Nashville Veterinary Specialists
Here for you 24 / 7 / 365
The critical care service treats pets suffering from life-threatening trauma and illness. Dr. Whitney Long leads our Nashville animal hospital's critical care team and is a board-certified specialist in emergency and critical care.
A veterinary critical care specialist obtains four additional years of education, following graduation from veterinary school, including a one-year rotating internship and three years of residency training. To attain board certification in emergency and critical care, a two-day examination, and publication in a peer-reviewed journal is required following the completion of a residency program.
Patients requiring critical care are hospitalized in our intensive care unit (ICU). The ICU in Nashville is staffed with veterinarians, certified veterinary technicians and technician assistants 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Our ICU at Nashville Veterinary Specialists is equipped with state of the art monitoring equipment, including ECG, blood pressure, pulse oximetry, and capnography. A full-service laboratory, offering complete bloodwork, including clotting times and lactate levels, urinalysis, fecal analysis, and cytology, is available to our patients at any hour. Specially-constructed oxygen cages and pediatric incubator are available to provide oxygen-enriched and temperature-controlled environments for our patients. Advanced techniques such as blood transfusions, ventilation, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation are utilized when necessary.
Common Conditions Treated Include:
Sepsis
Trauma
Respiratory distress
Acute kidney failure
Anemia, acute blood loss
Intoxications
Seizures
Pancreatitis
Congestive heart failure
When Your Pet Is Hospitalized At NVS
We know having your pet hospitalized is very stressful for both you and your pet. We pride ourselves in providing the best patient care available in Davidson County. Your pet will receive round-the-clock observation and treatment while hospitalized at NVS.
Each treatment plan is individualized to provide your pet the care they need with the ultimate goal of getting them home to you as soon as possible. Our doctors and staff will provide at least twice-daily updates while your pet is hospitalized. If your pet is stable for visitation, you may visit with your pet during our visitation hours.
Comfort Measures:
Your dog will be walked (if able) at least three times a day.
Your cat’s litter box will be checked throughout the day and clean litter provided as needed.
Your pet will receive comfortable, dry bedding at all times.
We have several stuffed toys available to comfort patients.
Our nursing staff and doctors will give your pet extra love and TLC as often as possible.