Emergency & Critical Care

Laboratory

In an emergency situation, immediate access to the results of diagnostic tests is often important. Our laboratory is equipped with in-house blood and urine analyzers that deliver results to the attending veterinarians almost immediately. This access often enables them to make decisions about a treatment plan within a few hours versus days. For testing on a non-emergency basis, we utilize the services of a veterinary diagnostic laboratory. This service allows us access to results after hours and provides specialized and rare testing options to our veterinarians.

Physical Examination

Each pet that comes to the emergency practice receives a thorough physical exam by the attending veterinarian. The physical exam is an extremely important part of the process, and your history and description of your pet's problem will be listened to carefully and taken into consideration.  The doctor will make recommendations to you regarding diagnostics needed and treatment, so that you may make an informed decision regarding your pet's care.

Radiology

SCVH is equipped with multiple x-ray facilities that are available 24 hours/ 7 days a week. Radiographs (x-rays) are often imperative to determine the nature of a problem, whether a foreign body that is ingested, abnormal internal organs, or tumors.

Ultrasound

The emergency doctors have access to ultrasound diagnostics to perform initial ultrasound imaging. This can be used in an emergency situation to diagnose fluid around the heart, to obtain a urine sample, and to see abnormal structures or masses on the inside of the body without delay.

Hospitalization

Our Intensive Care Unit houses the emergency and critical care patients. The ICU is staffed with highly qualified technicians who are in charge of maintaining the care and comfort of our patients. They are trained to monitor patients for subtle changes in status and to assist the doctor in determining when a change in patient status occurs. They are also involved with patient treatment, based on the doctors' orders. Your pet will always be visible to our technicians and their comfort maintained while they are cared for in the ICU.

If your pet is hospitalized, you are welcome to visit in most cases. Your pet's doctor may recommend that you not visit in some cases, due to the needs and comfort of your pet. If your doctor has determined that it is in your pet's best interest to visit, please call us to set up a convenient time so that our ICU may accommodate you more comfortably.

Specialist Referral

If your pet needs to see a specialist, we can help to coordinate an appointment with the doctor in that specialty. These recommendations will be based on your pet's needs while maintaining your relationship with your family veterinarian.