Internal Medicine

What is Internal Medicine?

Equine Internal Medicine is a specialised branch of veterinary medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of diseases and disorders affecting the internal organs and systems of horses. This field is broad, encompassing a wide range of conditions from respiratory and gastrointestinal issues to cardiovascular, endocrine, and renal (kidney) problems.

Internal medicine involves understanding the body's complex systems and how they interact with each other. It is essential for veterinarians to have in-depth knowledge of the physiology, pathology, and diagnostics for treating non-surgical conditions that affect the horse's internal organs.

Key Areas of Equine Internal Medicine

Respiratory System
- Common conditions
  - Equine Asthma (also known as heaves or recurrent airway obstruction - RAO)
  - Pleuropneumonia
  - Infections like pneumonia or influenza
  - Sinusitis and nasal discharge

Gastrointestinal (GI) System
- Common Conditions:
  - Colic (abdominal pain due to gastrointestinal issues)
  - Laminitis (inflammation of the laminae in the hoof, often associated with metabolic disorders)
  - Gastric ulcers (especially in performance horses)
  - Diarrhoea (can indicate infections or inflammatory bowel disease)
  - Cecal and colonic impactions
- Techniques like rectal palpation, abdominal ultrasound, endoscopy, and blood tests are used for diagnosis. Treatment often includes pain management, fluids, dietary changes, and sometimes surgical intervention.

Endocrine System
- Common Conditions:
  - Equine Cushing's Disease (Pars Pituitary Intermedia Dysfunction - PPID)
  - Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS)
- Diagnosis typically involves blood tests to measure hormone levels. Treatment can involve medications (e.g. pergolide for PPID), dietary management, and exercise.

Cardiovascular System
- Common Conditions:
  - Heart murmurs and arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats)
  - Aortic aneurysms and heart failure
  - Blood pressure abnormalities (hypertension)
- Diagnostic tools include echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart), electrocardiography (ECG), and blood pressure measurements. Treatment may include medications to support heart function or treat underlying causes.

Renal System
- Common Conditions:
  - Acute kidney injury (often secondary to dehydration or infections)
  - Chronic kidney disease
  - Electrolyte imbalances
- Kidney function is often assessed through blood tests, urine analysis, and imaging (ultrasound). Treatment involves fluid therapy, medications, and dietary management.

Neurological System

Haematology and Immune System

Metabolic Disorders

If you're dealing with a specific internal medical issue in your horse, or just want more information on any of the systems or diseases listed, feel free to ask!