emergency service questions dogs cats

Frequently Asked Questions about our Emergency Service

 

Note: If you have a veterinary emergency, see our main ER page or call us at 734-662-4474.

Click or tap on a question to see the answer.

When are you open?

Always! For emergencies we are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

When is a doctor on the premises?

Always. There is at least one doctor as well as additional emergency veterinary staff here at all times.

What diagnostics are available in-house?

Our on-site laboratory allows rapid evaluation of your pet’s condition. Capabilities include the following: complete blood count, blood chemistries, electrolytes, coagulation profile, urinalysis, blood typing and cytological screening of masses or fluid obtained form the abdomen or chest. We are also able to test for Feline Leukemia/FIV, Heartworm, Ehrlichia, Lyme Disease, Parvovirus and skin and intestinal parasites. Our state-of-the-art digital radiography and ultrasound equipment assist diagnosis. We also measure blood pressure, cardiac rate and rhythm with our ECG; blood oxygenation with our pulse oximeter; and intraocular pressure to monitor glaucoma.

How much will it cost to have my pet examined and admitted?

An initial emergency fee includes a complete physical examination of your pet. Following the initial exam and discussion of findings, we’ll provide a written treatment plan, including all fees, for your approval prior to any diagnostic testing or treatment. For hospitalized pets we provide daily updates on charges, as well as costs associated with any recommended changes to the original treatment plan.

Do I have to leave a deposit?

Yes, 75% of the high range of the estimate is due at the time of hospitalization.

How many doctors are on staff in the emergency and critical care department?

We have five Veterinarians for Emergency and Critical Care. Additionally, we have five Licensed Veterinary Technicians and three Veterinary Assistants.

How long have you been here?

The Ann Arbor Animal Hospital Emergency service was established in July, 2003. See the History of our ER to learn more.

Do you provide wellness/primary care?

Wellness/primary care is not provided during emergency hours. We offer wellness exams, vaccines, routine surgery, dental care and other services during non-emergency hours which are:

Monday-Friday 8am-7pm
Saturday and Sunday 8am-2pm

Visit our About Us page for more information.

Do you have access to my regular veterinarian’s records or can you get in touch with them after hours?

Some local veterinarians have given us permission to contact them after hours. Unfortunately, we cannot always reach your regular veterinarian after hours. Your regular veterinarian has entrusted us to take care of you and your pet when they are closed. We always keep them abreast of your pet’s medical status as soon as they are available.

What animal species do you see?

We see dogs, cats and some small mammals.

Where is my pet kept while in the hospital?

All patients have individual cages or runs with clean, comfortable bedding and fresh food and water as needed. Our ICU includes heated cages, oxygen cages and isolation wards to safely accommodate critically ill, injured, or infectious patients.

What are your visiting hours?

Call us at (734) 662-4474. We have no set visiting hours. Provided we are not doing treatments or attending to a critical patient, you may visit your pet at your convenience.

Visits occur in either an exam room or in our ICU and may be limited at the doctor’s discretion.

May we leave items (bedding, stuffed toys, etc.) with our pets while they are hospitalized?

Yes, with the understanding that you may not receive the item(s) back. Often, pets soil their bedding and toys, so it is best to either leave them at home or be aware that they are not returned once soiled.

What should I do if I think my pet has ingested something poisonous?

Call poison control right away.

Pet Poison Helpline
“Pet Poison Helpline is a 24-hour animal poison control service available throughout the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean for pet owners and veterinary professionals who require assistance with treating a potentially poisoned pet.”

Call 855-764-7661. A $59 per incident fee applies.

Animal Poison Control Center (ASPCA)
“Your best online resource for any animal poison-related emergency, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”

Call 888-426-4435. They may apply a $65 consultation fee to your credit card.

Return to the Ann Arbor Animal Hospital Emergency Service main page.