Veterinary specialist examining a pet at Salt River Veterinary Specialists in Scottsdale, AZ

Conditions We Treat at Salt River Veterinary Specialists in Scottsdale, AZ

When your pet’s illness is complex, chronic, or still undiagnosed after standard testing, a specialist can make all the difference. Our board-certified internal medicine and surgery teams diagnose and treat a wide range of medical and surgical conditions in dogs and cats, using advanced imaging and minimally invasive procedures whenever possible. Explore the conditions below to learn about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.

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Respiratory and Airway Conditions

  • Tracheal Collapse – A progressive weakening of the windpipe that causes a honking cough in small breed dogs, managed with medication and, when needed, tracheal stenting.
  • Chronic Nasal Discharge – Persistent sneezing, nasal discharge, and nosebleeds caused by foreign bodies, inflammation, fungal infection, polyps, or tumors.
  • Valley Fever – A soil-borne fungal infection common in the desert Southwest that can affect the lungs, bones, and other organs.

Digestive and Liver Conditions

  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease – Chronic intestinal inflammation causing vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss, diagnosed with endoscopic biopsies.
  • Megaesophagus – An enlarged, poorly functioning esophagus that leads to regurgitation and a risk of aspiration pneumonia.
  • Liver Disease – Including chronic hepatitis, gallbladder disease, and fatty liver, evaluated with ultrasound and laparoscopic liver biopsies.

Urinary Conditions

  • Bladder Stones – Mineral stones that cause straining and bloody urine, often removed with minimally invasive laser lithotripsy.
  • Ectopic Ureters – A congenital cause of urine leaking in young pets that can often be corrected with cystoscopic laser surgery.
  • Ureteral Obstruction – Blockage of the tube between the kidney and bladder, most common in cats, treated with medical care or urinary stenting.

Hormone (Endocrine) Conditions

  • Cushing’s Disease – Overproduction of cortisol that causes increased thirst, appetite, panting, and hair loss in middle-aged and senior dogs.
  • Diabetes – High blood sugar requiring careful insulin regulation, with specialist support for difficult or complicated cases.

Surgical Conditions

Our surgical team treats a wide variety of conditions, organized by body system:

Advanced Diagnostics and Minimally Invasive Treatment

Many of these conditions are diagnosed and treated with the advanced procedures available at our hospital, including endoscopy, bronchoscopy, cystoscopy, ultrasound, and laser bladder stone removal. View our complete list of veterinary services or learn more about our internal medicine department.

Conditions We Treat FAQs

What conditions does a veterinary internist treat?

Veterinary internists diagnose and manage diseases of the digestive tract, liver, kidneys, urinary tract, lungs, hormones, blood, and immune system, as well as infectious diseases like Valley Fever.

What if my pet’s condition is not listed here?

Our specialists treat many conditions beyond those listed. Call us at (480) 819-8630 or ask your family veterinarian whether a referral is appropriate.

Do you treat both dogs and cats?

Yes. Our internal medicine and surgery teams care for both dogs and cats.

How do I get my pet seen by a specialist?

Ask your family veterinarian for a referral. They will send your pet’s records, and our team will contact you to schedule.

Can you provide a second opinion on a diagnosis?

Yes. Many families visit us for an informed, neutral second opinion before deciding on surgery or long-term treatment.

Are minimally invasive options available for most conditions?

Many conditions can be diagnosed or treated with scopes, lasers, or stents. Your specialist will explain whether minimally invasive options fit your pet’s case.

Do you handle emergencies?

We are a specialty referral hospital, not an emergency clinic. For life-threatening emergencies, please contact a 24-hour emergency hospital.

Find Answers for Your Pet

Our specialists are here to help when your pet needs advanced care. Call Salt River Veterinary Specialists at (480) 819-8630 to schedule a consultation in Scottsdale, AZ .

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