Large Animal Internal Medicine

The Large Animal Internal Medicine Service provides diagnostic evaluation and management of a wide range of respiratory complaints in large animal species, including nasal discharge, coughing, and exercise intolerance.  

Diagnostic evaluation

• Upper and lower airway endoscopy
• Tracheal aspirate
• Bronchoalveolar lavage
• Lung biopsy
• Thoracic radiography
• Ultrasound
• Laboratory testing

Management of respiratory disease

• 24-hour specialized care for hospitalized patients
• Oxygen therapy
• Nebulization therapy
• Isolation units for infectious disease
• Endoscopic removal of chondroids

The Large Animal Internal Medicine Service addresses a wide range of gastrointestinal problems, including colic, diarrhea, unexplained weight loss, gastric ulcers, and liver disease.  

Diagnostic evaluation

• Gastroscopy
• Endoscopic gastric and duodenal biopsy
• Rectal mucosal biopsy
• Oral glucose absorption testing
• Abdominal ultrasound
• Abdominal radiography
• Abdominocentesis
• Laboratory testing

Management of gastrointestinal disease

• 24-hour specialized care for hospitalized patients
• Isolation unit for infectious disease

The Large Animal Internal Medicine Service provides specialty evaluation and management of neurologic and muscular disorders in large animal species. We commonly manage a wide range of neurologic diseases caused by infectious disease, trauma, or toxicity, including equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM), cervical vertebral compressive myelopathy (CVCM), equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM), and parelophostronylus tenuis (meningeal worm).  Our service also addresses muscular disease of large animals including exertional or non-exertional rhabdomyolysis (“tying up”), polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM), hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HYPP) and other Quarter Horse-related breed disorders.  

Diagnostic evaluation

• Complete neurologic exam
• Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection and analysis
• Radiography
• Computed tomography
• Magnetic resonance imaging
• Cervical myelogram
• Muscle biopsy
• Electroencephalography (EEG)
• Electromyography (EMG)
• Laboratory testing

Management of neurologic and muscular disorders

• 24-hour specialized care for hospitalized patients
• Isolation stalls for infectious disease
• Specialized stalls with hoists for mechanical support
• Aquatic flotation therapy for camelids and ruminants
• Physical rehabilitation services

The Large Animal Internal Medicine service provides comprehensive evaluation and management of urinary tract disorders in a variety of large animal species. Our clinicians are experienced in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra, ranging from acute, life-threatening disease to chronic or recurrent issues.  

Diagnostic evaluation

• Laboratory testing
• Diagnostic ultrasound
• Cystoscopy

Management of urinary disorders

• 24-hour specialty care for hospitalized patients
• Intravenous fluid therapy
• Peritoneal dialysis

The Large Animal Internal Medicine Service provides specialty diagnosis and management of endocrine disorders, including equine metabolic syndrome, pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID, Equine “Cushing’s” Disease), and thyroid disease.  

Diagnostic evaluation

• Laboratory testing

Management of endocrine disorders

• Consultation for complicated endocrine cases
• Weight management strategies
• Pharmacologic intervention

The Large Animal Internal Medicine Service collaborates with the Cardiology Service to diagnose and manage cardiovascular disorders in large animal species, including heart murmurs, arrhythmias, exercise intolerance, and poor performance.

Diagnostic evaluation

• Echocardiography
• Electrocardiography
• Electrocardiographic telemetry

Management of cardiovascular disorders

• 24-hour specialized care for hospitalized patients
• Electrocardiographic telemetry

The Large Animal Internal Medicine service provides comprehensive, specialized care for neonatal patients and their dams, including horses, camelids, and other large animals. Our team is experienced in managing both routine and critical neonatal conditions, offering around-the-clock evaluation, diagnostics, and intensive care when needed.

Diagnostic evaluation

• Assessment of adequate transfer of passive immunity
• Laboratory testing
• Diagnostic ultrasound
• Diagnostic radiography

Management of neonatal disorders

• 24-hour intensive care for critically ill neonatal patients
• Specialized stalls for neonatal care
• Nutritional support
• Oxygen therapy

The Large Animal Internal Medicine service offers comprehensive expertise in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of infectious diseases affecting large animal species. Our team provides advanced care for a wide range of conditions caused by bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic agents, with an emphasis on timely diagnosis and targeted therapy.

We utilize a broad array of diagnostic tools—including laboratory testing, imaging, and specialized assays—to identify infectious agents and assess disease severity. Treatment plans are tailored to each patient and may include hospitalization in our isolation facility, antimicrobial therapy, supportive care, biosecurity measures, and intensive monitoring when necessary.

A key component of our service is the implementation of evidence-based infection control practices to minimize disease spread within both hospital and farm settings. We work closely with referring veterinarians and producers to develop herd-based strategies, including outbreak investigation, vaccination protocols, and preventive health programs.