We all at MarQueen Veterinary Specialty Group of Upland understand and agree that dogs and cats are cherished family members. When they fall ill, especially critically, it can be an anxious time for owners. In these moments, veterinary critical care specialists emerge as vital figures, offering a beacon of hope and expertise in the fight for a dog or cat’s life. MarQueen Veterinary provides 24-hour veterinary care for clients and our family veterinarians who depend on MarQueen Upland to work together to provide the best care for your dog or cat.

Who are Critical Care Specialists?

Critical care specialists are veterinarians who have trained and excelled at the board-certified specialty level of emergency and critical care in addition to their DVM degree. They’ve undertaken rigorous residency programs focused on critical care medicine, followed by comprehensive examinations to achieve board certification. This extra training equips them with the knowledge, skills, and experience to navigate complex medical and surgical emergencies in animals. At MarQueen 24-hour Emergency and Specialty, MarQueen Upland Group Critical Care Specialists – Dr. Deb Morey and Dr. Peggy McMahon – have over 40 years of experience in critical care and specialty medicine. They are also available 24 hours for consultations with our emergency veterinarians to provide some of the best 24-hour veterinary emergency medicine to Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Claremont, Glendora, Laverne, San Dimas, Arcadia, San Dimas, Pasadena, San Marion, Riverside, and other surrounding areas in and around Los Angeles and the Inland Empire.

Why Are They Important?

Critical care specialists play a crucial role in veterinary medicine for several reasons:

  • Expertise in Urgent Situations: Critical Care Specialists are adept at managing a wide range of life-threatening conditions, from trauma and organ failure to respiratory distress and poisoning. Their specialized training allows them to perform emergency procedures like CPR and blood transfusions while utilizing advanced monitoring equipment to assess and stabilize critically ill patients.
  • Collaboration is Key: Criticalists work in collaboration. They foster collaboration within veterinary hospitals, working closely with primary care family veterinarians, other specialists, such as MarQueen Internal Medicine Specialists and surgery faculty, and our support staff to develop comprehensive treatment plans and ensure seamless continuity of care for critically ill dogs and cats.
  • Advanced Treatment Options: Their access to cutting-edge diagnostics and therapies allows them to tailor treatment plans to each patient’s specific needs, maximizing the chances of a successful recovery.

When Would You Need a Critical Care Specialist?

If your dog or cat experiences a severe accident, poisoning, or sudden onset of a life-threatening illness, a critical care specialist can be invaluable. They can also provide vital support in cases with post-surgical complications or during recovery from complex procedures.

The Takeaway

Critical care specialists are highly skilled veterinarians who play a vital role in saving the lives of critically ill dogs and cats. Their advanced training, collaborative approach, and access to cutting-edge treatments make them essential members of the veterinary medical team. When your dog or cat requires immediate medical attention, remember that critical care specialists are here at MarQueen Veterinary Specialty and Emergency, offering a fighting chance for recovery.