Veterinary Internal Medicine
Arthroscopy: to look within the joint. With the Arthroscope, our veterinary orthopedic surgeons can visualize, diagnose and treat joint problems. A small incision is made in the dog’s skin. A thin instrument containing a small lens and lighting system is inserted in the incision to illuminate the structure inside the joint. The joint interior is then examined through this non-invasive tiny incision rather than a larger incision which would become an open surgery. Our animal surgeons then determine the amount or type of surgery necessary to repair or correct the problem. Some of the most common conditions found during arthroscopic examinations of the joints include inflammation, acute and chronic injury, loose bodies of bone and or cartilage in the knee, shoulder, elbow or ankle.
Oncology: the study of tumors, including their biological behavior and treatment. Dogs develop tumors twice as often as humans, and cats develop tumors half as often as humans. If your pet has cancer, a consultation with a veterinarian experienced in oncology can provide valuable information for you. Ask our veterinarians about the extent of the treatment options available at Sun Valley Animal Center, and consider referral resources and options.
Many forms of cancer can be successfully managed with chemotherapy without making your dog feel worse. When considering chemotherapy for your pet, an in-depth talk with a veterinarian will help you better understand your dog’s disease, treatment options, and statistical percentages for outcomes of cases. Today, veterinarians and veterinary oncologists see some types of cancer as a manageable chronic disease.
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a diagnostic test that records the electrical activity of the heart. The ECG is the test of choice for diagnosis of abnormal heart rhythms and also can be useful for identification of heart enlargement or drug effects on the heart. There is no contraindication to performing an ECG. However, while the ECG can be a “screening test” for severe heart disease, it does not detect all heart problems.
Ear problems are very common among dogs and cats. There are many reasons your pet may develop ear problems, including a building up of debris or foreign bodies in ear wax, hematoma and ear mites. With the aid of an Otoendoscope, these problems can be clearly seen resulting in accurate diagnosis.
Signs and symptoms to watch for:
- Ear wax and debris build-up: it is very important to loosen the wax without damaging the sensitive tissue of the middle ear to avoid more serious problems.
- Hematoma: Swelling along the pinna or serum that contains blood can be caused by head shaking, ear scratching, or trauma
- Middle Ear Inflammation: Caused by an infection of the external ear passage. This can also result from a nasal passage infection that has spread to the ear. An ear that is sensitive and hot to touch will need immediate veterinary attention.
- A sour odor and dark waxy secretion: this indicates an infestation of ear mites, perhaps contracted through other infected animals.
- Veterinary intervention is required to treat an infestation of these parasites.
- Shaking of your pet’s head could indicate a weed seed, foxtail, or some other kind of irritation within the ear canal.
The endoscope has virtually revolutionized examination of the digestive system.
The inside of the esophagus, stomach, colon and almost any part of the intestinal tract can be examined with an endoscope. This equipment provides clear imagery, enabling our veterinarians direct examination, the ability to obtain biopsies, and remove polyps with minimally invasive procedures.
Rhinoscopy is a relatively simple procedure in dogs and cats. It does require anesthesia and intratracheal intubation. The chief indications for rhinoscopy are nasal discharge, sneezing or reverse sneezing.
As you can see, at Sun Valley Animal Center, our animal surgeons and veterinarians are no strangers to veterinary internal medicine. Schedule your appointment with us today!