Emergency & Critical Care for Pets in Chattanooga, TN
At Veterinary Care and Specialty Group (VCSG) in Chattanooga, TN, we understand that when your pet is in need of emergency care, it can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. Whether it's a sudden illness, trauma, or a life-threatening condition, we are here to support you and your pet every step of the way. With advanced technology and a team of experienced veterinarians and technicians, headed up by a board-certified specialist in every department, we’re prepared to handle any emergency and offer the highest level of critical care.
What Is Considered an Emergency in Pets?
Emergencies in pets seem to always happen at the worst of times, and knowing when to seek immediate care can make all the difference. Some common signs that require emergency attention include:
- Traumatic injuries (lacerations, fractures)
- Labored or rapid breathing, coughing, or choking
- Severe bleeding that cannot be stopped
- Inability to urinate or defecate
- Uncontrolled seizures or neurological issues
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea, especially if it’s accompanied by lethargy or other illness
- Bloated abdomen, with or without attempted vomiting
- Severe allergic reactions
- Unexplained pain or lameness
- Significant ocular changes
- Exposure to toxic substances
- Difficulty during or after giving birth
Our Emergency & Critical Care Services
Hear about our emergency and critical care services from Dr. Reid Groman, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM), DACVECC.
Advanced Emergency & Critical Care Capabilities at VCSG
At VCSG, our Emergency & Critical Care team is equipped to handle a wide range of serious conditions. Our hospital is fully staffed around the clock, and we use the most advanced technology to diagnose and treat your pet as quickly as possible. Some of our critical care services include:
Trauma Management
From bite wounds to head injuries, our team can stabilize your pet and begin life-saving treatment.
Complex Condition Treatment
Whether your pet is experiencing an acute health concern, such as heatstroke or refractory seizures, or suffering from a complication associated with a chronic condition (diabetic ketoacidosis, heart failure, etc.), we can provide round-the-clock nursing care to help them pull through.
Fluid, Electrolyte & Nutritional Support
We offer customized IV fluid therapy to address dehydration, shock, and electrolyte imbalances, along with ensuring your pet receives proper nutrition through feeding tubes and intravenous diets.
Transfusion Therapy
In cases of blood loss, we can administer whole blood or blood products from our on-site blood bank to help stabilize your pet.
Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE)
In the face of immune-mediated and toxin-related diseases, we can offer TPE. This advanced procedure works by removing harmful antibodies or toxins from the bloodstream, offering hope for critically ill pets with certain drug toxicities or internal medicine diseases like immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) and immune-mediated thrombocytopenia.
Oxygen & Airway Management
We provide oxygen therapy for pets experiencing breathing difficulties and manage airways to ensure they receive the oxygen they need.
Advanced Pain Management
We utilize multimodal pain management techniques to keep your pet comfortable, including continuous infusions and epidural analgesia.
Critical Monitoring
We provide ongoing hemodynamic monitoring, including blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels to ensure your pet's condition is constantly assessed.