New Locations: Rochester and Eden Prairie
Rochester
Our 4th emergency hospital in Rochester opened in June. We’re already busy and looking for permanent space so that we may extend hours to 24/7. For now, patients are accepted:
Monday – Friday: 6pm – 7am
Saturday – Sunday: 24 hours
Eden Prairie
Our 5th emergency hospital in Eden Prairie opened in October. We’re excited to bring after-hours and weekend emergency care to the community. Patients are accepted:
Monday – Friday: 6pm – 7am
Saturday – Sunday: 24 hours
Surgery Department Expansion: Brooklyn Park
Our surgery department has expanded its capabilities with the addition of laparoscopic equipment. In addition to a variety of orthopedic and soft tissue procedures, we are now offering:
- Cholecystectomies
- Cryptorchid surgery
- Gastropexy
- Intestinal biopsies
- Liver biopsies
- Ovariectomy
- Ovariohysterectomy
ER/Clinical Updates
Updates from the 2024 IVECCS Conference in St. Louis (September 7-11)
VECCS and ACVECC, renowned organizations in veterinary emergency and critical care, are thrilled to announce “Foundations in Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care,” a comprehensive beginner-level body of 40+ hours of self-paced digital content designed to enrich your ECC knowledge and skills. Modules are being rolled out on learning.acvecc.org as they are developed.
- Enroll in individual modules in order to address your own targeted learning goals – OR –
- Enroll in the entire FVECC Program at a significant cost savings.
- Each module has built-in assessments, and participants have the flexibility to navigate the Program at their own pace.
- These engaging modules are eligible for RACE and NYSE credit!
VECCS members are eligible for a 20% discount!
Who is the Course For?
Veterinarians – Would you like a refresher of the basics, or are you considering dipping into ECC work? These courses from VECCS and ACVECC offer a comprehensive review of foundational knowledge and fulfill CE requirements!
Veterinary technicians/nurses and assistants – Strengthen your foundational knowledge, confidence, and awareness of ECC medical topics!
Vet students and tech students – Looking to boost your confidence in Emergency Medicine? Whether you’re a student considering a career in ECC or just want to feel more prepared for emergency cases, these modules are for you!
You can pre-purchase the entire Program and get going on your FVECC Certificate NOW!
DVM Q&A: Should we be recommending prophylactic gastropexy?
When discussing the benefits of a prophylactic gastropexy with clients, you can highlight several key points:
- Prevention of Bloat and GDV: The primary benefit of a prophylactic gastropexy is the prevention of gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). Since this is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition, a gastropexy helps to anchor the stomach to the abdominal wall, reducing the risk of this dangerous condition.
- Enhanced Safety for High-Risk Breeds: Because large chested breeds are most prone to the condition, let owners of these pets know you proactively want to protect them from a potentially fatal and costly emergency. Plus, prophylactic surgery can be less invasive and have a shorter recovery time compared to emergency procedures.
- Improved Peace of Mind: For pet owners, knowing that their dog has undergone a preventive procedure can provide peace of mind, reduce anxiety associated with the risk of bloat and the need for emergency intervention, and solidifies for them that you truly care for their pet’s health and well-being.
- Potential Long-Term Cost Savings: Preventing GDV can lead to cost savings in the long run. Treating GDV often involves significant veterinary costs, including emergency care, surgery, and aftercare. Prophylactic gastropexy can be a more cost-effective approach compared to dealing with the complications of GDV.
By focusing on these benefits, you can help pet owners understand the value of a prophylactic gastropexy in safeguarding their pet’s health, well-being, and potential cost of care.
Tech Tip
When triaging a patient, especially in an emergency, a valuable tip for veterinary technicians is to quickly assess and prioritize based on the ABCs: Airway, Breathing, and Circulation. Here’s how you can apply this principle effectively:
- Airway: First, ensure that the patient’s airway is clear and unobstructed. If the patient is struggling to breathe or has any obstruction, address it immediately. A compromised airway is a top priority.
- Breathing: Assess the patient’s breathing rate, effort, and quality. Look for signs of respiratory distress, such as labored breathing, cyanosis (bluish coloration of the mucous membranes), or abnormal lung sounds. Provide supplemental oxygen if necessary.
- Circulation: Evaluate the patient’s circulation by checking for a pulse, heart rate, and blood pressure. Assess the mucous membrane color and capillary refill time to gauge circulatory status. Look for signs of shock or inadequate perfusion and initiate appropriate interventions like fluid therapy or medications if needed.
By focusing on these critical aspects, you can quickly determine the severity of the patient’s condition and prioritize interventions to stabilize them. This systematic approach helps ensure that the most urgent issues are addressed first, improving the overall effectiveness of your triage process.
