🩺 Veterinary Internal Medicine
Specialized Care & Diagnostics – Southern Ocean Animal Hospital
319 E Main St, Tuckerton, NJ 08087
Introduction
Internal medicine in veterinary care focuses on diagnosing and treating diseases that affect a pet’s internal organs and systems. Many of these conditions share overlapping symptoms, such as weight loss, vomiting, or lethargy, making advanced diagnostics essential for accurate treatment.
At Southern Ocean Animal Hospital, Dr. Daniel N. Pascetta, DVM, and his team use a combination of comprehensive exams, laboratory testing, imaging, and specialized diagnostics to identify and manage complex diseases across multiple systems. Below are the most common categories of internal medicine cases seen in dogs, cats, and other pets.
1. Endocrine Disorders
Diabetes Mellitus
- What it is: A condition where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar.
- Symptoms: Increased thirst, frequent urination, weight loss despite normal appetite.
- Treatment: Insulin therapy, dietary management, and regular monitoring.
Thyroid Disorders
- Hyperthyroidism (cats): Overproduction of thyroid hormone causing weight loss, hyperactivity, and increased appetite.
- Hypothyroidism (dogs): Underactive thyroid causing lethargy, weight gain, and skin issues.
- Treatment: Medication to restore normal hormone levels.
Cushing’s Disease (Hyperadrenocorticism)
- What it is: Overproduction of cortisol by the adrenal glands.
- Symptoms: Increased appetite, thirst, panting, and thinning hair coat.
- Treatment: Medication to reduce hormone production, sometimes surgery.
2. Gastrointestinal Disorders
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- What it is: Chronic inflammation of the intestinal lining.
- Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, poor coat quality.
- Treatment: Special diets, anti-inflammatory drugs, and immune-modulating medications.
Pancreatitis
- What it is: Inflammation of the pancreas, often linked to fatty meals.
- Symptoms: Abdominal pain, vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite.
- Treatment: Hospitalization, IV fluids, pain management, and dietary modification.
3. Infectious Diseases
Leptospirosis
- Cause: Bacterial infection spread through water or soil contaminated with urine from wildlife.
- Symptoms: Fever, kidney or liver damage, vomiting.
- Treatment: Antibiotics, supportive care. Preventable with vaccination.
Tick-Borne Diseases
- Examples: Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis.
- Symptoms: Joint pain, fever, lethargy, anemia.
- Treatment: Antibiotics, supportive therapy, and tick prevention.
FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus)
- What it is: A viral disease in cats that weakens the immune system.
- Symptoms: Recurrent infections, poor coat, oral disease.
- Treatment: Supportive care, secondary infection control, indoor-only lifestyle.
Aspergillosis
- What it is: Fungal infection often affecting the respiratory tract in dogs.
- Symptoms: Nasal discharge, nosebleeds, sneezing.
- Treatment: Antifungal medication, sometimes surgical intervention.
4. Kidney & Urinary Tract Disorders
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
- Symptoms: Frequent urination, straining, blood in urine.
- Treatment: Antibiotics based on culture results, increased hydration.
Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)
- What it is: Group of urinary problems in cats, including bladder inflammation and urethral blockages.
- Symptoms: Painful urination, inappropriate urination, blood in urine.
- Treatment: Diet change, pain control, fluid therapy, sometimes emergency intervention.
5. Respiratory Disorders
Asthma (cats)
- What it is: Chronic inflammation of the airways.
- Symptoms: Coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing.
- Treatment: Inhalers, corticosteroids, bronchodilators.
Pneumonia
- Cause: Bacterial, viral, or fungal infection of the lungs.
- Symptoms: Coughing, fever, rapid breathing, lethargy.
- Treatment: Antibiotics/antifungals, oxygen therapy, supportive care.
6. Hematologic Disorders
Immune-Mediated Diseases
- What it is: The immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own cells.
- Examples: Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA), immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP).
- Symptoms: Pale gums, weakness, bleeding, bruising.
- Treatment: Immunosuppressive drugs, transfusions, supportive care.
Anemia
- What it is: Low red blood cell count due to chronic disease, blood loss, or immune attack.
- Symptoms: Lethargy, pale gums, rapid breathing.
- Treatment: Transfusions, iron supplementation, addressing underlying cause.
Platelet Disorders
- What they are: Conditions where blood doesn’t clot properly.
- Symptoms: Bruising, nosebleeds, prolonged bleeding.
- Treatment: Supportive care, transfusions, immunosuppressive therapy.
Building Trust Through Internal Medicine at Southern Ocean Animal Hospital
What makes Southern Ocean Animal Hospital different is not just advanced diagnostics, but Dr. Pascetta’s training and practical experience in identifying complex internal medicine cases. The hospital is equipped with:
- In-house laboratory for same-day bloodwork, urinalysis, and cytology.
- Advanced imaging, including digital radiology and ultrasound.
- Pharmacy on-site for immediate treatment.
- Personalized care plans built around the pet’s age, breed, lifestyle, and condition.
Schedule an Appointment
If your pet is showing signs of illness—such as weight loss, vomiting, lethargy, coughing, or changes in urination—these may point to an internal medicine condition.
At Southern Ocean Animal Hospital, we don’t guess—we diagnose. Dr. Daniel N. Pascetta, DVM, and his team provide comprehensive testing and tailored treatment plans to restore health and comfort to your pet.
📞 Call today to schedule an appointment and ensure your pet receives the expert care they deserve.