Continuous Care: How Our ICU Supports Pets

Our 24-hour intensive care unit (ICU) is the heart of our hospital. Around the clock, our team observes, monitors, and treats the patients under their care. Every minute is an opportunity to save lives, promote better outcomes, and help more pets return home to their owners.

Your love for your pet never stops. Neither does our commitment to their care. Here’s why 24-hour ICU monitoring makes all the difference for pets, and their people.

Around-the-clock care

Pet health emergencies don’t wait for business hours. Our 24-hour ICU ensures your pet receives care when they need it most. From admission to scheduled treatments, medications, potty trips, and feeding, your pet’s care follows their schedule, not ours.

24/7 Veterinary care supervision

Hospitalized patients are always under the direct care of the staff and on-call veterinarian, even in the middle of the night. This means someone is always available to oversee treatments, respond to emergencies, and address any questions or concerns from the care team. With this level of supervision, your pet’s care stays on track according to their plan, and any updates or changes can be made without delay.

Observation and safety

For pets in critical condition, minutes and seconds can make all the difference. Our ICU is designed to provide caregivers with easy access to hospitalized pets, while digital monitoring equipment and regular hands-on assessments ensure rapid detection of any changes. When a pet is in distress, our team takes immediate action. This can range from replacing an intravenous catheter to providing oxygen or emergency medications, or performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Advanced equipment and technology

Our ICU department has access to a variety of specially designed critical care equipment and technology, including:

• Oxygen cages

• Incubators for neonates and small patients

• Countertop laboratory testing (e.g., blood and urine analyzers)

• Intravenous infusion pumps for precise medication delivery

• Ventilators

• Blood transfusion systems

• Warming equipment

• Specialized medications and preparations

• Advanced imaging, including ultrasound and digital X-ray

This equipment allows our veterinarians and team to provide precise, individualized care for every pet and need, large or small, and respond quickly when the unexpected happens.

Knowledge and experience

ICU team members are highly trained to respond quickly and thoughtfully to patients in crisis, as well as those recovering from routine surgeries. This depth of knowledge and versatility provides pets with a level of care that’s unmatched. Whether your pet’s treatment and recovery are straightforward or they’re experiencing a complex injury or illness, our team is devoted to their case and will work tirelessly to find answers and the best possible care.

Early post-operative recovery

After a complex surgery, your pet may need to spend a few days in the ICU for close monitoring and care. When pets receive 24-hour observation, treatment, and care, you can take them home with less fear of complications or recovery challenges that can occur in the immediate post-op period.

Examples of post-op care include:

• Nutritional support

• Pain management

• Urinary catheter management/bladder care

• Mobility support and repositioning

• Passive range of motion (PROM) exercises

• Bandage changes

• Heat or cold therapy

• Emotional support and companionship to reduce stress and anxiety

Human touch and interaction

Being in the hospital can be an unfamiliar experience for pets, especially when they’re not feeling well. The round-the-clock presence of our care team, along with one-on-one attention and compassionate care, helps provide comfort and reassurance. While we strive to maintain a quiet environment overnight to promote restorative rest, many pets benefit from the steady, calming presence of our caregivers.

Peace of mind

Finally, one of the greatest advantages of a 24-hour ICU is the peace of mind it provides to pet parents. As pet owners ourselves, we understand the worry and fear that you feel when your pet needs surgery or critical care. That’s why we aim to provide care that is more than just state-of-the-art; it’s also compassionate, focused, and personalized to your pet’s unique needs and preferences. Knowing that your pet is under watchful, knowing eyes and in capable, loving hands at all times, day and night, can make the emotional burden a little lighter during this stressful time.

Every pet, every need, anytime

Round-the-clock intensive care provides the highest level of accuracy, safety, and comfort for veterinary patients and greater peace of mind for their owners. When your pet’s condition changes or they have an unexpected injury or emergency, there’s no time to wait or wonder what if. Knowing you can turn to Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital helps you act quickly, so your pet gets the care they need right away.

If your pet is experiencing an emergency, please call or use our mobile check-in service to ensure our team is prepared for your arrival. Simply text "VETICT" to 34947 or call us at (316) 262-5321.