Internal medicine
Internal medicine

Internal medicine

Internal medicine (internistics) deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the internal organs. Many internal diseases progress gradually and initially show non-specific symptoms such as reduced performance, weight loss, or changes in eating behaviour. Early and precise diagnostics are crucial for successful treatment.
Our specialized team offers comprehensive internal medicine care using state-of-the-art diagnostic procedures and individually tailored therapy plans.


When is an internal medicine examination necessary?
•    Respiratory diseases – acute or chronic cough, shortness of breath, reduced performance
•    Gastrointestinal issues – colic, diarrhea, fecal water, weight loss, abnormal eating behavior
•    Liver and kidney diseases – fatigue, skin changes, metabolic disorders
•    Hormonal disorders – Cushing’s syndrome (PPID), EMS (insulin resistance)
•    Cardiovascular diseases – weakness, edema, heart murmurs
•    Infectious diseases – fever, lethargy, reduced appetite, unexplained lameness


If your horse shows one or more of these symptoms, we recommend an internal medical evaluation to determine the cause and treat it specifically.
The following services are available in internal medicine:
 

Respiratory diseases

•    Airway endoscopy – examination of the upper airways, trachea, and bronchi for inflammation, mucus accumulation, or laryngeal paralysis
•    Pulmonary function tests – diagnosis of chronic obstructive bronchitis (COB/RAO) or asthma
•    Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) – cellular examination to differentiate respiratory diseases
•    Targeted medication therapy and inhalation management
 

Gastrointestinal diseases and colic diagnostics

•    Gastroscopy to diagnose stomach ulcers
•    Abdominal ultrasound to assess intestinal movement and internal organs
•    Fecal analysis and parasite management to detect worm infestation or dysbiosis
•    Blood tests to clarify metabolic or liver diseases
•    Individual diet counseling and feeding management for sensitive horses
 

Liver and kidney diseases

•    Blood tests and liver biopsies to assess organ function
•    Liver and kidney ultrasound to detect inflammation, cysts, or tumors
•    Therapy and diet plans to support organ function
 

Hormonal disorders and metabolic diseases

•    Cushing’s syndrome (PPID): blood tests and medical management
•    Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS): diagnosis, diet management, exercise plans, blood sugar monitoring, and targeted treatment, e.g. to prevent laminitis
 

Cardiovascular diseases

•    Auscultation and ECG examinations to diagnose cardiac arrhythmias
•    Cardiac ultrasound (echocardiography) to assess morphology and function
 

Infectious diseases and immunology

•    Diagnosis and treatment of viral and bacterial infections (strangles, herpes, Lyme disease, anaplasmosis)
•    Fever diagnostics and inflammation marker analysis
•    Immunological testing & allergy diagnostics
 

Examination methods

To reliably diagnose internal diseases, we use modern examination methods:
•    Blood tests and laboratory diagnostics – to assess inflammation, organ values, and metabolic disorders
•    Ultrasound examinations – for detailed imaging of internal organs
•    Endoscopy and gastroscopy – to examine airways and the stomach
•    ECG and cardiac ultrasound – to assess heart health


With these methods, we can detect diseases early and treat them specifically.