent life-threatening complications.

Elevated liver enzyme levels in the blood may indicate liver disease such as hepatitis or biliary tract disorders. They suggest that liver cells are damaged or under stress. Additional diagnostic testing is often required to identify the underlying cause. Further management depends on the specific condition and its severity.

Gallbladder disorders, such as a mucocele or infections, can cause serious health problems. They are often associated with abdominal pain, vomiting, and abnormal liver values. Diagnosis is based on blood tests and imaging, most commonly ultrasound. Depending on severity, medical or surgical treatment may be indicated.

Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas that can cause severe abdominal pain. The condition may be accompanied by vomiting, lethargy, and loss of appetite and can be life-threatening. Diagnosis is based on clinical signs, blood tests, and imaging. Treatment is supportive and focused on pain control, stabilization, and restoration of organ function.

In a portosystemic shunt, blood partially bypasses the liver, resulting in inadequate filtration of toxins. This can lead to neurological, gastrointestinal, and growth-related problems. Diagnosis requires specialized blood tests and imaging. Depending on the type of shunt, surgical correction or medical management may be indicated.

Renal insufficiency may develop acutely or gradually progress into a chronic condition. Both forms result in reduced excretion of waste products from the body. Clinical signs can range from lethargy and decreased appetite to severe systemic illness. Treatment depends on the type and severity and focuses on supporting renal function.

Urinary tract infections are a common cause of urinary complaints in pets. They may lead to increased frequency of urination, pain during urination, and sometimes blood in the urine. Diagnosis is based on urinalysis and, when indicated, culture. Treatment usually consists of targeted antibiotic therapy and follow-up.

Incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine and can have various causes. The condition occurs in both young and older animals. A targeted diagnostic approach is required to identify the underlying cause. Treatment depends on that cause and may be medical or supportive in nature.

Urinary abnormalities such as pollakiuria and dysuria indicate disorders of the urinary tract. They may be accompanied by pain, difficulty urinating, or changes in urine appearance. A thorough clinical examination and urinalysis are necessary to determine the cause. Treatment focuses on the underlying problem.

Bladder and kidney stones can obstruct urine outflow, resulting in acute obstruction. This may lead to pain, difficulty urinating, and severe systemic signs. Diagnosis is made using imaging and urinalysis. Depending on the situation, medical or surgical treatment is required.

Diabetes mellitus is a common metabolic disease in dogs and cats. The condition results from a deficiency of insulin or reduced sensitivity to insulin. Typical clinical signs include increased drinking and urination, weight loss, and lethargy. Treatment consists of insulin therapy combined with a tailored diet and regular monitoring.

Addison’s disease is a condition in which the adrenal cortex produces insufficient hormones. This can lead to lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and sometimes an acute, life-threatening crisis. Diagnosis is based on blood tests and specific hormonal assays. With appropriate hormonal therapy, the condition can be well controlled.

Cushing’s disease is a condition in which the body produces excessive amounts of cortisol. This may lead to symptoms such as excessive drinking and urination, hair loss, and muscle weakness. Diagnosis requires specific hormonal testing. Treatment focuses on reducing cortisol production and controlling clinical signs.

Thyroid disorders result from an underactive or overactive thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism each cause characteristic clinical signs. Diagnosis is established through blood testing. Treatment is aimed at normalizing thyroid function.

Parathyroid disorders, such as hyperparathyroidism, affect the body’s calcium and phosphorus balance. These disorders can lead to bone abnormalities, muscle weakness, and other systemic signs. They are relatively uncommon but require precise diagnostic evaluation. Diagnosis is based on blood tests and additional imaging.

Anemia can have various causes, including infections, blood loss, or immune-mediated diseases. It often leads to lethargy, pallor, and reduced exercise tolerance. Diagnosis is established through blood testing. Treatment depends on the underlying cause.

Coagulation disorders are conditions in which normal blood clotting is impaired. They may result in spontaneous bleeding or an increased tendency to bleed following injury. Causes range from congenital abnormalities to acquired diseases. Diagnosis and treatment require targeted blood testing and appropriate therapy.

Enlarged lymph nodes may indicate infection, inflammation, or neoplastic disease. They can occur locally or be generalized. Evaluation is based on clinical examination and, when indicated, cytological or histological assessment. Further management depends on the underlying cause.

Pancytopenia is a condition in which red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets are all reduced. This can lead to lethargy, increased susceptibility to infection, and a tendency to bleed. The cause often lies in bone marrow disorders or systemic disease. Comprehensive blood analysis and additional diagnostics are required to identify the underlying cause.

A blood transfusion can be life-saving in cases of severe blood loss or certain hematologic diseases. It is used to restore oxygen-carrying capacity or coagulation function. Careful compatibility testing is performed beforehand. Close monitoring is essential during and after the transfusion.

Immune-mediated disorders such as IMHA and IMTP occur when the immune system attacks the body’s own blood cells. These diseases can cause acute and severe clinical signs, including weakness and bleeding tendencies. Diagnosis is based on blood testing and additional diagnostic assays. Treatment consists of suppressing the immune response and providing supportive care.

Fever of unknown origin is diagnosed when the cause of persistent fever cannot be readily identified. FUO may result from infectious, inflammatory, or neoplastic conditions. A systematic and often extensive diagnostic approach is required. The goal is to identify and treat the underlying cause.

Systemic infections are conditions in which pathogens spread throughout the body. They can lead to fever, lethargy, and involvement of multiple organs. Diagnosis often requires comprehensive blood testing and additional diagnostic procedures. Prompt and targeted treatment is essential to prevent serious complications.

Viral infections play an important role in various diseases in pets. Examples include FeLV, FIV, and FIP. These infections can compromise the immune system and cause a wide range of clinical signs. Diagnostics and follow-up are important for prognosis and ongoing management.

Bacterial infections can affect multiple organs and cause severe systemic illness. They are often accompanied by fever, lethargy, and organ-specific clinical signs. Diagnosis is based on clinical examination, blood testing, and sometimes culture. Treatment consists of targeted antibiotic therapy and supportive care.

Vector-borne diseases are transmitted by ticks or other insects. Examples include infections with Ehrlichia, Leishmania, and Borrelia. These conditions can cause a variety of clinical signs, such as fever, lameness, and weight loss. Treatment is directed at the specific pathogen and supportive care for the animal.