Internal Medicine
Commonly called Internists, 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 patients back to health. Examples of conditions for which an Internist might be consulted are:
Respiratory:
- Respiratory / airway compromise
- Pneumonia (infection of the lungs)
- Feline asthma
- Pyothorax (empyema)
- Pulmonary neoplasia (cancer)
Gastrointestinal:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Pancreatitis
- Unexplained weight loss
Renal:
- Acute renal failure (ARF)
- Chronic renal failure (CRF)
- Urethral obstruction
Hepatic:
- Liver infection
- Liver inflammation
Hematological:
- Anemia (low RBC number)
- Thrombocytopenia (low platelet number)
- Coagulopathy (inability to form normal blood clot)
Neurological:
- Seizures
- Paresis and paralysis (weakness or unable to move)
- Vestibular syndrome (loss of balance)
- Mental alteration
Metabolic / Endocrine:
- Diabetes
- Mental alteration
- Hypoadrenocorticism (Addison's disease)
- Disorders of calcium
Oncology:
- Neoplasia (cancer)