Frequently Asked Questions
Emergency
Q: Can I make an appointment to be seen at the ER?
A: No, accept walk-ins and primary veterinarian transfers, but each pet will be triaged upon arrival.
Q: Why can't you give medical advice over the phone?
A: We must have a current patient/doctor relationship to make recommendations. A full medical history and physical exam are necessary to provide a treatment plan and recommend further testing.
Q: My pet ate something potentially harmful, what should I do?
A: Immediately call the Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 and create a case while you are on the way to the emergency clinic. They will be able to help determine if further treatment is needed and help expedite care once they are at the hospital. We do not recommend inducing vomiting at home without talking to the Pet Poison Helpline as sometimes vomiting can be more harmful than helpful.
Q: How long should I expect to wait to be seen?
A: Wait times are highly variable because new emergencies can arrive at any time. We use a triage based system in which the most critical patients are seen first and stabilized. A level one patient needs immediate life saving care, level two patients need urgent care and wait times will vary, level three patients are stable and may have conditions that can be treated at your primary veterinarian or an urgent care.
Specialty
Q: Why did my primary vet recommend seeing a specialist?
A:Your primary veterinarian will often refer you to a specialist when your pet requires further testing, treatment or procedures that they do not offer. The specialists work with your primary veterinarian to provide personalized, coordinated care.
Q: How can my pet be seen by a specialist?
A: Surgery, Internal Medicine, Oncology, Cardiology and Rehab are referral-based specialties. This means that we work closely with your primary veterinarian, and they refer you to a specific department to help with your pet's needs. If you are interested in a referral, talk to your primary care veterinarian about your concerns. Next, your veterinarian will fill out a form answering specific questions, and send any records, lab work or imaging results to our referral coordinators. The referral coordinators will gather the information and call you to schedule an initial consultation with the appropriate service. If your veterinarian feels that your pet cannot wait until the next available consult, they will call and speak directly to the referral team to assist in making the appointment that is needed.
Q: My pet is having surgery, what should I bring?
A: We want your pet's surgery experience to be as stress-free as possible. At VVSE, we have everything your pet may need during their stay but if they are on specific medications or diets, we encourage you to bring those with you. Medications should be in their original containers, and we do not accept controlled drugs. Some pets also like to have a small comfort item like a stuffed animal or blanket, but we ask that you don't bring any large beds. Your pet will also go home with a standard e-collar, but if you have one at home, or want to use an inflatable collar or surgery suit, please bring those as well and we will fit them to your pet before they leave.
Q: My pet is having surgery; how do I prepare?
A: Depending on what surgery is being done, the recommendations will change. However, some general guidelines are:
Dogs:
- If they are getting an orthopedic procedure, make sure you use a sling and help them across any slick floors. Keep them in areas that are carpeted or have area rugs available.
- Avoid stairs when possible. If it's not possible, like outdoor stairs to the yard, use a sling at all times and go very slowly.
- Have a small area where they can rest while you aren't with them, like a crate or bathroom. We want to discourage jumping.
- If you have a large dog, ensure that you are able or have help to get them out of the car.
- Plan to exclusively leash walk for 10-14 days for all surgeries, and 6-8 weeks if an orthopedic surgery was performed.
- If you have an energetic dog, we encourage you to find toys or games that keep their minds busy such as kongs, puzzles and snuffle mats.
Cats:
- We want to discourage jumping, and you should remove cat trees and block access to stairs.
- Have a small area where they can rest while you aren't with them, like a crate or bathroom.
- If they have an orthopedic procedure, it may be difficult to get in a out of the litter box. A shallow pan can be used during initial healing.
- Most procedures allow continued use of clay litter, but your surgeon will discuss with you if a non-clay option is needed.
- Plan to keep your cat indoors for 10-14 days for all procedures, and 6-8 weeks for orthopedic procedures.
Q: Will my pet have a procedure the same day as my consult?
A: We do not guarantee any procedure, or surgery will take place on the day of your initial consult, unless otherwise planned during scheduling, like an ultrasound or echocardiogram. We often ask that your pet be fasted, to prepare for any sedation, or testing, that may be needed. During your pet's consult, you and your specialist will make a treatment plan and can schedule procedures if needed.