The Emergency & Critical Care department at Pet Emergency Clinic & Referral Center is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, including all major holidays. There is always at least one veterinarian on-site. Much like the emergency department at a human hospital, our emergency department receives a variety of cases, from the most critical patients to those with more minor ailments. Our emergency department operates on a triage basis, prioritizing the most critical patients rather than seeing patients in order of arrival. Because of our nature as an emergency facility, we do not operate by appointment.
Our Pet Emergency Staff
Our emergency and critical care department is led by a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, also known as a “criticalist.” Criticalists must undergo 1-2 years of internship and 3-5 years of residency following graduation from veterinary school. They must also pass a comprehensive board examination administered by the ACVECC to earn their specialty certification. The criticalist and our other specialists and medical director are responsible for putting into place evidence-based medical protocols to ensure that our medicine is up-to-date and provides your pet the best level of care possible.
The department is also staffed by a plethora of trained staff, including Licensed Veterinary Technicians (commonly referred to as Veterinary Nurses) and veterinary assistants. Licensed Veterinary Technicians must complete an Associate’s degree in veterinary technology and must pass the VTNE to earn their credential. All of our emergency and critical care staff have received training in CPR via the RECOVER CPR initiative.
We treat a variety of illnesses, including but not limited to:
- Cardiopulmonary arrest
- Vehicular trauma
- Toxin ingestion
- Allergic reactions
- Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV, bloat)
- Seizures
- Collapse
- Trouble breathing
- Paralysis/trouble walking
- Lacerations and wounds
- Urethral obstruction
- Lameness
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Coughing
- Loss of appetite
Our Equipment
Our emergency and critical department is fully equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to ensure accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment of your pet’s medical problem. A small sampling of our equipment includes:
- IDEXX in-house laboratory, including Catalyst Dx Chemistry Analyzer, Procyte Dx Hematology Analyzer, VetStat Electrolyte and Blood Gas Analyzer, Coag Dx Analyzer, SediVue Dx Urine Sediment Analyzer, SNAP Pro Analyzer, SNAPshot Dx Analyzer, and IDEXX Digital Cytology, offering pathology reads on cytology samples and blood smears in under 2 hours. Other laboratory services include blood typing, cross-matching, and a full catalog of advanced testing available through IDEXX and Zoetis reference laboratories.
- Digi-Vet Monitoring Equipment, including two portable LifeWindow One units, three LifeWindow 9x units, and telemetry capability. Allows continuous monitoring of ECG, NIBP, IBP, SpO2, EtCO2, and body temperature.
- Samsung Veterinary Ultrasound HS30
- IDEXX ImageVue DR50 Digital Imaging System
- SURGIVET® SAV 2500 Small Animal Ventilator
- Covidien ValleyLab ForceTriad Energy Platform for Ligasure Vessel Sealing and Electrocautery
- Flexible endoscope for esophageal and gastric foreign material removal
- Three Snyder Intensive Care Units, providing up to 6 oxygen kennels for patients with respiratory compromise
- Fully stocked crash cart including defibrillator in case of cardiopulmonary arrest
