Hospitalized Patients

Veterinary critical care

A specialized service provided to pets with severe injuries, trauma, or illness.

Critical illness signs

Key indicators affecting the respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurologic systems that can be identified during the initial assessment.

Dyspnea

The experience of distress secondary to respiratory disease characterized by difficulty breathing.

Tachypnea

Rapid breathing that is distinct from dyspnea, which refers to difficulty breathing.

Upper airway obstruction

Associated with inspiratory dyspnea and may present with externally audible noise.

Laryngeal paralysis

A condition commonly observed in aging Labrador retrievers and other large breeds, leading to upper airway dysfunction.

Tracheal collapse

A condition often seen in small breed dogs, characterized by a weakened trachea that can cause respiratory distress.

Brachycephalic airway disease

A combination of anatomical abnormalities in certain dog breeds that leads to upper airway obstruction.

Fluid therapy

IV fluids used to maintain blood pressure and electrolyte balance in critical care patients.

Cardiovascular issues

Conditions such as pale gums and poor, thready pulses that indicate serious health problems in patients.

CHF (Congestive Heart Failure)

A condition that occurs when the heart is unable to pump adequately, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs and other areas.

Pulmonary edema

Fluid accumulation in the lungs associated with left-sided CHF.

Pericardiocentesis

A procedure to remove excessive fluid from the pericardial space surrounding the heart.

Arrhythmia

An abnormal heart rhythm that can affect a patient's cardiovascular function.

Blood Gas Analysis

A test measuring the pH, PCO2, and bicarbonate levels in the blood to diagnose respiratory conditions.

ECG (Electrocardiogram)

A test that records the electrical activity of the heart and can indicate various cardiac conditions.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

A severe complication of diabetes leading to the production of acidic ketones and severe dehydration.