How can I find a specialist in ECC for my pet?
Diplomates of the ECVECC may work in an emergency practice, a referral practice with other veterinary specialists (surgeons, internists), in industry, or in an academic setting such as a University that has a Veterinary School where they treat sick pet animals and teach veterinary students.
There are several ways for you to find an ECVECC Diplomate in your area. First, you may consult the ACVECC web site, where Diplomates are listed according to geographical location. Second, you may ask your veterinarian if the emergency practice in your area is led by a veterinarian that is an ACVECC Diplomate. Third, if your veterinarian refers your pet to a specialty practice for non-routine surgery, medical care or diagnostics, you can inquire whether there is an ICU with a life support team headed by a specialist in emergency and critical care, should your pet require intensive care and life support. A fourth way is to inquire at the Veterinary School in your area. You may ask if they have a fully staffed Emergency Room and Intensive Care Unit that is headed by an ACVECC Diplomate. If so, your critically injured or ill pet will be in the care of a fully-trained specialist.
How do I know if my pet needs a specialist in ECC?
First, ask your veterinarian. Any pet that is seriously ill might benefit from this type of care. Animals that have sustained trauma are an obvious example, but a number of other problems are commonly treated. The following is a sampling of the type of patients that routinely benefit from care by an ECVECC Diplomate:
Trauma patients, including those hit by cars, bite, bullet, knife or burn injuries
Any animal that is having trouble breathing
Animals that need a blood transfusion
Any patient that is in shock (signs of shock can include weakness, pale mucous membranes in their mouth, cold extremities, and an abnormal heart rate)
Animals that are having trouble urinating, or are not producing urine
Dogs and cats that need specialized nutritional support because they are unwilling or unable to eat on their own
Animals in which an abnormal heart rhythm is causing problems
Animals with life-threatening neurologic disease such as coma or severe seizures that are not responding to medications
Patients that have had surgery and are not recovering well from anesthesia or are having trouble in the first few post-operative days