What is Critical Veterinary care?

Hi everyone,

The Gwen Fund is here to help when unexpected health events effect your pet. Emergency situations or the diagnosis of an illness can send a family into turmoil. While we do not make any decisions to provide funding based on the type of situation – I thought it may be helpful to understand the difference between critical care and emergency care, and why your pets may need access to this type of care.

I think it was in April of 2018 my husband and I were traveling, so the dogs were with our friend and most gracious pet-sitter at our home.  It was the night before we were to return, when we got a late-night call from the sitter who thought Gwen may be having a stroke. Her symptoms included inability to stand, nystagmus (eyes moving up/down – side/side) and vomiting. Our friend had to carry a nearly 70lb lab down the stairs to her car and drive her to the emergency clinic a few blocks away. Gwen was diagnosed with vestibular disease, a sudden non-progressive disturbance of balance. Gwen had to remain in the ICU for 2 days so that she could be monitored and stabilized to return home. The treatment that Gwen received during this time gave us another year and a half with her.

Critical care is a branch of veterinary medicine which focuses on animals who are suffering from a serious medical condition which would require around the clock care, observation, and additional testing. 

A blog post by the Oakland Veterinary Referral Service is a great read to better understand the different levels of care in the veterinary field.

Until next time,

C.O