Internal Medicine
Veterinary Internal Medicine, Non-Invasive Tonometry & Advanced Cardiology
Service Overview: Comprehensive small animal internal medicine and diagnostic tracking structures designed to identify, stage, and manage complex system disorders in companion animals. Specialized ophthalmic pathways utilize pain-free, non-invasive digital tonometry testing to measure intraocular fluid pressure and intercept acute glaucoma before irreversible blindness or corneal clouding manifests. Advanced internal cardiovascular frameworks manage life-threatening congenital pathologies, heartworm disease, arrhythmias, and valvular conditions, utilizing detailed in-office electrocardiograms (ECG), digital chest radiography, and diagnostic ultrasound to isolate cardiac structural changes and arrest congestive heart failure (CHF) or systemic fluid accumulations.
Tonometry
It is crucial for your pet’s vision that we detect and treat glaucoma and other problems with intraocular pressure (pressure within the eye) as quickly as possible. We can test your dog or cat’s eyes for excess pressure easily and safely. The test, performed with a device called a tonometer, is not painful and does not require sedation.
If not treated immediately (within hours to days), glaucoma can cause permanent vision loss or even blindness. Pets that have suffered eye injuries should have this test performed. In addition, we recommend that breeds that are prone to developing glaucoma come in for regular measurements so we can monitor eye pressure and begin treatment before any problem becomes irreversible. Please call us to discuss whether your pet may be at higher risk for glaucoma.
Call us right away if you notice any of the following problems in either or both of your pet’s eyes: dilated (enlarged) pupils, clouding of the cornea (the normally clear outer layer of the eye), red or bloodshot eyes, one eye protruding or appearing larger than the other, squinting, or tearing. Because glaucoma is painful, your pet may react by rubbing or pawing at the eyes or rubbing his or her head against the floor or furniture more than normal.
Cardiology
Although heart problems are found more often in older pets, these conditions can affect pets at any age. Heart disease is usually a life-threatening condition, but early diagnosis and appropriate therapy can extend your pet’s life. If caught soon enough, some forms of heart disease can be cured.
Heart disease can lead to congestive heart failure (CHF), which occurs when the heart can no longer pump blood effectively. If an animal is suffering from CHF, fluid usually accumulates in and around the lungs and sometimes in the abdomen. Congenital heart disease (animals born with a heart problem), valvular heart disease (abnormalities of the heart valves), arrhythmias (rhythm disturbances), and heartworm disease can all lead to CHF.
Call us if your pet starts breathing rapidly or coughing, loses his or her appetite, tires easily, seems weak, or has trouble exercising. We can discover many heart problems during a physical exam. Additional tests, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), radiographs (x-rays), and ultrasounds, are usually needed to accurately identify the cause of the heart disease or failure.
Cardiologist consult available in house by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ocular tissues are highly delicate and unforgiving when subjected to shifting pressure changes or physical trauma. When a dog or cat experiences an eye injury, localized inflammation can block the normal drainage pathways of the intraocular fluid, causing an acute spike in pressure known as secondary glaucoma. Utilizing a tonometer to check pressure values allows clinicians to identify variations immediately, preventing permanent mechanical damage to the optic nerve and retinal cells that can cause irreversible blindness within mere hours.