 At Orange County Animal Emergency Service, we treat critically ill or injured pets and provide a continuous care facility that supplements your regular veterinarian’s provisions. We will examine all patients presented in as short a time as possible allowing that patients in the most critical conditions are presented first to the doctor on duty.
Our services include the following:
Examination: The veterinarian on duty will perform a physical examination
of your pet and discuss his/her recommendations. Minor treatment may be included in this category of service.
Professional In-Patient Care: This includes ward care where the patient is kept warm and comfortable and examined at frequent intervals. Intensive care patients have their vital signs monitored more frequently and may need an audible cardiac monitor or pulse oximetry. An oxygen therapy unit is available and some patients may need supplemental oxygen.
Injections & Medications: These may be given subcutaneously (under the skin), intramuscularly or intravenously. Medications may be sent home with the patient for oral or topical use.
Surgery: Surgery services include preparation of the patient, surgical time and equipment and immediate postoperative care.
Anesthesia: Anesthesia may be administered by injection or in combination with gas anesthetics and oxygen delivered through an endotracheal tube.
X-Ray: Radiographs may be necessary to aid in the diagnosis of a critical problem. This service includes the actual procedure, film, processing and its evaluation by the veterinarian on duty. On occasion, we may do a contrast study where a dye is ingested and followed through the digestive tract via a series of sequential radiographs. These films are yours to take to your family veterinarian.
Fluid Therapy: Life-saving fluids may be administered via an intravenous catheter in the leg or neck. Medications may be added to these fluids.
Fractures: When a patient is presented with a fractured limb, the limb will be splinted if the damaged area may be worsened by movement. In other cases, a sedative will be given to minimize movement and most will receive analgesics (pain killers). In the majority of cases, x-rays will be taken for diagnosis, but we will not undertake orthopedic surgery. A fracture is generally not life-threatening – the concurrent shock, pain or simultaneous general trauma is our primary concern. We will do our best to stabilize the patient and refer your pet back to your family veterinarian for any necessary surgery or additional aftercare.
Miscellaneous: This category includes blood transfusions, fresh frozen plasma, surgical materials, or unusual procedures and less common treatment expenses.
Transferring of Patients: Patients still hospitalized in critical care must be transferred to your regular family veterinarian immediately prior to our closing. The patient will be released with radiographs, bloodwork and a copy of the medical record. These patients will be released on Monday morning (or the morning following a major holiday) between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. for transport to your family veterinarian. We will work with you and your veterinarian to arrange a smooth transfer, but we do close at 8 a.m. on weekdays. |
