Our Services
Critical Care
At ACCESS – Pasadena we provide compassionate and specialized care for pets who experience life-threatening emergencies.
Who is a criticalist?
A veterinary critical care specialist (a.k.a. criticalist) is a veterinarian who, in addition to veterinary school, has undergone rigorous residency training and certification in the field of veterinary critical care. They obtained the necessary knowledge and skills to manage complex cases and provide advanced treatments to critically ill animals.
Our Critical Care Team
Our veterinary critical care team, led by board-certified critical care specialists consists of experienced ER doctors, skilled veterinary technicians and animal care assistants. They work seamlessly together to provide advanced, round-the-clock care for pets in critical condition – from trauma and shock to respiratory distress and organ failure.
Advanced Technology
Our modern hospital is equipped with advanced diagnostic, monitoring and life support equipment to provide the best possible care for our patients. Our critical care team can utilize x-ray, ultrasound, CT and MRI in addition to our comprehensive in-house diagnostic lab to quickly assess internal injuries and abnormalities and deliver diagnosis.
Oxygen chambers, high-flow and mechanical ventilators, anesthesia machines, ECG monitors, and cage-side vital signs monitors are just a few examples of the tools we use to care for our sickest patients, ensuring that each patient’s care is tailored to their specific needs.
Critical Care Services
Our veterinary critical care services include advanced treatment options to help stabilize and manage critical patients. Some of our services include:
- Emergency Care: Immediate medical attention and stabilization for pets with life-threatening conditions or injuries.
- Intensive Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of vital signs (heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and temperature).
- Intravenous Fluid Therapy: Directly administering fluids into the bloodstream to maintain hydration and support organ function for pets unable to drink or experiencing fluid loss.
- Oxygen Therapy: Administering oxygen to animals with respiratory distress or breathing difficulties.
- Blood and Plasma Transfusion: Providing blood and blood products to animals with severe anemia or clotting disorders.
- Nutritional Support: Creating tailored feeding plans to meet the nutritional needs of critically ill patients.
- Post-Surgical Care: Monitoring and managing pets recovering from complex surgeries.
- Pain Management: Administering appropriate pain relief to ensure the patient’s comfort during recovery.
- Continuous Nursing Care: Providing round-the-clock care and attention to critical patients.
We recognize that dealing with a critically ill pet is stressful and overwhelming, which is why we place a strong emphasis on communication and education. We take the time to explain your pet’s condition thoroughly and discuss the available treatment options with you. You can count on our critical care team to be there for you every step of the way of your pet’s treatment and recovery.