Animal Care & Emergency Services Wed, 05 Jan 2022 03:24:13 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.9.1 Common Pet Toxins /common-pet-toxins/ /common-pet-toxins/#respond Sat, 01 Jan 2022 03:18:20 +0000 /?p=639 Many common household foods, medications, plants, and chemicals are toxic to pets. We explain these four categories of common household pet toxins, and how to keep your pet safe. Remember—if you ever think your pet may have been exposed to a poison, call Animal Care and Emergency Services, as well as the Animal Poison Control [...]

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Many common household foods, medications, plants, and chemicals are toxic to pets. We explain these four categories of common household pet toxins, and how to keep your pet safe. Remember—if you ever think your pet may have been exposed to a poison, call Animal Care and Emergency Services, as well as the Animal Poison Control Center, whether or not your pet seems sick.  

#1: Household foods toxic to pets

Call us right away if your pet ingests any of the following:

  • Chocolate or coffee — Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are the most toxic forms, and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, arrhythmias, seizures, and death. 
  • Grapes and raisins — As few as 10 raisins can poison a 10-pound dog and cause kidney failure.
  • Xylitol — Pets who ingest this sugar-free sweetener will likely need emergency treatment for vomiting, lethargy, and seizures, because of low blood sugar. They may also need monitoring for liver damage for several days after ingestion.
  • Macadamia nuts — Signs, including weakness, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia, may not arise for 12 hours after your pet ingests these nuts, so your pet needs veterinary attention, whether or not they seem sick
  • Onions, garlic, and chives — Dogs, and especially cats, can suffer stomach irritation, red blood cell damage, and anemia.
  • Undercooked or raw meat, bones, or eggs — Harmful bacteria (e.g., E. coli and Salmonella) can cause illness in pets who eat spoiled or raw foods.
  • Salt — Severe thirst and sodium poisoning can ensue, since pets often eat salty snack foods to excess.
  • Avocado — These can put some pets at risk for heart damage and death.
  • Alcohol — Small amounts can cause poisoning in pets. Spilled cocktails and the alcohol from yeast dough are common sources.

#2: Common medications toxic to pets

Always store human medications, which should never be given to pets, separately from pet medications, and read all labels carefully.

  • Human medications — Pets who are exposed to or ingest human medications, both over-the-counter and prescription (e.g., ibuprofen or other NSAIDs, aspirin, and prozac) need veterinary care.
  • Nicotine patches and cessation products, e-cigarette liquid, and cigarettes — Ingestion can lead to elevated heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory failure, and death in pets.
  • Pet medications — The wrong amount of pet medication, or pet medication given to the wrong pet, can cause serious interactions or side effects.
  • Pet flea control products — Check labels carefully, since products labeled for dogs only can be toxic to cats. Apply only as directed, in the recommended amounts and frequency.

#3: Common house plants toxic to pets

Pets who ingest any plant material may experience vomiting, but many plants are severely toxic to pets, including these common holiday plants:

  • Lilies — These are severely toxic to cats, who may suffer severe kidney damage, despite ingesting only a small amount, or drinking a small amount of the vase water.
  • Cannabis — Ingestion can cause depression, incoordination, incontinence, and seizures in pets.
  • Holly — The berries can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.
  • Mistletoe — Ingestion can lead to low blood pressure, seizures, and death.
  • Tulips and narcissus — Pets who ingest these bulbs can develop heart problems and seizures.
  • Peace lily — Calcium oxalate crystals from these lilies can burn a pet’s lips, mouth, and tongue.

#4: Common chemicals toxic to pets

Be aware of the following household products and items that are toxic to pets:

  • Rodenticides — Rat poison works on cats and dogs the same way as rodents. We recommend that you not use these products, or at a minimum, ensure that they are never kept in pets’ reach.
  • Household batteries — When pets chew or swallow batteries, the alkaline battery acid destroys tissue, causing ulcers and “burns.”
  • Pennies — Ingestion by a dog of one post-1982 penny can cause zinc poisoning with red blood cell and kidney damage.
  • Antifreeze — Pets initially appear drunk, and then seem OK, but their kidneys are already damaged.
  • Lye and household cleaners — Irritation and deep tissue damage will ensue after pets are topically exposed to, or ingest, these cleaners.
  • Essential oils and liquid potpourri — Stomach irritation, neurological problems, and liver damage can result from ingestion, especially in cats.
  • Dryer sheets — Chewing and ingesting a new dryer sheet—versus a used sheet—can cause drooling, vomiting, and ulcers in pets.

Call Animal Care and Emergency Services whenever questions arise about a possible pet poisoning. If you suspect pet toxin exposure, look carefully for any household items they may have ingested, and bring the suspected items or containers, as well as a sample or photograph of any pet vomit or evidence, to our hospital. Never induce pet vomiting without first consulting our veterinarian, and never assume pets are fine, since many toxicity signs have a delayed onset. Our expert team can assess your pet’s situation, and take the necessary action that will help avoid serious consequences and long-term damage to your pet.

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Why is my Dog Vomiting? /why-is-my-dog-vomiting/ /why-is-my-dog-vomiting/#respond Mon, 20 Dec 2021 06:02:10 +0000 /?p=635 Vomiting is common in dogs, but do you understand why they vomit, and when the problem is serious? If your dog vomits only once, is not acting sick, is eating well, and has no chronic health problems, you may have no cause for concern. Vomiting more than once, however, while eating less and acting sick, [...]

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Vomiting is common in dogs, but do you understand why they vomit, and when the problem is serious? If your dog vomits only once, is not acting sick, is eating well, and has no chronic health problems, you may have no cause for concern. Vomiting more than once, however, while eating less and acting sick, may indicate a serious problem. If you are not sure, never hesitate to call Animal Care & Emergency Services. Read on to learn about the top six causes of canine vomiting.

#1: Dogs vomit from dietary indiscretion or diet changes

Our first question when a dog vomits often is, “Could they have eaten something unusual in the house or yard?” This is considered dietary indiscretion. For dogs with sensitive stomachs, simply changing dog foods too abruptly can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Most canine gastroenteritis cases can be resolved with medical treatment at our hospital, but a physical examination and diagnostic tests sometimes indicate that surgery is required—for example, if sharp bones have punctured the esophagus or stomach When you call to bring in your vomiting dog, ensure you describe their recent dietary history.

#2: Dogs vomit from organ system disease

Often pet owners suspect vomiting is the primary problem, when actually a larger underlying disease is indicated. Vomiting may be the first thing you notice when your dog has developed liver dysfunction, kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, abdominal cancer, or another common but serious canine disease. When you bring in your vomiting dog, our team will take a detailed history, perform a thorough physical exam, run indicated laboratory tests, and recommend X-ray and ultrasound imaging, if needed. Blood, urine, and fecal tests are usually required to diagnose underlying diseases in vomiting dogs. We will recommend the best diagnostic plan based on your pet’s situation.

#3: Dogs vomit from toxin exposure

The list of toxins that cause vomiting in dogs is long, and includes common household chemicals, foods, and plants. Antifreeze, lye (e.g., drain and oven cleaners), dryer sheets, essential oils, human medications, alcohol, chocolate, holly, and lilies are a few of the potential culprits. If your dog suddenly begins vomiting, and you suspect toxin exposure, check thoroughly for any household items they may have ingested, and bring the suspected items or containers with you to our hospital. A sample or a photograph of the vomit is also helpful. We may recommend that you call a pet poison control center for additional information, as well.

#4: Dogsespecially puppiesvomit from swallowing foreign objects

Puppies, especially very young teething puppies, often try to swallow everything. The problems that ensue range from regurgitating a large rawhide, to blocking the stomach or intestines, to puncturing the intestine altogether. Monitor puppies and dogs closely to determine their tendencies to destroy and ingest toys, blankets, sticks, rocks, caustic batteries, toxic pennies, sewing needles, or other accessible items. If your dog or puppy continues to vomit and cannot hold down food or water, they need our veterinary attention, because foreign body cases often require diagnostic tests, medical treatment, and abdominal surgery.

#5: Dogs vomit from infectious diseases

Infectious diseases can cause vomiting in dogs, and canine parvoviral enteritis, which is commonly known as parvo, tops the list as the most common. Watch for parvo signs in unvaccinated or under-vaccinated puppies or young dogs. The first signs are lethargy and inappetence, followed by vomiting and bloody diarrhea, parvo’s hallmark sign. Always let us know the vaccination status of your vomiting puppy or dog, so we can use contagious disease protective protocols when you arrive. Parvo is highly fatal, with only 50 percent of infected dogs surviving without veterinary care, but hospitalization and intensive care can greatly improve the prognosis.

#6: Dogs vomit from pancreatitis

When dogs ingest large quantities of unusual foods, especially high-fat foods, gastroenteritis can worsen until the pancreas becomes inflamed. If your dog is vomiting, and has a tender abdomen and a suspicious history, we will perform a pancreatitis screening test. Pancreatitis can rapidly worsen and become life-threatening, so dogs often require aggressive treatment, including hospitalization, anti-nausea injections, pain control, and intravenous fluid support. With early detection and proper treatment, most canine pancreatitis cases recover. 

#7: Dogs vomit from gastric dilatation and volvulus

One of the deadliest surgical conditions is canine bloat, or gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV). This occurs when a deep-chested dog’s stomach expands with air and twists on itself, causing an enlarged abdomen, continuous attempts to vomit (i.e., retching) or actual vomiting, and severe pain. If you see these signs you need to seek medical care for your dog immediately. 

Determining when your pet needs veterinary help is not always easy, but you can call the caring team at Animal Care & Emergency Services anytime you have questions about your vomiting dog. Starting early is often key for successful treatment of canine vomiting.

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Danger, Danger! 10 Signs Your Pet Needs Emergency Care /danger-danger-10-signs-your-pet-needs-emergency-care/ /danger-danger-10-signs-your-pet-needs-emergency-care/#respond Fri, 10 Dec 2021 22:49:01 +0000 /?p=621 If your pet is ill or injured, you know it’s time to head in for veterinary care. But what about those on-the-fence issues? Your pet may get better overnight, or they may take a turn for the worse. When in doubt about whether your pet needs to be seen by our Animal Care and Emergency [...]

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If your pet is ill or injured, you know it’s time to head in for veterinary care. But what about those on-the-fence issues? Your pet may get better overnight, or they may take a turn for the worse. When in doubt about whether your pet needs to be seen by our Animal Care and Emergency Services veterinarian, give us a call. We can triage your pet’s condition over the phone, and offer guidance on whether or not they can wait. However, a few signs always indicate that your pet needs urgent veterinary care. If your four-legged friend is in one of the following 10 situations, call us immediately.

#1: Your pet is bleeding

A minor scratch can be bandaged and wait for care, but if you apply pressure for three minutes and the wound continues to bleed, veterinary attention is necessary. In addition, blood  in the urine, stool, or vomit or bleeding from the nose or mouth, all also require immediate veterinary care.

#2: Your pet is straining to urinate

If your pet is struggling or unable to urinate, they need to be seen promptly. Pets can develop a urinary blockage, and death can occur in 24 to 48 hours once they’re unable to urinate. A common misconception is that a pet is trying to defecate when they’re actually straining to urinate, so monitor your pet’s bathroom habits closely, particularly if they’re a male cat.

#3: Your pet’s stomach is rock hard and bloated

Large- and giant-breed dogs with deep chests are at an increased risk for developing bloat and gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV). However, any pet can become bloated and suffer from their stomach flipping on itself, which is a life-threatening emergency. If your pet is attempting to vomit, but not producing anything, and their stomach is round and tight, head immediately to the closest veterinary hospital.

#4: Your pet is in pain

While pain is not life-threatening, and gauging your pet’s pain level can be toughparticularly if they’re stoicpain can indicate a more serious problem. Limping, whining, whimpering, irritability, and hiding are common cues that indicate your furry pal is painful. Your pet may also refuse to eat or join in their favorite activities if they’re uncomfortable. 

#5: Your pet is vomiting or having diarrhea

A bout or two of vomiting or diarrhea isn’t a huge cause for concern, but excessive or prolonged gastrointestinal issues need veterinary attention. Without prompt treatment, your pet can become dehydrated. If you’re unsure how much vomiting and diarrhea is too much, contact our Animal Care and Emergency Services team for guidance. 

#6: Your pet is having difficulty breathing

If your pet is breathing more heavily than their normal regular panting, or they’re breathing more rapidly, or with increased effort, they need medical attention. Blue or purple gums and tongue color, which indicate your pet is not getting enough oxygen, are also cause for concern. Flat-faced breeds, like pugs, bulldogs, and Persians, are more apt to develop serious respiratory disorders. 

#7: Your pet encountered a toxin

Toxic substances, ranging from chocolate and chemicals, to plants and pest poisons, can take time to cause visible illness signs, but they should be treated immediately after contact. If your four-legged friend encounters a potentially toxic substance, contact an animal poison control hotline to determine if the substance is a threat, and what to do next. 

#8: Your pet is suffering from heatstroke

Heatstroke can rapidly become life-threatening, despite relatively mild weather conditions. Humidity and high temperatures can cause your pet to pant heavily, drool thick ropes of saliva, stagger, collapse, and suffer seizures. At the first hint of overheating, get your pet indoors into a cooled spot, and contact our team.

#9: Your pet is having a seizure

Seizures, whether a pet’s first, or they have epilepsy, can be scary for a pet owner to witness. Your pet’s first seizure could be an emergency if they came in contact with a toxic substance, or are suffering from another illness. If your pet has been diagnosed with epilepsy, and they’re having multiple or prolonged seizures, rush them to your nearest veterinary hospital to halt the seizure activity. 

#10: Your pet had a traumatic accident

If your pet was struck by a car or in a fight with another animal, they could have injuries that are much more serious than they appear. Internal bleeding, a ruptured bladder, or other hidden issue could cause your pet to crash hours after an incident, so contact our team for help without delay.

If you’re unsure whether your pet’s condition counts as an emergency, contact our Animal Care and Emergency Services team for advice. It’s better to ask, than to wait and see if your furry friend gets better on their own.

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The Bitter Truth about Chocolate Toxicity and Pets /the-bitter-truth-about-chocolate-toxicity-and-pets/ /the-bitter-truth-about-chocolate-toxicity-and-pets/#respond Wed, 01 Dec 2021 02:19:17 +0000 /?p=616 Many people covet the comfort that chocolate treats bring during times of celebration or sorrow. In fact, certain chocolates, especially the dark variety, may have health benefits for people, such as antioxidants. While chocolate candies, treats, and drinks are available year-round, they are especially present during the holidays, and they are often a popular gift [...]

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Many people covet the comfort that chocolate treats bring during times of celebration or sorrow. In fact, certain chocolates, especially the dark variety, may have health benefits for people, such as antioxidants. While chocolate candies, treats, and drinks are available year-round, they are especially present during the holidays, and they are often a popular gift or dessert for festive gatherings. The enticing aroma of chocolate is difficult for many peopleand petsto resist, and pet owners may be tempted to share their favorite treat with their furry pals. However, chocolate can be toxic to pets, especially dogs, and may cause death in some cases. It is not uncommon for pets to sneak some of this sweet treat, and in 2020, chocolate was the fourth most common pet toxin reported by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, with more than 76 cases reported daily. Our Animal Care and Emergency Services (ACES) team wants to help pet owners to avoid an unexpected emergency veterinary visit, and we share chocolate toxicity dangers, signs, treatment, and prevention tips.

Chipping away at the problem with chocolate and your pet

Although rarely fatal, chocolate ingestion can lead to severe illness in your pet because of the chemicals theobromine and caffeine that are present in most chocolates. In humans, these chemicals may be used medicinally as a heart stimulant, diuretic, blood vessel dilator, or smooth muscle relaxant. However, pets are not able to metabolize these chemicals easily, and it can take several days for them to process through their bodies. Dogs are most at risk for chocolate toxicity, but cats also may be affected. The toxic effects vary depending on your pet’s weight, and the amount and type of chocolate ingested. Dark, bitter, less sweet chocolate, such as baker’s chocolate, often contains higher levels of theobromine and caffeine. White and milk chocolate tend to have the lowest levels of theobromine. However, one ounce of milk chocolate per pound of body weight can be lethal to some dogs. In addition to the toxic chemicals, some chocolates may contain other pet-toxic ingredients such as macadamia nuts, raisins, salt, or xylitol

Recognizing the not-so-sweet chocolate toxicity signs in your pet

Pets who ingest chocolate have an increased risk of developing pancreatitis, a dangerous inflammatory condition that can be life-threatening. In severe cases, pets also may experience cardiac arrest or central nervous system problems. Toxicity signs may take hours to occur and may include the following:

  • Restlessness
  • Agitation
  • Hyperactivity
  • Increased heart rate
  • Increased respiration or excessive panting
  • Increased reflexes 
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Increased thirst and urination
  • Pale or blue gums
  • Tremors 
  • Hyperthermia
  • Seizures

Treat-ment options for your pet’s chocolate toxicity

Bring your pet in to our Animal Care and Emergency Services for immediate care if you see them ingesting any chocolate, or if they are showing chocolate toxicity signs. When possible, bring the wrapper of the chocolate your pet ingested, so our veterinarian can determine the type and amount. If your pet has recently ingested chocolate, our veterinarian may induce them to vomit. However, never induce vomiting in your pet yourself unless directed to do so by a veterinarian. Pets with severe toxicity signs may require hospitalization for treatment, stabilization, and monitoring. It can take several days for your pet’s signs to resolve, and aggressive therapy will ensure the best outcome. Additionally, our veterinarian may recommend several blood tests to monitor your pet’s overall organ function, and to check for secondary problems, like pancreatitis. Treatments may include:

  • Intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, and to decontaminate 
  • Activated charcoal for toxin absorption
  • Anti-nausea medication
  • Gastroprotectant medications
  • Muscle relaxants
  • Anti-seizure medication

Choc-full of prevention for your pet

Never sharing your chocolate treat or drink with your four-legged companion is the best prevention against chocolate toxicity. Ensure you have the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center number and our ACES number available in the event of accidental ingestion. In addition, storing any chocolate-containing products out of paw’s reach will help prevent your pet from being accidentally poisoned. Other prevention tips include:

  • Storing household candy in a pet-proof container 
  • Never leaving candy bowls, desserts, or drinks containing chocolate liquor out in a room with unsupervised pets
  • Keeping pets in a separate room during gatherings where chocolate candies or desserts may be served 
  • Covering all garbage cans to prevent ingestion of leftover desserts or candy wrappers

Call our Animal Care Emergency Services office and bring your pet in for emergency care if you suspect they have indulged in a chocolate treat, or if they are showing chocolate toxicity signs. 

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Physical Rehabilitation for Pets /physical-rehabilitation-for-pets/ /physical-rehabilitation-for-pets/#respond Mon, 22 Nov 2021 21:57:28 +0000 /?p=594 Physical rehabilitation can help restore function, mobility, and quality of life for pets affected by arthritis, and those recovering from injury or surgery. Our team at Animal Care and Emergency Services (ACES) wants to provide information about physical rehabilitation for pets, so you can determine if your pet can benefit from these techniques. Physical rehabilitation [...]

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Physical rehabilitation can help restore function, mobility, and quality of life for pets affected by arthritis, and those recovering from injury or surgery. Our team at Animal Care and Emergency Services (ACES) wants to provide information about physical rehabilitation for pets, so you can determine if your pet can benefit from these techniques.

Physical rehabilitation benefits for pets

Pets recovering from injury or surgery can benefit from physical rehabilitation in numerous ways. Including acupuncture, laser therapy, or therapeutic exercises in a pet’s treatment protocol can:

  • Reduce their pain and inflammation
  • Increase their range of motion
  • Improve their balance and coordination
  • Restore their normal muscle mass and movement
  • Increase their muscle strength
  • Help obese pets lose weight
  • Improve their overall quality of life

Pets who benefit from physical rehabilitation

Any pet suffering from a chronic inflammatory disease or recovering from an injury or surgical procedure can benefit from physical rehabilitation. Conditions include:

  • Arthritis — Physical rehabilitation can increase strength to support joints and improve mobility in affected joints.
  • Tendon, ligament, and muscle injuries — Physical rehabilitation techniques can improve joint movement, relieve pain, and prevent permanent damage to the soft tissues involved.
  • Intervertebral disc disease — Physical rehabilitation can reduce inflammation and pain, strengthen muscles along the vertebral column, and improve soft tissue flexibility.
  • Musculoskeletal surgery — Physical rehabilitation can help pets gain mobility and recover faster, by facilitating healing and decreasing pain.
  • Traumatic injuries — Physical rehabilitation helps decrease pain and inflammation, to help pets recover faster.

Acupuncture benefits for pets

Acupuncture is a safe, nonpharmacologic pain management tool that most pets tolerate well. This technique works by increasing circulation when needles are inserted in acupoints in areas such as muscles, tendons, fascia, and nerve fibers. Needle insertion also causes a natural endorphin release throughout the body, resulting in pain relief. Particular acupuncture techniques include:

  • Dry needling — Thin, sterile needles are inserted in acupoints.
  • Electroacupuncture — Acupoints are stimulated by applying electricity through needles for 10 to 30 minutes.
  • Aqua-puncture — A sterile fluid, such as saline or vitamine B12, is injected in the acupoints, usually after dry needling or electroacupuncture, to prolong acupoint stimulation.
  • Moxibustion — Herbs are burned over the needles to add heat, and enhance pain relief.

Laser therapy benefits for pets

Laser is an acronym for light amplification of stimulated emission of radiation. The units emit focused, penetrating light beams with properties that allow them to affect only a particular area. Laser therapy decreases inflammation and pain, and improves wound healing by:

  • Neurotransmitter effect — Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is produced when a laser is used, and this compound acts at nerve endings to modulate pain.
  • Enhanced cellular metabolism — Lasers stimulate cellular metabolism, resulting in accelerated tissue repair and cell growth.
  • Anti-inflammatory effect — Lasers decrease enzymes, such as prostaglandin E2 and cyclooxygenase 2, causing anti-inflammatory effects.

Therapeutic exercise benefits for pets

Therapeutic exercises can provide many benefits for rehabilitating pets, including increased range of motion, flexibility, endurance, strength, and proprioception (i.e., limb awareness). Exercises include:

  • Passive range of motion — These exercises move the joint through the available range of motion without weight-bearing muscle contraction. Benefits include joint and muscle contracture prevention, pain relief, increased blood and lymphatic flow, and increased joint fluid production, which decreases arthritis risk. The exercise is performed while the pet is lying down or standing, depending on the affected joint. Their limb is grasped above and below the affected joint, and the joint is gently flexed and extended to the full limit of the pet’s range of motion. 
  • Walking exercises — Walking exercises can help improve muscle strength, range of motion, circulation, neurological deficits, and proprioceptive deficits. Controlled leash walking is performed, starting slowly to allow the pet time to adjust. Once the pet’s strength improves, they can walk faster. Other walking exercises include:
  • Incline — Walking up a gradual incline helps increase hindlimb strength and muscle mass, and improves flexion, extension, and range of motion.
  • Weight shifting — Walking pets in a large circle will make the interior limbs bear more weight. Walking them in a figure-eight pattern will shift weight to all four limbs, and increase the body weight carried on each limb.
  • Sit to stands — Transitioning the pet from a sitting to standing position builds up the quadriceps and hamstring muscles.
  • Balance exercises — Balance exercises increase muscle mass, improve proprioception, and rebuild core muscle strength. Balance or wobble boards help improve balance and proprioception. The pet’s forelimbs or hindlimbs can be placed on the board and the board swayed back and forth, to encourage weight shifting from side to side, or front to back.
  • Cavaletti rails — Cavaletti rails are poles raised above the ground for pets to walk over. Benefits include increased stride length, range of motion, proprioception, balance, and limb use. The rails can be placed at different distances and heights, depending on the pet’s condition and treatment goals. The pet’s pace contributes a cardiovascular component, the rail height determines range of motion in the joints, and the distance between the rails determines the proprioception challenge.

Physical rehabilitation is a necessary addition to any treatment program, to ensure your pet recovers as quickly and fully as possible. If your pet is suffering from a chronic inflammatory process, such as arthritis, or recovering from an injury or surgery, contact our team at Animal Care and Emergency Services, so we can facilitate their rehabilitation efforts.

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FAQ’s About Veterinary Critical Care /faqs-about-veterinary-critical-care/ /faqs-about-veterinary-critical-care/#respond Thu, 11 Nov 2021 22:50:04 +0000 /?p=587 If your pet is facing a life-threatening situation, a board-certified specialist in veterinary emergency and critical care can provide life-saving interventions and therapy. Our team at Animal Care and Emergency Services (ACES) has two critical care specialists on staff to offer their expertise, and we would like to answer some frequently asked questions about veterinary [...]

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If your pet is facing a life-threatening situation, a board-certified specialist in veterinary emergency and critical care can provide life-saving interventions and therapy. Our team at Animal Care and Emergency Services (ACES) has two critical care specialists on staff to offer their expertise, and we would like to answer some frequently asked questions about veterinary critical care.

Question: What is a veterinary critical care specialist?

Answer: A veterinary critical care specialist is a veterinarian who, after graduating from a recognized veterinary school, undergoes intensive training for four or more years in emergency medicine and critical care. After their training, they must pass a detailed examination that evaluates their skills in the specialty. Once they pass the test, they become a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (DACVECC). These specialists are known as criticalists, because they are dedicated to handling life-threatening emergencies, as well as managing critically ill pets. They provide immediate, essential, and intensive care to severely ill and injured pets. 

Q: What treatments do veterinary critical care specialists provide?

A: The veterinary criticalist must manage the pet as a whole, while also knowing about all organ systems and their associated functions, anatomical structure, physiology, and pathophysiology. They frequently must manage multiple disease processes and conditions at once. They specialize in treatments that include:

  • Pain management — Most pets experiencing a medical emergency are in pain to some degree. A veterinary criticalist must be able to recognize the pet’s pain, assess their pain level, and treat the pain accordingly, while not exacerbating the pet’s fragile condition. They will also perform ongoing assessments throughout the pet’s hospital stay. Pain management, sedation, and local or general anesthesia may be needed to facilitate diagnostic imaging procedures, and to manage the pet’s primary or secondary problems. The protocols selected must be carefully chosen, based on the pet’s health condition. 
  • Trauma management — Criticalists can quickly and accurately assess pets who are trauma victims and start the appropriate treatment as soon as possible. With traumatic injuries, immediate intervention is imperative and can mean the difference between survival and the loss of a patient. Criticalist are highly trained to manage cases such as these. 
  • Resuscitation — Veterinary criticalists are trained to resuscitate pets by cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation. They also provide post-resuscitation care to optimize ventilation and circulation, preserve organ and tissue function, and maintain appropriate blood sugar levels. 
  • Fluid therapy — Many pets presented as an emergency require fluid therapy to replace lost fluid, and support organ and tissue function. Criticalists must know the required fluid therapy, and the fluid administration rate, so the pet is not overloaded.
  • Respiratory support — For pets in respiratory distress, respiratory support, including nasal oxygen, oxygen cages, and mechanical ventilation, is necessary.
  • Transfusion medicine — Criticalists are trained to crossmatch and blood-type pets, and to help prevent transfusion reactions in pets suffering from blood loss. They are trained to manage ongoing blood loss and intervene with appropriate measures.
  • Coagulation disorder management — Critically ill pets are at high risk for developing coagulation abnormalities, since the inflammation and coagulation processes are intertwined. Criticalists must manage this serious condition while treating the primary disorder.
  • Toxicity management — When pets ingest poisonous substances, criticalists must act quickly to counteract the toxin’s effects.
  • Antimicrobial use — Many critically ill pets require antibiotics for their primary problem, or for potential secondary infections. Criticalists must choose the appropriate antibiotic that will fight the disease, but have the least impact on the pet’s gut microbiome and organ function. They also must make their choice with consideration for antimicrobial resistance concerns.
  • Critical care monitoring — Critically ill pets must be continually monitored to assess their condition, using direct and indirect blood pressure monitoring, pulse oximetry, electrocardiography (ECG), and capnography.

Q: How do I know if my pet needs a veterinary critical care specialist?

A: If your pet is seriously ill, or has experienced a traumatic episode, they can benefit from a criticalist’s care. Conditions include:

  • Trauma — Pets who have experienced a significant trauma, such as being hit by a car, falling from a high elevation, bullet wounds, bite wounds, and lacerations
  • Burns — Pets who have been burned, or affected by smoke inhalation 
  • Respiratory distress — Pets who are having trouble breathing, with signs that include open mouthed breathing, exaggerated abdominal movement during breathing, noisy breathing, and pale or blue mucous membranes
  • Toxin ingestion — Pets who ingest or are suspected of ingesting a toxin, such as rat bait, snail bait, chocolate, marijuana, illicit drugs, grapes or raisins, or human medications like Ibuprofen, Aspirin, or vitamin D  
  • Foreign body ingestion — Pets who ingested or are suspected of ingesting a foreign body
  • Hemorrhaging — Pets who are bleeding excessively, especially those requiring a blood transfusion
  • Organ failure — Pets who are experiencing major organ failure, such as heart, liver, or kidneys
  • Vomiting or diarrhea — Pets who are suffering from severe vomiting or diarrhea
  • Heatstroke — Pets who are experiencing hyperthermia
  • Seizures — Pets who are having severe seizures, especially those not responding to the usual treatments
  • Urinary tract obstruction — Pets having difficulty urinating, or who aren’t producing urine
  • Surgical recovery — Pets who have had surgery, but are not recovering well from the anesthesia

A veterinary critical care specialist’s knowledge and expertise could save your pet’s life, if they experience a veterinary emergency. If your pet is facing a life-threatening situation, immediately contact our team at Animal Care and Emergency Services, so we can get them the care they need.

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