ECC

Emergency and Critical Care

Animal Emergency & Critical Care (ECC)

Dr Nadine graduated in 2014 from the University of Nottingham Veterinary School in the UK. After four years of out of hours emergency work, she decided to pursue her love of managing critically ill patients by doing a rotating internship at the Royal Veterinary College in London followed by an ECC specialty internship at the University of Edinburgh Veterinary School. She then started her residency in Emergency and Critical Care in 2020 at the Royal Veterinary College which she completed in 2023 alongside a Masters degree in Veterinary Medicine. She has since passed her board exams in 2023 to become a specialist of the American and European Colleges of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care. Her particular interests include management of septic patients, transfusion medicine and extracorporeal therapies. Outside of work she loves yoga, running and travelling (hence the big move to Singapore!)

Our Emergency Department is 24/7 Ready for All Cases

There are times when your beloved dog, cat or small exotic pet (like rabbits, chinchillas, hamsters, etc.) may experience an animal emergency. This may result from a sudden illness, the deterioration of an existing medical condition, or the need for critical veterinary care following complex surgery.

During these stressful times, access to high-quality emergency animal care is crucial, as timely intervention can often save your pet’s life. Our team will do their best to ensure your companion receives the best care during these critical moments.

Triage Process: How We Prioritise Care

When you arrive at Beecroft Hospital, our Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (ECC) nurses will first ask for your pet’s symptoms and other relevant information to help our ECC team establish if your pet requires immediate, life-saving intervention or if your pet is stable enough to wait their turn in the triage line.

We utilise the following triage chart to help us prioritise critical care for pets:

Triage Chart: Levels of Animal Emergency Care

Level Description Example Situations Common Symptoms

Level 1 – Critical (Immediate Attention)

Requires immediate, life-saving intervention. Any delay could significantly impact their chances of survival.
  • Road traffic accident
  • Fall from a high place
  • Ingested poison (e.g., chocolate, rat bait)
  • Dog fight with deep puncture wounds
  • Sudden collapse, unresponsive
  • Major trauma(Road Traffic Accident/ High-rise syndrome)
  • Excessive/profuse Bleeding
  • Penetrating Bite Wounds
  • Toxicity/Poisoning
  • Acute Paralysis
  • Actively Seizuring
  • Open Fracture
  • Heat Stroke
  • Bloat
  • Collapse
  • Unable to Urinate
  • Difficulty Breathing

Level 2 – Urgent (Timely Care)

Needs prompt medical attention, but the condition is not immediately life-threatening.
  • Vomiting and diarrhoea for 24 hours
  • Eye injury, squinting or redness
  • Allergic reaction with facial swelling
  • Difficulty giving birth
  • Limping, possible broken leg
  • Eye Issues
  • Closed Fracture
  • Vomiting / Diarrhoea
  • Wounds / Laceration
  • Appetite Loss
  • Allergic Reactions
  • Birthing Difficulties
  • Frequent Urination

Level 3 – Important (Non-Life-Threatening Conditions)

Has non-life-threatening conditions that still require veterinary care. Wait times may be prolonged.
  • Small cut on paw
  • Mild allergic reaction
  • Decreased appetite for a day
  • Ear Infection
  • Hair Loss
  • Abscesses
  • Lameness
  • Dental Concerns
  • Anal Gland Issues
  • Chronic Sneezing or Nasal Discharge
  • Minor Wounds such as Tom Nail
  • Itching or Scratching
  • Chronic Weight Loss
  • Diarrhoea Without Blood
  • Coughing Without Distress

Why Choose Us for
Emergency Animal Care?

Experienced Team

Our emergency medical vets have extensive experience in emergency animal care and are dedicated to providing the highest quality critical care for pets. They are supported by a skilled team of veterinary nurses and technicians who are trained to handle a wide range of emergency situations.

Beecroft Hospital offers comprehensive emergency and critical veterinary care services, including advanced diagnostics, surgery, and intensive care. We are equipped to handle everything from minor emergencies to complex critical cases.

We also understand that your pet is a cherished member of your family, and we will care for them as if they were our own. Our compassionate team strives to ensure your pet is comfortable and their experience is as stress-free as possible during their time with us.

Our hospital is equipped with cutting-edge technology and equipment to ensure that your pet receives the best possible critical care. This includes advanced veterinary imaging, monitoring systems, and a fully equipped surgical suite for orthopedic surgery and more.

Triage Chart

Urgent

Pets who need urgent medical care. Wait times may apply.

Critical

Pets who need emergency medical attention/ life-saving treatment.

Important

Pets who need medical care for non-life-threatening conditions. Wait times may be prolonged

Frequently Asked Questions About Critical Care for Pets

Do I need to provide a detailed medical history when referring to a case?

Yes, providing a detailed medical history is incredibly helpful when your pet needs emergency animal care. This includes information about any pre-existing conditions, current medications, and recent vaccinations. The more information our emergency medical vets have, the better they can understand your pet’s situation and provide appropriate critical care for pets.

If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, stay calm and contact Beecroft Hospital immediately. Our team will provide guidance on how to best stabilise your pet and transport them safely to our hospital for emergency animal care. Remember, prompt action is crucial in critical care for pets.

Wait times for our hospital can vary depending on the severity of the cases presenting to the hospital at the time. We understand that every minute counts when your pet needs critical care, and our team will do everything possible to assess and treat your pet as quickly as possible.

Yes, we understand how worrying it is when your pet needs critical care. Our team will keep you informed about your pet’s condition and treatment plan throughout their stay at Beecroft Hospital. We can provide regular updates and answer any questions you may have about their emergency animal care.

Yes, if your pet requires specialised care or procedures that are not available at Beecroft Hospital, we can refer you to a specialist who can provide the necessary critical care for your pet. We work closely with a network of veterinary specialists to ensure that your companion receives the best possible emergency care.

Get In Touch With Us