Keywords: canine internal medicine, chronic disease, endocrinopathy, hepatopathy, nephropathy, gastrointestinal disorder, cardiomyopathy, clinical pathology, supportive therapy, differential diagnosis
Canine internal medicine focuses on non‑surgical diseases of internal organ systems, covering endocrine, gastrointestinal, hepatic, renal, cardiovascular and immune‑mediated disorders. Many canine internal illnesses develop gradually, and early clinical signs such as weight loss, lethargy and reduced appetite are often non‑specific. Accurate diagnosis relies on physical examination, laboratory testing and imaging. Long‑term monitoring and individualised medical treatment are essential for improving patient survival and quality of life.
Endocrine diseases are frequently diagnosed in dogs. Hypothyroidism causes lethargy, weight gain and poor hair coat. Cushing’s disease leads to polyuria, polydipsia, pot‑bellied appearance and skin problems. Diabetes mellitus results from insufficient insulin secretion, characterised by weight loss despite normal appetite, excessive drinking and urination. These conditions require laboratory confirmation and lifelong medical regulation.
Gastrointestinal disorders include gastritis, enteritis, inflammatory bowel disease and pancreatitis. Clinical presentations range from vomiting and diarrhoea to severe abdominal pain. Pancreatitis, common in overweight dogs, may trigger systemic inflammation and organ damage. Therapeutic strategies include dietary adjustment, anti‑emetics, fluid support and anti‑inflammatory medication according to disease severity.
Renal and hepatic diseases damage major metabolic organs. Chronic kidney disease shows progressive renal function decline with polyuria, dehydration and azotaemia. Hepatopathy may arise from infection, toxin exposure or immune injury. Blood biochemistry and urinalysis evaluate organ damage, while dietary modification and supportive care slow disease progression.
Cardiac disease, especially degenerative mitral valve disease and dilated cardiomyopathy, impairs cardiac output. Affected dogs develop cough, exercise intolerance and pulmonary oedema. Thoracic radiography, electrocardiography and echocardiography assist diagnosis. Medication aims to reduce cardiac load and control clinical signs.
Immune‑mediated and infectious systemic diseases also belong to internal medicine. After stabilisation, repeated laboratory re‑checks are necessary to adjust therapeutic plans. Internal medicine rarely offers complete cure for chronic conditions. Instead, veterinarians control clinical signs, prevent complications and maintain comfort for affected dogs over long‑term management.