24-Hour Emergency &
Critical care
Our emergency service has well trained doctors who have experience in a variety
of emergency cases ranging from immediately life threatening (heat stroke,
gun shot wounds, hemoabdomen) to more chronic or subtle illnesses (vomiting,
diarrhea, urinary obstructions, PARVO virus). The diversity of cases has allowed
our doctors to gain experience in treating many types of illnesses. Each case
is evaluated on an individual basis and a unique treatment plan is made based
on the needs of your pet. Their ability to also consult with our in-house specialists
allows us to offer our clients superior case management.
Some of the conditions treated by our ECC service include removal of foreign
bodies via endoscopy, urinary obstructions, management of acute
or chronic vomiting or diarrhea cases and treatment of PARVO virus.
To assist the emergency service, we have a board certified criticalist
to manage those cases that require more intense case management than the typical
emergency case. The criticalist is unique in that she/he is trained in emergency
medicine but also has the cross training of an internist and surgeon. They
are able to manage metabolic cases and perform emergency surgery if a surgeon
is not available. This unique balance of cross training allows us to offer
a more advanced emergency service to our patients and referring community.
Some of the cases managed directly by the criticalist include ventilator
patients (Tetanus or uncontrolled seizure patients), acute renal failure and
DIC patients.
Some of the advanced care provided by the criticalist and emergency service
include transfusion medicine (component therapy (pRBC and plasma) and Oxyglobin),
blood pressure monitoring (noninvasive, invasive and CVP), EKG monitoring of
heart arrhythmias via telemetry, nutritional support via NG or gastrostomy
tubes and oxygen support for the respiratory case.
In addition to direct medical management of cases, the criticalist serves
as the liaison between the emergency service and those of the specialists.
They will help facilitate case transfer to the appropriate specialty and ensure
continuance of care within the new attending service.