Critical Care vs. Emergency Care
Although they often go hand-in-hand, emergency services and Critical Care for pets are two distinct fields within veterinary medicine.
While emergency & critical care specialists often work alongside doctors in the ER department to assist with life-saving efforts in critical emergencies, they may also work within a hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU). If a pet is not stable to return home after receiving emergent care or following a surgical procedure, the pet may be transferred to an ICU where they can be intensively monitored and receive ongoing care.
Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care Specialists have gone through additional years of specialized training to become board-certified within their field. They are incredibly talented individuals who dedicate their work to helping the sickest pet patients.
Your primary care veterinarian and/or veterinary specialist will let you know if critical care is recommended for your pet and will continue to work closely with the ICU team from admission to discharge, ensuring a smooth progression of treatment.
Critical Care Services for Pets
The type of treatment a pet receives while hospitalized in an ICU is highly dependent on the cause of their critical condition and the pet’s unique needs. Some of the most common treatments provided at our intensive care locations include:
If you ever have any questions regarding the treatment your pet is receiving at one of our hospital’s intensive care units, our team members will always be happy to provide any information, advice or support you need during this difficult time.
