Experiencing an Emergency?

In an emergency, seconds count. When you arrive with your pet on an emergency or urgent care basis, our highly trained staff will perform an immediate triage assessment to assess the stability of your pet and the need for emergency medical intervention. In life-threatening situations, you may be asked for consent to perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).

The first component of basic triage is assessing your pet’s level of consciousness, airway/breathing (labored breathing or choking, lack of oxygen), circulatory status (pale gums or weak pulses, racing heart), and pain score. Patients needing urgent medical attention, upon consent will be moved to our treatment area for immediate doctor assessment and commencement of emergency care.

Placing an IV catheter and administering IV fluids, giving oxygen supplementation, and pain relief medications may be elements of the initial stabilization of your pet. As your pet is stabilized, your veterinarian will review a diagnostic plan which may include imaging (radiographs, ultrasound) and laboratory evaluation (blood and/or urine tests) to ascertain the severity of the situation and tailor treatment for your pet.

Please note that in most cases we can stabilize your pet but typically we will need to send them to a referral clinic. When this is the case, our staff will discuss options for transfer and referral. Your primary veterinarian will stay abreast of your pet’s status at the emergency facility.

In An Emergency

During office hours, we are fully equipped and ready to help with all of your emergency and critical care needs. If you find that you need emergency assistance after hours, we recommend Iowa State University and Iowa Veterinary Referral Center. They are available when we are closed and we trust them for quality care! In the event you have to visit the emergency clinic we can get the records so we can follow up if your pet needs further care.

For your convenience, we have provided the contact and website information for both after hours locations here.