Veterinary Incubator: Understanding Veterinary Critical Care

When most people consider critical care or an ICU, they likely think of life-threatening medical scenarios where a patient is given life support and monitored closely in a special unit. The same is true for our pet patients. Advances in veterinary critical care have made it possible to treat those with critical illnesses or traumas that once would have likely resulted in a very poor outcome.

While veterinary emergency and critical care are often closely intertwined, veterinary critical care (or intensive care) is a branch of veterinary medicine that focuses on animals who are experiencing a serious medical situation that can potentially be helped. Unlike hospice care, where a pet is supported and kept comfortable during the end stages of life, the goal of critical care is to use all avenues of treatment to give a patient the best chance of survival.

Why Would A Pet Require Veterinary Critical Care?

There are a few ways a pet might be admitted to an ICU. In the case of an emergency, such as pet poisoning or being struck by a car, it's likely the pet will be brought into an emergency veterinary clinic where triage will take place. The goal of emergency services is to first stabilize your pet and then use an array of diagnostic tests, examinations, and medical history to diagnose and create a treatment plan.

In many such cases, pets who are not well enough to be released to their owners will then be moved to an intensive care unit for ongoing observation, treatment, and around-the-clock care.

Many pets will also stay in an ICU for postoperative recovery if the surgery was complex or when treating a pet who is considered at high risk for complications following surgery (e.g., those with serious illnesses, senior pets, or very young pets).

Sometimes, a condition that is chronic or terminal yet manageable with outpatient treatment and at-home care can take a turn for the worst. Some illnesses may become more debilitating over time, such as cancer, and therefore require hospitalization.

What Kind of Care is Provided in A Veterinary ICU?

An intensive care unit is a specialized and separate unit within an animal hospital that is outfitted with life-supporting technology and equipment. Because pets in an ICU are extremely ill or recovering from trauma or surgery, it's vital that they be kept away from other animals in a sterile, quiet, temperature-controlled environment.

These units are staffed with veterinarians, specialists, and highly skilled technicians trained in the care and treatment of critical conditions. Because many animals receiving critical care often do not have the best chances of survival, it's imperative that treatment and oversight be conducted by those with advanced knowledge and training.

Advanced monitoring and therapy could include:

ㆍBlood pressure and blood flow monitoring

ㆍIV fluid therapy

ㆍMedication to assist with circulation

ㆍVentilation support

ㆍCatheterization

ㆍNutritional support

ㆍPain control

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