Internal medicine for pets.
Some pet conditions don’t come with clear answers. When your dog or cat has ongoing symptoms, it may be time to see an internal medicine specialist. At BluePearl Tampa, our internal medicine service works to uncover the cause of complex illnesses – and provides treatment plans built around your pet.
What does veterinary internal medicine cover?
Internal medicine focuses on diagnosing and managing conditions that affect:
- Organs (kidney, liver, pancreas)
- Hormones (thyroid, adrenal, insulin)
- Gastrointestinal tract
- Immune system
- Respiratory and urinary systems
These conditions often require advanced diagnostics, careful monitoring, and a team-based approach to treatment.
What makes internal medicine different?
It’s not about technology – it’s about critical thinking. Our team excels at uncovering connections between symptoms and designing personalized care strategies.
Internal medicine for pets – FAQ.
Veterinary internal medicine is a specialty that focuses on diagnosing and treating complex diseases that affect a pet’s internal systems. These may include the liver, kidneys, pancreas, gastrointestinal tract, endocrine glands (like the thyroid or adrenal glands), immune system, and more. Internists use advanced diagnostic tools and critical thinking to get to the root of difficult or ongoing health problems.
You may be referred to a veterinary internist if your dog or cat:
- Has unexplained symptoms like weight loss, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Isn’t improving with standard treatments
- Has abnormal bloodwork or recurring infections
- Needs specialized testing such as an ultrasound or endoscopy
- Shows signs of a hormonal imbalance, such as diabetes, Cushing’s disease, or Addison’s disease
If your primary vet is unsure of a diagnosis or needs more advanced testing, internal medicine can help.
At BluePearl Tampa, our internal medicine team handles a wide range of issues, including:
- Kidney and liver disease
- Pancreatitis
- Endocrine disorders (thyroid, insulin, adrenal problems)
- Immune-mediated diseases
- Chronic gastrointestinal problems
- Respiratory and urinary system disorders
These cases often require in-depth evaluation, monitoring, and a tailored treatment plan.
To accurately diagnose your pet’s condition, our team may use:
- Abdominal ultrasound and chest x-rays
- Advanced blood and urine testing
- Hormone panels and organ function tests
- Endoscopy or gastrointestinal scoping
- Fine needle aspirates or biopsies
We also work closely with other specialty services, such as surgery or oncology, when a multidisciplinary approach is needed.
PInternal medicine is focused on solving complex, chronic, or unclear medical cases. While your family vet handles a wide range of routine care, internists specialize in puzzling or persistent conditions that don’t respond to initial treatments. They are trained to look deeper, using advanced diagnostics and a strategic, evidence-based approach to treatment.
Our internists combine clinical expertise with problem-solving precision. Every case is approached with fresh eyes, considering the full picture, including symptoms, test results, and medical history, to develop a plan tailored to your pet’s unique needs. It’s more than just testing, though, it’s thinking critically and compassionately to help your pet heal.
Typically, you’ll receive a referral from your family veterinarian. Once referred, we’ll review your pet’s medical records and schedule a consultation. We also welcome you to call to schedule a consultation.
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