Internal Medicine

As animals are not capable of communicating pain or discomfort, veterinary internists are vital in diagnosing and treating complex illnesses. Small Animal Internists have extensive experience treating diseases affecting the lungs and thoracic, kidneys, intestines, and abdomen. In addition, Small Animal Internists have cross-training in cardiology, oncology, and neurology and have greater knowledge of unusual, uncommon, or rare conditions.

WestVet is pleased to offer the expertise and services of Victoria Ochoa, DVM, MS, DACVIM. Dr. Ochoa is a Board Certified Small Animal Internist and Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM). In addition to completing undergraduate training and four years of veterinary school, Board-certified Small Animal Internists have completed an internship and residency in their specialized field—an additional 3-5 years training—and successfully passed rigorous board examinations. This is an elite distinction; there are only 2200 active Diplomates working worldwide.

What types of ailments/disorders are treated?

The following is a list of common disorders and/or procedures treated by Small Animal Internists::

•  Endocrinology:

•  Addison’s disease, Cushing’s Syndrome (hyperadrenocorticism)
•  Diabetes
•  Insulinoma
•  Canine hypothyroidism
•  Feline hyperthyroidism

•  Gastroenterology, Disorders of:

•  Esophagus
•  Stomach
•  Intestine
•  Colon
•  Pancreas
•  Liver
•  Biliary tract

•  Hematology:

•  Red blood cell
•  Platelet and white blood cell disorders
•  Blood component therapy
•  Immunology: Immune-mediated and immunodeficiency diseases

•  Infectious Diseases:

•  Bacterial
•  Bartonella
•  Fungal
•  Mycoplasma
•  Protozoal
•  Rickettsial
• Viral disease

•  Nephrology/Urology: disorders of the kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder and urethra 

•  Respiratory Disease:  disorders of the nasal cavity, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs

The above information is not a complete list of disorders and diseases; you may read more about treatments offered by ACVIM specialists HERE.

Should your Pet see a Small Animal Internist?

If a clear diagnosis is proving elusive or therapy is not proving effective, an Internist may be able to refine the diagnosis or adjust treatment plans to get your animal back to health. For more information about when your pet could benefit from a consultation with an Internist, please click HERE.

Chemotherapy

By providing chemotherapy services for pets, we are enabling a level of health care for your pet that is rapidly approaching the scope of services offered in human health care.

For certain types of cancer, chemotherapy can help to achieve a longer or better quality of life for your pet. Chemotherapy treatment plans vary depending on the type and nature of the cancer with which your pet is afflicted. We can work with you and your family veterinarian to help you decide if chemotherapy is the right choice for your pet.

Chemotherapy for your pet is similar to human chemotherapy. Although not as extreme as in people, your pet may experience some nausea following the treatment due to the dosages of drugs used.

One unique difference is that pets will not lose their hair following chemotherapy treatments. Treatment plans usually vary between 4 and 12 weeks in duration with treatments given either weekly or bi-weekly.