About AECC/VISC
Emergency and critical care, although frequently referred to as a single entity, are in reality two very different disciplines. The emergency phase of a case requires rapid evaluation and response to life threatening problems, ideally resulting in stabilization of the patient. Experience of the team, use of specialized products (blood, plasma, colloids, etc.), and monitoring capabilities are key components to a positive outcome. Arriving at a diagnosis, although frequently achieved, may not be the primary goal. "Putting out fires" may be the best analogy. The critical care portion of the case, in contrast, is a slower process. During this phase, diligent nursing care, specialized diagnostics, and monitoring techniques are utilized to maintain the positive momentum of the patient while planning for and avoiding potential complications. "Avoiding flare-up's after the fire" may apply here as an analogy. AECC/VISC utilizes many specialized therapeutic, diagnostic, nutritional, and monitoring techniques to provide the best level of care for your pet.
Specialized Diagnostic Procedures
- Stat lab analysis
- Antifreeze testing
- Coagulation profiles
- Echocardiology
- Ultrasound
- Ultrasound guided biopsies
- Gastrointestinal endoscopy
- Bronchoscopy
- Rhinoscopy
- Laparoscopy
- Thoracoscopy
- Cerebral spinal fluid collection
- Joint fluid collection
- Myelograms
- Fluoroscopy
- Computed Radiography (CR)
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Computed Tomography (CT)
- Electromyography (EMG)
Specialized Therapeutic Procedures
- Shock resuscitation/fluid therapy
- Synthetic colloids
- Cardiopulmonary cerebral resuscitation
- Central catheter placement
- Long-term ventilator support
- Blood product repository
- Canine packed red blood cells
- Canine fresh frozen plasma
- Feline frozen plasma
- On-site feline blood donors
- Nutritional support
- Feeding tubes
- Constant rate infusion
- Nebulization
- Oxygen therapy
- Thermal support
- Water circulating heat pumps
- Heated IV lines
- Individually heated cages
- Advanced life support
- Anesthesia for the critical patient
- Pain management
- Local blocks
- Epidurals
- Transdermal patches
- Tracheostomy
- Abdominocentesis
- Thoracocentesis
- Chest tube placement
- Continuous air/fluid evacuation (Pleura-Vac)
Specialized Monitoring
- Electrocardiogram
- Blood pressure
- Central venous pressure
- Pulse oximetry
- End tidal capnography
- Arterial catheters and blood gases
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Our regular veterinarian recommended we go straight to Animal Emergency when our dog was hit by a car and after the treatment she received, I understand why. It is reassuring to have professional veterinarian care and a state-of-the art surgical and diagnostic facility in our area.