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A special issue of Veterinary Sciences (ISSN 2306-7381). This special issue belongs to the section "Veterinary Internal Medicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 December 2025) | Viewed by 23902

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Paolo Emidio Crisi

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Guest Editor

Department of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
Interests: small animal internal medicine; feline medicine; respiratory diseases; gastroenterology; endocrinology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Andrea Corsini

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Guest Editor

Department of Veterinary Science, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Parma, 43125 Parma, Italy
Interests: endocrinology; gastroenterology; hepatology; small animal internal medicine

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue will focus on the latest advancements in diagnostic, therapeutic, and management strategies across various branches of internal medicine in small animals. It will explore cutting-edge research, innovative clinical practices, and the integration of new technologies in veterinary medicine.

The scope encompasses both clinical and translational research related to small animal internal medicine. It invites contributions from diverse fields that have a direct impact on internal medicine. The Special Issue will include original research articles, review articles, case reports, and perspectives on future challenges and opportunities in the field.

The primary purpose is to provide a comprehensive resource for veterinarians, researchers, and students in understanding the latest developments in small animal internal medicine. By showcasing innovative approaches and research findings, the Special Issue aims to enhance patient outcomes and foster interdisciplinary collaboration within the veterinary community.

This Special Issue will serve as a valuable complement to existing literature by bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and practical clinical applications in small animal internal medicine. It emphasizes the integration of emerging technologies, such as AI-based clinical decisions, which are not yet extensively covered in traditional resources. Additionally, the Special Issue addresses unmet needs by focusing on underexplored areas, including rare diseases, breed-specific conditions, and tailored therapies.

Dr. Paolo Emidio Crisi
Dr. Andrea Corsini
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Veterinary Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2100 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

small animal internal medicine
advanced diagnostics
translational veterinary medicine
AI in veterinary internal medicine
precision medicine
rare disease
emerging therapies

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 437 KB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Hemogram-Derived Inflammatory Markers in Healthy Cats

by Alper Erturk, Aliye Sagkan Ozturk and Ramazan Ozdemir

Vet. Sci. 2026, 13(3), 238; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci13030238 - 1 Mar 2026

Viewed by 292

Abstract

In the field of veterinary medicine, hematological indices such as the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte (MLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte (PLR), systemic immune–inflammatory index (SII), aggregate systemic inflammation index (AISI), and systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI) are increasingly recognized as cost-effective indicators of systemic inflammatory activity. Despite their diagnostic potential, standardized reference intervals for these metrics remain undefined in clinically healthy feline subjects. Consequently, the primary objective of this investigation was to establish baseline reference ranges for these inflammatory ratios in cats, thereby facilitating more accurate clinical interpretations and diagnostic assessments in feline practice. Clinical records were reviewed retrospectively, and cats showing no abnormalities on physical examination and presenting laboratory values within established reference ranges were included in the analysis. Following the sex-based analysis of 88 samples, the reference intervals were defined as follows: 0.8–7.1 for NLR; 0.1–0.6 for MLR; 22.7–374.6 for PLR, 130–2454 for SII, 39.5–1542.8 for AISI, and 0.2–6.1 for SIRI. Comparison by sex did not demonstrate statistically significant differences in any of the analyzed indices. These findings may offer a significant clinical framework for the interpretation of hematological inflammatory markers in feline patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Small Animal Internal Medicine)

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16 pages, 1285 KB

Open AccessArticle

Pilot Study: Association Between Surgical Severity and Postoperative Point-of-Care C-Reactive Protein Levels in Dogs Undergoing Orthopedic Surgery

by Thirawat Sumalai, Supphathat Wutthiwitthayaphong, Sakchai Ruenphet and Thanikran Suwannachote

Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(12), 1158; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12121158 - 4 Dec 2025

Viewed by 869

Abstract

Surgical intervention is essential for many orthopedic conditions in dogs, which are a common cause of pain and debilitation [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Small Animal Internal Medicine)

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16 pages, 1187 KB

Open AccessArticle

Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of Serum Neurofilament Light Chain in Canine Spinal Cord Diseases

by Chaerin Kim, Taesik Yun, Yeon Chae, Hakhyun Kim and Byeong-Teck Kang

Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(10), 966; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12100966 - 9 Oct 2025

Viewed by 1306

Abstract

This study evaluated serum neurofilament light chain (NfL) as a biomarker for spinal cord diseases in dogs, including 46 healthy dogs and 76 with conditions, such as intervertebral disc herniation (IVDH), syringomyelia (SM), fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE), and acute non-compressive nucleus pulposus extrusion (ANNPE). There was a significant difference in serum NfL levels between healthy dogs (12.55 pg/mL) and those with spinal cord diseases (91.10 pg/mL; p < 0.0001). The NfL level in dogs with SM (50.7 pg/mL) was significantly lower than that in dogs with IVDH (99.3 pg/mL; p = 0.012) and those with other diseases, including FCE and ANNPE (241.0 pg/mL; p = 0.002). The area under the curve for differentiating between dogs with spinal cord diseases and healthy dogs was 0.91, with an optimal NfL cutoff value of 30.31 pg/mL (sensitivity of 80.68%; specificity of 91.30%). For dogs with IVDH treated solely with medication, the serum NfL levels in the Poor and Static group (180.0 pg/mL) were significantly higher than those in the Partial and Good group (81.30 pg/mL) (p = 0.03). Serum NfL is a promising biomarker for neuroaxonal injury, aiding in differentiating SM from other spinal cord diseases and evaluating treatment response. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Small Animal Internal Medicine)

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10 pages, 1076 KB

Open AccessArticle

An Observational Study on the Diagnosis and Antibiotics Prescription in Cats with Lower Urinary Tract Disease by Veterinarians in Italy

by Isabella Tirelli, Francesca Fidanzio, Simone Bertini, Serena Crosara, Luigi Intorre, Ilaria Lippi, Veronica Marchetti and Andrea Corsini

Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(4), 313; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12040313 - 30 Mar 2025

Viewed by 3148

Abstract

Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is a frequent diagnosis in cats, with bacterial causes constituting a minor percentage of cases. This observational study aimed to assess the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to FLUTD among Italian veterinarians and explore variations in different workplaces. Data were collected via an anonymous survey completed by 317 veterinarians from small clinics (SC), large clinics (LC), and veterinary hospitals (VH). Results revealed that approximately half of respondents relied on clinical signs and urinalysis for diagnosis, while fewer incorporated abdominal ultrasound. Urine culture and sensitivity (UCS) testing was infrequently performed, primarily due to financial and logistical constraints, with higher compliance in VH practitioners. Antimicrobials were widely employed, with enhanced penicillins being the most prescribed class. The frequent empirical use of quinolones raises concern regarding gaps in antimicrobial stewardship. Despite some adherence to the ISCAID guidelines, discrepancies in diagnostic rigor, antimicrobial selection, and treatment duration were observed. Larger facilities demonstrated greater alignment with evidence-based practices, emphasizing the need for widespread education on appropriate antimicrobial use. This study underscores the importance of integrating guideline-based diagnostics and stewardship in managing feline urinary tract diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Small Animal Internal Medicine)

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24 pages, 4491 KB

Open AccessArticle

Emergency Dyspnea in 258 Cats: Insights from the French RAPID CAT Study

by Nour Abboud, Jack-Yves Deschamps, Marie Joubert and Françoise A. Roux

Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(3), 242; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12030242 - 3 Mar 2025

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 5910

Abstract

Dyspnea is common in feline emergency medicine. Dyspneic cats are often unable to tolerate additional diagnostic tests upon admission. The aim of this study was to determine the relative frequency of the causes of severe dyspnea in cats and to identify clinical indicators that could guide immediate management. Records of 312 severely dyspneic cats admitted over a 5-year period to our institution’s emergency and critical care unit were retrospectively reviewed. The cause of dyspnea was identified for 258 cats, representing 83% of the cases. This study focused solely on these 258 cats. Respiratory causes accounted for 33% of cases, followed by cardiac causes (25%) and both traumatic and neoplastic causes (21% each). Pleural effusion was present in 39% of the cats, with various origins: cardiac (38%), respiratory (pyothorax, feline infectious peritonitis, 30%), neoplastic (23%), and traumatic (9%). Male cats were significantly overrepresented in the cardiac and respiratory groups. The median age differed according to the cause (2 years for traumatic causes, 6 years for respiratory causes, and approximately 11 years for cardiac and neoplastic causes). Cats with cardiac disease were significantly more often hypothermic. Hyperthermia was not systematically indicative of an infectious process. No clinical element (temperature, heart rate, cardiac auscultation, etc.) allowed for predicting the cause of dyspnea. In-hospital mortality was 44%, varying according to the cause (78% for neoplastic causes, 40% for traumatic causes, 37% for cardiac causes, and 30% for respiratory causes). In conclusion, the four main categories of causes were represented in approximately equal proportions, which contrasts with the results of the British RAPID CAT study, where cardiac causes accounted for nearly two-thirds of dyspnea cases. In the dyspneic cats in this series, the clinical presentation did not allow clinicians to identify a particular cause. This highlights the importance of non-invasive examinations such as POCUS (point-of-care ultrasound), which has become a routine test in emergency medicine. However, this importance should not lead to underestimating the continued value of radiography when the cat’s clinical condition allows for image acquisition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Small Animal Internal Medicine)

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10 pages, 2143 KB

Open AccessArticle

Retrospective Evaluation of End-Diastolic Forward Flow and Restrictive Physiology in One Hundred and Sixty-Four Dogs with Pulmonary Stenosis

by Elisabetta Boz, Cesara Sofia Pergamo, Stefania Signorelli, Viviana Forti and Claudio Maria Bussadori

Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(2), 152; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12020152 - 11 Feb 2025

Viewed by 2194

Abstract

The study of the function of the right ventricle (RV) is a topic of great interest in the scientific community, and some studies have evaluated parameters of the right ventricular systolic function and have correlated them to various RV pathologies and possible clinical findings. Less information was obtained on the right ventricular diastolic function. In veterinary medicine, the characteristics of the restrictive RV and the presence of end-diastolic forward flow (EDFF) in patients with pulmonary stenosis have not yet been described. This type of flow is an antegrade flow that is observed with the Doppler study of the pulmonary artery and occurs at the end of the diastolic phase. Pulmonary valve stenosis (PVS) is one of the most common congenital heart diseases in dogs. The echocardiographic parameter that is mainly taken as a reference for evaluating the severity of the disease is the peak gradient of the pulmonary antegrade flow. For our retrospective study, we consider a total of 164 dogs with PVS divided into 149 dogs with type A and 15 type B, seen at a reference veterinary clinic from 2020 to 2024. All these dogs underwent echocardiographic examinations to observe the morphological characteristics of the PVS and consider the presence or absence of restrictive RV with EDFF. An independent sample t-test analysis revealed that the severity of PVS is greater in dogs with EDFF, both in the group of patients with type A stenosis and in patients with type B stenosis. This study suggests that RV restrictive physiology is common in dogs with severe PVS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Small Animal Internal Medicine)

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Review

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12 pages, 261 KB

Open AccessReview

Cardiac Abnormalities in Feline Hyperthyroidism

by Birgit van Zuiden, Giorgia Santarelli, Sara Galac, Hans S. Kooistra and Viktor Szatmári

Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(12), 1115; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12121115 - 23 Nov 2025

Viewed by 1770

Abstract

Hyperthyroidism is a common endocrine disorder in elderly cats, often leading to concurrent cardiac abnormalities. Understanding the development of these cardiac abnormalities and the effect of treatment is crucial for optimizing monitoring strategies and long-term management. Hyperthyroid cats frequently develop cardiomegaly, with left ventricular concentric and/or eccentric hypertrophy, and left atrial dilation. Cardiac abnormalities described in humans with multinodular toxic goiter may differ from those in cats, but, as in humans, these abnormalities are often reversible once thyroid hormone levels are normalized. Definitive treatment options for hyperthyroidism, such as radioiodine therapy and thyroidectomy, are the most successful at restoring the normal thyroid hormone levels. Medical therapy and iodine-restricted diets can also help normalize thyroid hormone levels, thereby aiding the reversal of cardiac abnormalities. However, cats with pre-existing cardiac diseases, like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, may not show reversible cardiac changes due to these concurrent primary cardiac diseases. Cats with hyperthyroidism should routinely undergo echocardiographic evaluations to monitor for concurrent cardiac abnormalities, both before and after treatment. More importantly, every cat older than 6 years of age with echocardiographic or clinical signs of heart disease should be screened for hyperthyroidism. With appropriate treatment of hyperthyroidism, heart failure can be prevented. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Small Animal Internal Medicine)

Other

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15 pages, 1028 KB

Open AccessCase Report

Use of Human Intravenous Immunoglobulin Therapy in Two Dogs with Non-Neoplastic Bone Marrow Disorders Refractory to Immunosuppressive Therapy

by Eun-Ji Kim and Hyun-Jung Han

Vet. Sci. 2026, 13(2), 145; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci13020145 - 3 Feb 2026

Viewed by 503

Abstract

Immune-mediated non-neoplastic bone marrow disorders (NNBMD), including precursor-targeted immune-mediated anemia (PIMA) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), can cause non-regenerative anemia in dogs and often fail to respond to immunosuppressive treatment. Human intravenous immunoglobulin (hIVIG) has been proposed as an immunomodulatory therapy for refractory hematologic disease in humans, but evidence in veterinary patients remains limited. This case report describes the adjunctive use of hIVIG and the associated clinical responses observed in two dogs with refractory NNBMD. A 10-year-old (3.2 kg) spayed female Maltese (case 1) showed persistent non-regenerative anemia, with hematocrit (HCT) 15.6–20.2% and reticulocyte production index (RPI) 0.12–0.69, requiring four transfusions over 10 months, and was diagnosed with PIMA based on bone marrow cytology demonstrating destruction of erythroid precursors. A 7-year-old (9.3 kg) intact female Dachshund (case 2) had sustained non-regenerative anemia (HCT 10.8–20.9%, RPI 0.12–0.40) necessitating eight transfusions over 20 months and was diagnosed with MDS characterized by dyserythropoiesis. Human intravenous immunoglobulin (0.5 g/kg over 6 h) was administered six times in case 1 and seven times in case 2 over a four-month period. After initiating hIVIG therapy, RPI increased (0→1.80 and 0.25→2.10 in cases 1 and 2), and HCT remained above 20% without further transfusions. To our knowledge, this is the first clinical report demonstrating the adjunctive use of hIVIG and associated hematologic improvement in canine NNBMD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Small Animal Internal Medicine)

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10 pages, 2661 KB

Open AccessCase Report

Complex Lymphatic Anomaly Presenting with Chylothorax, Chylous Ascites, and Generalized Subcutaneous Edema in a Young Cat: Comparative Insights Based on the Human ISSVA Classification

by Kazuyuki Terai, Aki Takeuchi, Ikki Mitsui, Tomohiro Yoshida, Akari Hatanaka, Ahmed Farag and Ryou Tanaka

Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(12), 1199; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12121199 - 15 Dec 2025

Viewed by 862

Abstract

In human medicine, the 2025 International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies (ISSVA) classification distinguishes localized lymphatic malformations from systemic disorders referred to as complex lymphatic anomalies (CLAs), including generalized lymphatic anomaly (GLA) and central conducting lymphatic anomaly (CCLA). GLA is characterized by multifocal proliferation of dilated lymphatic channels infiltrating soft tissues and visceral organs, whereas CCLA involves structural or functional abnormalities of the central lymphatic pathways such as the thoracic duct commonly resulting in chylous effusion. Reports of systemic lymphatic disease in veterinary species are exceedingly rare. A five-month-old intact male domestic shorthair cat presented with progressive dyspnea and was diagnosed with chylothorax and chylous ascites. Computed tomography (CT) revealed contrast leakage from both the thoracic duct and aortic hiatus, along with diffuse subcutaneous edema, indicating a systemic lymphatic disorder. Histopathology demonstrated proliferative lymphatic channels within the subcutaneous tissues, consistent with GLA, while imaging findings suggested concurrent CCLA, supporting classification as an overlapping CLA phenotype. Despite medical and surgical interventions, the cat developed progressive edema and recurrent pleural effusion and ultimately died. This case demonstrates that cats can develop systemic lymphatic disorders analogous to human CLAs and highlights the diagnostic value of CT lymphangiography. Furthermore, it underscores the utility of applying the ISSVA classification to enhance comparative understanding of lymphatic diseases in veterinary medicine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Small Animal Internal Medicine)

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20 pages, 3619 KB

Open AccessCase Report

Vanishing Lung Syndrome in a Dog: Giant Pneumatocele or Giant Pulmonary Bulla Mimicking Tension Pneumothorax—First Report

by Jack-Yves Deschamps, Nour Abboud, Pierre Penaud and Françoise A. Roux

Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(5), 501; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12050501 - 20 May 2025

Viewed by 4861

Abstract

A 6-month-old neutered male Belgian Malinois dog living in a kennel was presented to a veterinary emergency service for the management of severe respiratory distress that had developed within the past 24 h. Thoracic radiographs performed by a referring veterinarian showed abnormalities identified as a pneumothorax. Upon admission to the emergency service, the striking anomalies turned out to be a large intrathoracic air-filled cavity and countless smaller ones causing mechanical compression of the adjacent pulmonary parenchyma and mimicking tension pneumothorax. Emergency management included thoracocentesis followed by placement of a thoracostomy tube. The dog exhibited rapid clinical improvement and recovered completely within a few days, without requiring surgical intervention. Serial follow-up radiographs showed progressive and complete resolution of all lesions. Based on the complete resolution without resection, the main lesion—initially interpreted as a giant pulmonary bulla—was ultimately considered consistent with an acquired pneumatocele. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report in veterinary medicine of a vanishing lung syndrome presentation in a dog. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Small Animal Internal Medicine)

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