Some pet conditions don’t have simple answers. When symptoms persist or don’t respond to treatment, internal medicine specialists step in. At TrueCare for Pets Los Angeles, our internists use high-level diagnostics to uncover root causes and guide precise treatment.

A small black and white dog wears a blue inflatable e-collar while a veterinary Associate holds her gently.

What types of advanced diagnostics do internists use?

At TrueCare for Pets Los Angeles, our internal medicine service uses advanced tools to investigate hidden disease processes, including:

  • Abdominal ultrasound
  • Endoscopy (to view the GI tract)
  • Fluoroscopy and CT scans
  • Specialized blood and hormone panels
  • Biopsies and aspirates
  • Urine protein testing and culture
  • Autoimmune and infectious disease screening

These tests help us explore the "why" behind symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, or lethargy.

A German shepherd dog has one ear perked as they are prepared by a smiling Associate to get a CT scan.

When are these diagnostics recommended?

Your pet may need internal medicine-level diagnostics if they have:

How diagnostics guide treatment.

Getting the right diagnosis is only the first step. Internal medicine diagnostics help us:

  • Monitor treatment response
  • Tailor medication or dietary plans
  • Detect subtle changes in chronic illness
  • Avoid unnecessary procedures
  • Ensure faster, more accurate care

Internists interpret these results in the context of the full clinical picture – and they stay involved long-term if your pet has a lifelong condition.

An Associate kneels down to pet a dog while the dog's owner is seated in a chair

Internal medicine advanced diagnostics at TrueCare for Pets Los Angeles — FAQ.

At TrueCare for Pets Los Angeles, our internal medicine specialists employ a range of advanced diagnostic tools to uncover the underlying causes of complex pet health issues. These include:

  • Abdominal ultrasound: A non-invasive imaging technique to visualize internal organs.
  • Endoscopy: A procedure that allows us to examine the gastrointestinal (GI) tract directly.
  • Fluoroscopy and CT scans: Advanced imaging methods for detailed views of internal structures.
  • Specialized blood and hormone panels: Tests designed to assess organ function and hormonal levels.
  • Biopsies and aspirates: Techniques for obtaining tissue samples for further analysis.
  • Urine protein testing and culture: Evaluating kidney function and detecting infections.
  • Autoimmune and infectious disease screening: Tests to identify underlying immune-related or infectious conditions.

These diagnostic tools are essential for exploring the "why" behind persistent symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, or lethargy.

Your pet may require internal medicine-level diagnostics under the following circumstances:

  • They exhibit unexplained symptoms or have inconclusive test results.
  • They experience repeated infections or ongoing inflammation.
  • There is a suspicion of endocrine disorders, such as Cushing’s disease, Addison’s disease, or diabetes.
  • They are diagnosed with chronic kidney or liver disease.
  • Complications arise that necessitate collaboration among multiple veterinary specialties.

Additionally, these diagnostics are often employed prior to surgical procedures to minimize risks and ensure an appropriate treatment plan is in place.

Obtaining an accurate diagnosis is just the beginning. Internal medicine diagnostics play a crucial role in guiding treatment by enabling us to:

  • Monitor treatment response: Assess how well your pet is responding to prescribed therapies.
  • Tailor medication or dietary plans: Customize treatment strategies based on diagnostic findings.
  • Detect subtle changes: Identify early signs of progression in chronic illnesses.
  • Avoid unnecessary procedures: Ensure that only essential interventions are performed.
  • Provide faster, more accurate care: Streamline the diagnostic process for timely treatment.

Our internists interpret diagnostic results within the context of your pet’s overall clinical picture, and they remain involved in your pet’s care over the long term, especially if they have a chronic condition.

By choosing TrueCare for Pets Los Angeles, you gain access to a team of dedicated internal medicine specialists who utilize cutting-edge diagnostic tools to uncover complex health issues in pets. Our commitment to thorough investigation and personalized treatment ensures that your pet receives the highest standard of care tailored to their unique needs. We are here to support you and your pet throughout the diagnostic and treatment journey.

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