If you require immediate assistance, no appointment is needed. Please visit our 24-Hour Emergency page.
Do I need to bring any information to my appointment?
Typically, your regular veterinarian will forward your pet’s clinical history, laboratory results, and imaging studies to us via email before your consultation. However, please consider bringing:
- Any physical copies of X-rays or ultrasound studies provided by your vet.
- Short videos recorded on your phone if your pet experiences episodic symptoms.
- Current medications your pet is taking.
Important: Let our specialist nurse know your regular vet’s name when scheduling your appointment, so we can contact them directly if required.
Should my pet fast before the appointment?
Fasting depends on the type of appointment and your pet’s individual needs. Please confirm specific instructions when booking your appointment. General guidelines include:
- Abdominal ultrasounds or surgical procedures: Remove your pet’s food after the evening meal the night before. Water should remain available overnight.
- Pets with diabetes, very young pets, or those prone to low blood glucose: Do not fast your pet. Fasting is not recommended in these cases.
What happens during the appointment?
Your specialist appointment will include:
- A detailed discussion of your pet’s medical history.
- A thorough physical examination.
- Potential special tests or procedures conducted during the consultation.
- Discussion of diagnostic and treatment options along with a cost estimate.
If you decide to proceed with recommended procedures, you’ll sign a permission form and your pet will be admitted to our hospital.
What happens after my pet is admitted?
The procedure your pet undergoes determines their care plan. General information:
- Procedures usually occur in the afternoon.
- If an ultrasound is required, we will clip your pet’s fur in the specific region to improve image quality.
- We will keep you updated by phone during or after procedures.
- We’ll schedule a discharge appointment or establish a care plan if an extended hospital stay is needed.
My pet is already in the ICU. What if their care transfers to another specialist department?
If your pet’s care is transferred within our hospital:
- The ICU veterinarian will contact you the morning of transfer to confirm your agreement.
- Depending on your availability, a face-to-face appointment or phone consultation will be arranged with the specialist.
- After evaluating your pet, the specialist will reach out to discuss the plan, usually later in the morning after appointments.
- The specialist becomes your primary contact and caregiver moving forward.
CARE collaborates closely with your referring veterinary team and trusted partners to provide seamless patient care and optimal outcomes.
