What We Help With
We see dogs and cats for a wide range of ongoing or unexplained concerns, including:
- Appetite and weight changes
- Vomiting, diarrhea, or GI sensitivity
- Chronic skin issues and allergies
- Recurrent ear infections
- Urinary issues or early kidney concerns
- Hormone-related issues like thyroid disease or diabetes
- Coughing or respiratory changes
- General decline, lethargy, or “not acting like themselves”
If your pet’s condition has been lingering, coming back, or hard to pin down, we’ll work with you to move from uncertainty to clarity, step by step.
What “Internal Medicine” Means Here
You don’t need a specialist to start getting answers. We use in-house testing, advanced imaging, and careful observation to help piece together what’s going on—and what to do about it.
Our On-Site Diagnostic Tools:
- Bloodwork panels and urinalysis
- Fecal exams and parasite screening
- Digital X-rays for chest, abdomen, and orthopedic review
- Abdominal ultrasound
- Cytology for ears, skin, and masses
While these tools give us a clearer picture, they’re just part of the story. What matters more is how we use them: thoughtfully, based on your pet’s specific symptoms and needs. We won’t recommend running every test in the book “just in case.” Instead, we’ll take a progressive, step-by-step approach that makes sense for your pet, your goals, and your budget—always in conversation with you, never in isolation.
Our Approach to Ongoing Conditions
Internal medicine isn’t always about finding one perfect answer. It’s about understanding patterns, trying things thoughtfully, and making decisions that feel right for you and your pet.
Here’s how we support you through that process:
- We listen. You know your pet better than anyone. We want to understand what you’re seeing, what’s been tried, and what matters most to you.
- We explain what’s next. If we recommend testing or treatment, we’ll tell you why, what it might show us, and what it will cost—so you’re never left wondering.
- We adjust as we go. If the first step doesn’t get us there, we’ll talk about what else might be worth exploring—or when it makes sense to refer you to a specialist.
- We support you long-term. Chronic conditions aren’t solved in one visit. But with consistency, communication, and care, they can often be managed really well.
What to Expect
If you’re coming in for help with a chronic or unclear issue, here’s how we typically move forward:
- Initial consultation: We gather a full history, examine your pet, and talk through symptoms and timelines.
- In-house testing: We’ll offer diagnostics if appropriate, and give you a clear estimate before we begin.
- Follow-up: We’ll share what we find and help make a plan—whether that means medication, monitoring, nutrition, or further testing.
Sometimes we find answers quickly. Other times, it takes a few visits to sort things out. We’ll be with you either way.
You Deserve a Team That Stays With You
Living with a chronic condition—or chasing down an unclear diagnosis—can be exhausting. You want to feel like someone’s actually paying attention. You want someone who knows your pet, not just their chart. That’s what we’re here for.
At St. Petersburg Animal Hospital & Urgent Care, internal medicine isn’t about quick fixes. It’s about steady progress, honest conversations, and care that adjusts as your pet’s needs change.
Whether you’re just starting to explore what’s going on, or you’ve been managing a condition for a while, we’re here to help you make decisions with confidence—and feel supported at every step.
Ready to take the next step?
