When your pet is unwell and you need answers, the quality of veterinary assessment makes all the difference. At Norgate Animal Hospital in North Vancouver, our medical services cover a broad range of internal medicine conditions affecting dogs and cats. From recurring skin problems and ear infections to cardiac monitoring and endocrine disease management, we work methodically to identify what is happening with your pet and build a care plan that addresses the underlying cause, not just the surface symptoms. We believe in clear communication at every step and will walk you through what we find and what we recommend.
Skin and coat problems are among the most common reasons pets visit the veterinarian. Allergies in dogs and cats can manifest as chronic itching, recurring skin infections, ear infections, hot spots, hair loss, and redness. Triggers include environmental allergens such as pollen and dust mites, food ingredients, and contact irritants. We perform thorough skin assessments including cytology and skin scraping where needed to identify the cause, and develop management plans aimed at long-term relief rather than repeated short-term fixes. Managing allergies effectively often requires a combination of approaches and patience.
Ear infections in dogs and cats are frequently recurring, painful, and often linked to underlying allergies or anatomical factors. We examine the ear canal, perform cytology where indicated, and identify whether the infection is bacterial, yeast-based, or a combination, so that the right approach is used from the start rather than rotating through broad-spectrum products. Eye infections require assessment of the cornea, conjunctiva, and surrounding structures. Some eye conditions deteriorate rapidly, so early assessment matters. We also manage conditions including conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, and eyelid abnormalities.
A comprehensive physical examination is the starting point for any medical concern. We assess every body system from head to tail, looking for early indicators of disease that may not yet be causing obvious symptoms. Blood pressure assessment, weight tracking, joint palpation, dental scoring, and lymph node evaluation are all part of a thorough exam. Regular wellness exams allow us to detect change over time and intervene before conditions become harder to manage. We recommend annual exams for adults and biannual exams for seniors.
Chronic vomiting, intermittent diarrhea, weight loss despite a good appetite, and dietary sensitivities are common presentations in dogs and cats. We investigate the underlying cause through a combination of dietary history, physical examination, and diagnostics including blood work, urinalysis, fecal testing, and imaging where indicated. Conditions we manage include inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal parasites, food-responsive conditions, and pancreatitis. Getting to the root cause takes time and a systematic approach, but it leads to better long-term outcomes than managing symptoms alone without understanding what is driving them.
Heart disease in dogs and cats often develops gradually and may go undetected without regular auscultation at wellness visits. We listen to your pet's heart at every exam and can identify murmurs, arrhythmias, and abnormal rhythms that may need further investigation. We refer cases requiring echocardiography to a veterinary cardiology specialist when needed and stay involved in your pet's care throughout. Managing heart disease early, before clinical signs appear, gives the best chance of slowing its progression and maintaining your pet's quality of life for as long as possible.
We manage a range of endocrine conditions in dogs and cats including diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism in cats, Cushing's disease, and Addison's disease. These conditions require accurate assessment, targeted management, and regular monitoring to keep your pet stable. We also provide reproductive health assessments and planning guidance. Additional medical conditions we assess and manage include hip dysplasia, renal dysplasia, Von Willebrand's disease, pain management for chronic conditions, and urinary tract infections. If your pet has a condition not listed here, call us to discuss whether we are the right fit.
Concerned about your pet's health? Book a medical assessment at Norgate Animal Hospital in North Vancouver today. Call (604) 980-2222 or book an appointment online. Our team will take the time to get to the bottom of what is going on.
