Critical Medical Cases

Our experienced team of emergency/critical care doctors and nurses are skilled in diagnosing, treating and monitoring critical medical cases. Many of the cases managed at our hospital include, but not limited to:

• Acute and/or chronic kidney failure
• Heat stroke
• Trauma, such as dog attacks or hit by car
• Pancreatitis
• Congestive heart failure
• Toxin ingestion (rat bait, snail bait, Sago Palm)
• Bronchopneumonia
• Diabetic ketoacidosis (severe complication of diabetes)

Critical medical cases often need specialized care in a 24 hour setting. Our team is skilled in providing the care needed for your pet. Blood transfusions, plasma transfusions, oxygen therapy, EKG monitoring and central venous catheters are a few of the treatments we can provide.

Surgical Services

VERGI can provide a wide variety of surgical procedures 24 hours a day. We have the equipment and capability to provide the following types of surgeries if indicated:

• C-section
• GDV (bloat)
• Splenectomy
• Diaphragmatic hernia repair
• Pyometra (uterine infection)
• Debridement and repair of wounds
• Flail chest
• Cystotomy (removal of bladder stones)
• Gastrotomy and Enterotomy
• Feline Perineal Urethrostomy (PU)

All of the post operative patients are monitored closely by our doctors and nurses. The post operative period can be more difficult on the patient than the actual surgery.

Anesthesia

We utilize the safest anesthesia plan tailored to each patient. Also, using the most modern equipment during anesthesia, we are able to monitor your pet closely. We use pulse oximetry, EKG, blood pressure monitoring, and end tidal CO2 to ensure your pet is well monitored while under anesthesia. We also employ heat support (circulating warm water pad, and Bair hugger) to minimize loss of body heat during and after procedures.

Endoscopy

VERGI has a flexible video endoscope that can be used to retrieve foreign objects from the stomach or esophagus. In some instances, endoscopy can be used in place of surgery. This equipment allows us to view the inside of the animal’s esophagus, stomach and beginning of small intestine. We can locate ulcers, foreign objects, or take biopsies if needed.

Radiology/Ultrasound

Our on-site, state of the art Eklin digital X-ray equipment provides high quality radiographs to aid in the diagnosis of many disorders. This digital system allows for near immediate display of images which results in rapid viewing, while providing high quality images. Our radiographs are also evaluated by board certified radiologists 24 hours a day to ensure correct diagnosis.

VERGI doctors have the capability to perform quick preliminary ultrasound imaging. During an emergency, this can be helpful in diagnosing fluid around the heart or in the abdomen, assist in safely obtaining urine samples or to locate some tumors. Full abdominal and thoracic ultrasound is also available if needed.

Laboratory

Our in-house laboratory facilities allow us to get vital information quickly. We are able to perform blood work (CBC, chemistry panel and electrolytes), clotting profiles, blood gas analysis, urinalysis, fecal analysis, Parvo testing, FeLV/FIV testing and ethylene glycol (antifreeze) testing. In addition, we use commercial veterinary laboratories for more specialized diagnostics and consultations.

Pharmacy

We maintain a large inventory of medications that may be needed for your pet during and after their stay.

Nutrition

Proper nutrition plays an important and vital role in critical and traumatic cases. We strive to provide the best nutrition possible for each patient based on their current medical conditions. Placement of feeding tubes (G-tube, E-tube, NG/NE tube) can be placed in order for your pet to receive nutrition during their stay in our hospital. We also have a large stock of different types of foods to offer your pet depending on their nutritional needs.

Pain control

We believe strongly that controlling pain is an important component in helping patients recover from an illness or injury. We can tailor the pain management protocol to the patient as well as use multiple modalities for controlling the pain.

Grief Counseling

Grief Counseling services available by Beth Anne Hood, MA, LPCI.

Beth Anne Hood has 20-years experience in Emergency Animal care as a veterinary technician and graduate level counseling internship completed at American hospice. In addition to individual counseling, Beth Anne has facilitated a bereavement group. She has also published a Master’s level thesis on Ars Moriendi – The Art of Dying a Good Death.
More information on Grief Counseling