Veterinary Internal Medicine in Tampa | BluePearl Pet Hospital Tampa FL

BluePearl Pet Hospital
Tampa, FL
Internal Medicine

24/7 Emergency and Specialty

Pet internal medicine by BluePearl.

A veterinarian examines a cat using a stethoscope.

Conditions treated

Learn which conditions our specialty team can help diagnose and treat, so your pet gets the right care for their needs.

Vet tech prepares dog for imaging

Success stories

Discover how other pets have overcome their diagnoses with specialized care, giving you hope for your pet’s recovery.

A veterinarian meets with a client and her medium sized white and grey dog in a comfortable, welcoming exam room.

Request appointment

Take the next step toward answers and treatment by scheduling a specialty consultation for your pet.

Advanced veterinary expertise you can trust.

We understand that seeing your pet experience unusual symptoms or act out of the ordinary can be stressful – especially if you don’t know what’s wrong. Fortunately, our veterinary internal medicine team is made up of experts in diagnosing and treating diseases of your pet’s various body systems, and we’re here to help. 

Our commitment is not just to treat illnesses; it’s to enhance the well-being of your pet and be with you every step of the way.

Conditions we treat.

A BluePearl anesthesiology and pain management vet prepares to fix an anesthetic facemask on a yellow lab while a vet tech helps hold the dog on the exam table.

If your pet has an acute or chronic condition, you’ll have an entire internal medicine team helping to improve your pet’s quality of life so you can get back to what matters most – spending precious moments together.

  • Respiratory diseases like asthma in cats or bronchitis in dogs
  • Autoimmune diseases such as lupus or Addison’s disease
  • Gastrointestinal diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease or pancreatitis
  • Liver diseases like hepatic lipidosis or cirrhosis
  • Kidney diseases such as chronic urinary infection or renal failure
  • Endocrine diseases, including Cushing’s disease or diabetes mellitus
  • Hematologic diseases like hemolytic anemia or thrombocytopenia
  • Infectious diseases such as leptospirosis or blastomycosis

Expert Advice for pet owners in Tampa:

Services we offer.

Your pet will receive unparalleled medical care during their time at the hospital (and they’ll be spoiled with love and attention, too).

Advanced diagnostics

Your pet can’t tell us what’s wrong, so we use sophisticated diagnostics and imaging tools to uncover the cause of symptoms like fever, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite or other unexplained symptoms, helping your pet feel better faster.

  • Blood/urine testing
  • Radiography (x-rays) 
  • Ultrasound
  • Endoscopy
  • Biopsies

Treatment plans

Just as no two patients are the same, neither are their treatment plans. Our internal medicine team has experience with a range of advanced procedures and minimally invasive options to get your pet on the path to wellness, including:

  • Medication 
  • Nutritional support 
  • A variety of surgical options

Our board certified specialists and internal medicine team.

Experience makes all the difference. 

Our internal medicine team is made up of veterinarians, vet technicians and assistants, and support staff with rigorous training and experience in specialty medicine. The team works hand in hand to provide the comprehensive, compassionate care your pet needs and deserves. Because we’re a multidisciplinary hospital, the team can consult the expertise of other specialty departments, too.

Michael Astor

DVM
Resident

Internal Medicine
Servicing locations

On the job

Dr. Michael Astor is a resident in our internal medicine service. He finds immune-mediated disease, gastrointestinal disease and endocrinopathies the most satisfying and intriguing diseases to help diagnose and treat.

Education
  • Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, BluePearl Pet Hospital, Tampa, FL
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
  • Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, Lafayette College, Easton, PA
Off duty

Dr. Astor has a boxer mix named Porter. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, biking and sports (especially the New England Patriots), as well as brewing and trying craft beer.

Publications and articles

Lauren Cochran

DVM, DACVIM
Board Certified in Veterinary Internal Medicine

Internal Medicine
Servicing locations

On the job

Dr. Lauren Cochran’s research experience includes boxer colitis, pancreatitis, and nutritional management (including effects of esophageal feeding tube placement) in cats with chronic kidney disease. Her primary clinical interests include gastroenterology, renal and lower urinary tract disease and immune-mediated disease.

Education
  • Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine
  • Residency, Internal Medicine, Veterinary Specialty Hospital of San Diego, CA
  • Internship, Internal Medicine, BluePearl Pet Hospital, Tampa, FL
  • Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, BluePearl Pet Hospital, Tampa, FL
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, AL
  • Bachelor of Science, Agriculture, Biological Science & Animal Science, University of Georgia, Athens
Off duty

Dr. Cochran enjoys riding horses, as well as traveling, hiking, biking, kayaking and cheering on Georgia and Auburn. Her mixed breed dog is named Tater.

Courtney Ganey

DVM
Resident

Internal Medicine
Servicing locations

On the job

Dr. Courtney Ganey is a resident in our internal medicine service.

Education
  • Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, MedVet, Metairie & Mandeville, LA
  • Clinical Rotation, Colorado State University, Fort Collins
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Ross University, St. Kitts & Nevis, West Indies
  • Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Science, Texas A&M University, College Station

Anthony Ishak

DVM, MS, DACVIM (SAIM), DACVIM (Cardiology)
Board Certified in Small Animal Internal Medicine and Cardiology

Cardiology
Internal Medicine
Servicing locations

On the job

Dr. Anthony Ishak enjoys all aspects of cardiology and internal medicine.

Education
  • Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Cardiology)
  • Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Small Animal Internal Medicine)
  • Residency, Internal Medicine, Colorado State University, Fort Collins
  • Master of Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins
  • Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, North Carolina State University, Raleigh
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville
  • Bachelor of Science, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
Off duty

Dr. Ishak’s family includes two dogs named Stanley and Pumba, and two cats named Ramses and Siptah.

Amanda Kordenbrock

DVM
Resident

Internal Medicine
Servicing locations

On the job

Dr. Amanda Kordenbrock is a resident in our internal medicine service. Her clinical interests include autoimmune, neurologic and behavioral disorders.

Education
  • Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, BluePearl Pet Hospital, Tampa, FL
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville
  • Bachelor of Science, Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg
Off duty

Dr. Kordenbrock has two golden retrievers – father and son – who were part of a research study at the University of Florida. Outside of work, she enjoys music, poetry, painting, making jewelry and interior design.

Wilmer Lopez

DVM
Resident

Internal Medicine
Servicing locations

On the job

Dr. Wilmer Lopez is a resident in our internal medicine service. He is particularly interested in the management of endocrine, renal, and other metabolic diseases.

Education
  • Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, BluePearl Pet Hospital, Clearwater, FL
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville
  • Bachelor of Science, Biology, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton
Off duty

Dr. Lopez enjoys going to the beach and listening to music.

Erick Mears

DVM, DACVIM
Board Certified in Veterinary Internal Medicine

Internal Medicine
Servicing locations

On the job

Dr. Erick Mears has been with BluePearl, and its predecessor, Florida Veterinary Specialists, since 1997.

As an internal medicine specialist, Dr. Mears is passionate about providing the best possible care for pets. Part of that passion is delivering a broad range of medically advanced services, including radioactive iodine (I-131) therapy for cats with hyperthyroidism.

 

Education
  • Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine
  • Residency, Small Animal Internal Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
  • Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL
  • Bachelor of Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Off duty

Erick enjoys spending time with his family and Bosco, the family cat.

Michelle Schnabel

DVM

Internal Medicine
Servicing locations

On the job

Dr. Michelle Schnabel is an intern in our internal medicine service.

Education
  • Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, BluePearl Pet Hospital, Tampa, FL
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville
  • Bachelor of Science, Biology, Universidad del Sagrado Corazón, San Juan, Puerto Rico

What to expect.

We want you to be prepared for your pet’s visit to the internist, so you have one less thing to worry about. Our entire BluePearl team will be with you every step of the way.

Before your visit

  • Make an initial appointment by calling us directly or via referral from your pet’s primary vet. 
  • We’ll request records from your primary or emergency vet before your first visit and collaborate with them to discuss your pet’s history and current condition.

During your visit

  • When possible, we’ll examine your pet with you by their side to make them more comfortable. If additional tests are needed for a diagnosis, we’ll discuss those options with you.
  • You’ll have plenty of time and opportunity to ask questions as we go over your pet’s diagnosis together.
  • Before you leave, you’ll receive a detailed treatment plan, discharge instructions and any recommended medications. We’ll schedule a recheck appointment and make sure you’re aware of any symptoms you should watch out for at home.

After your visit

  • Our team will continue to partner with your primary veterinarian as part of the ongoing management of your pet’s care.
  • You know your pet better than anyone, and you play a crucial role in their treatment plan. If you have any concerns about providing care at home (such as giving medication, maintaining a specific diet or monitoring your pet’s symptoms), let us know – we’re here for you.

Frequently asked questions.

At BluePearl, our veterinary internal medicine specialists diagnose and treat complex conditions affecting a pet’s internal organs and systems. These include diseases of the kidneys, liver, gastrointestinal tract, endocrine glands and immune system. Using advanced diagnostic tools, our internists find the root cause of illness and develop personalized treatment plans to help pets feel better and stay healthy.
Your pet may benefit from seeing an internal medicine specialist if they have ongoing symptoms that are difficult to diagnose or manage, such as unexplained weight loss, vomiting, chronic diarrhea, increased thirst or changes in appetite. A referral is also common when advanced testing or specialized care is needed.
Your primary care veterinarian handles your pet’s routine care, such as exams, vaccines and basic diagnostics. BluePearl’s internal medicine specialists have advanced training in diagnosing and managing complex or chronic illnesses. We work closely with your family veterinarian to provide an additional layer of expertise when your pet’s condition requires specialized care.
An internal medicine specialist (also called an internist) focuses on diagnosing and treating challenging or multi-system diseases. While your regular veterinarian manages general health and preventive care, BluePearl’s internists have access to advanced imaging, endoscopy and lab testing to uncover conditions that may not be easily identified in a general practice setting.
At BluePearl, your pet’s appointment begins with a detailed review of their medical history and symptoms. Our internist will perform a thorough physical exam and may recommend diagnostic tests such as bloodwork, imaging or specialized procedures. Once results are reviewed, we’ll discuss a diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to your pet’s needs.
BluePearl’s internal medicine specialists may recommend tests such as blood and urine analysis, ultrasound, x-rays, endoscopy, or advanced imaging like CT scans. These tools help us understand how your pet’s organs are functioning and identify underlying causes of illness that may not be visible on the surface.
Many pets with chronic diseases (like diabetes, kidney disease or inflammatory bowel disease) can live full, happy lives with proper management. Our internal medicine specialists create individualized care plans and monitor your pet’s progress to help maintain the best possible quality of life.
At BluePearl, our internists use a combination of medication, diet and regular monitoring to manage chronic illnesses such as diabetes, kidney disease and endocrine disorders. Treatment focuses on controlling symptoms, preventing complications and helping your pet stay comfortable over the long term.
No. We accept referrals from primary care veterinarians to ensure coordinated care, but you can also make an appointment without a referral by calling our hospital directly. If your vet suspects a complex condition, they can share your pet’s records with our team to support a smooth transition to specialty care.
Bring your pet’s medical history, recent test results and a list of medications or supplements. Depending on the tests planned, your BluePearl team may ask that your pet fast before the appointment. Our staff will provide specific instructions so your visit goes as smoothly as possible.
A typical BluePearl internal medicine appointment lasts one to two hours, depending on your pet’s condition and the diagnostic tests needed. Some advanced tests or procedures may take longer. Our team will keep you informed throughout your visit so you know what to expect.
Yes. At BluePearl, we believe in partnership. Your family veterinarian remains a key part of your pet’s healthcare team. After each visit, our specialists share detailed reports and treatment recommendations to ensure seamless communication and coordinated care.
If your pet’s condition becomes urgent, such as difficulty breathing, collapse or severe pain, contact your nearest BluePearl emergency hospital or your primary veterinarian right away. Our emergency and internal medicine teams work together to provide prompt, advanced care when your pet needs it most.

Success stories.

"Boomer’s diagnosis was pancreatitis, and if we hadn’t gone to BluePearl, my dog wouldn’t be alive today. They are the most compassionate people, and they work with you and make sure you know everything going on. My dog made some new friends with the dog whisperer!"
Read Boomer's story.
“I am so grateful to everybody at BluePearl for taking such good care of her. All of the vets and all the vet techs, and even the front desk staff were amazing."
Read Amber's story.
“I’m really relieved that she hasn’t had it anymore. I just wanted to thank BluePearl so much for being so helpful and always being there.”
Read Zoe's story.