Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my pet need to be hospitalized?

Hospitalization is recommended for complete evaluation and for treatment. If hospitalization has been recommended, your pet needs diagnostic testing (certain procedures to understand what is wrong) or treatment. Observation of your pet will assist the veterinarian and trained staff to develop a full understanding of what may be the problem. In many cases, hospitalization is recommended because of the rapidly changing status associated with serious conditions. Stress to the patient is relatively small and intensive care cannot be successfully delivered at home in most cases. Hospitalization has been recommended based on the experience of the attending clinician, who is looking to resolve the problem as safely and efficiently as possible.

Where will he or she stay?

Patients who are very ill or unstable will stay in the ICU ward. The doctor’s station is in this area as well as important equipment and other facilities for urgent care. Some patients, such as new mothers or scared animals, will be housed far away from the busy areas to help them adjust. Some contagious pets will need to stay in special isolation facilities to prevent them from spreading their germs. Patients who require added support may spend time in incubators or oxygen cages. Large animals get large cages or runs, and old or recumbent animals will get extra mattresses to rest on. In all cases, patients will have access to food, water, litter and bedding, unless their medical condition does not allow it.

Will he or she get to go outside?

Yes, if appropriate. All dogs are taken out to the fenced-in lawn on a regular basis to stretch their legs and to void. In certain medical conditions where that is not possible, their needs will be attended to by devoted caregivers.

Who will be taking care of him or her?

A large team of veterinary caregivers is involved. Veterinary technicians monitor vital signs, administer medications, draw blood, run anesthesia, perform laboratory tests, and overall, maintain patient comfort and safety. There are also assistants, who provide food, water, and clean bedding, and take patients out for exercise or to void. The veterinarian oversees the patient’s medical treatment plan, interprets test results to assess a patient’s progress, and performs surgeries and other treatments.

May we bring things from home?

Toys, bedding and garments from home are often provided to help the pets adjust. This is welcome. Please be prepared for the fact that these items will need to be laundered and may get lost. Please do not leave anything with your pet that you would not want lost or damaged.

Is my regular vet involved?

Yes. Your vet is updated every morning with a fax or e-mail describing everything that is going on. Your vet can help answer questions along the way and is welcome to interact with the attending veterinarians every day.

When will my pet go home?

Discharge generally occurs when a condition is stabilized and when any ongoing care can be easily accommodated by you. In general, we wish them to be able to maintain a normal temperature, to be free of pain, to be free of vomiting, to stay with us at least 24 hours after a major surgical procedure and, when appropriate, to show interest in eating. Sometimes decisions are made to have a patient go home for some quality time before the inevitable happens. In these cases, working with you and your vet, our goal is to avoid pain and minimize anxiety. Most rechecks are done with your primary veterinarian, but we are available for specialized tests and special procedures if you so elect.

What happens at discharge?

The receptionist will help you settle financial matters and then one of the technicians or assistants will carefully go over discharge instructions the attending veterinarian has written specifically for your case. This is the best time to ask questions. We send along a copy to read later, since we all know you are anxious to be reunited with your pet. Your regular veterinarian also receives a copy for their file. Medications and special foods will be provided, as well as demonstrations of any special care or monitoring your pet will need.