First Coast Veterinary Specialists & Emergency

First Coast Veterinary Specialists & Emergency State-of-the-art specialty & emergency hospital that works compassionately with pet owners and pets.
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As we gear up for Independence Day celebrations, it's essential to remember our furry friends. The loud noises and festi...
07/02/2024

As we gear up for Independence Day celebrations, it's essential to remember our furry friends. The loud noises and festivities can be overwhelming for pets, but with a few simple precautions, you can ensure they stay safe and calm.

Heading off to the pool or beach this summer with your furry friend? Check out these water safety tips to make sure your...
06/28/2024

Heading off to the pool or beach this summer with your furry friend? Check out these water safety tips to make sure your pet has fun while staying safe. ☀️

🔹 Pick a shallow spot to start out and stay close to the edge of the water.
🔹 Don’t force them. Throwing a pet in the water who doesn’t want to swim can be traumatic and may prevent them from enjoying the water later on.
🔹 Get in the water with them. When they start paddling with their front paws, lift their hind end so they understand how to float.
🔹 Keep them on a leash at first so they can’t stray too far away from you.
🔹 Many dogs love to swim, but some tire more easily than others. Consider having your dog wear a life jacket that is specifically made for animals.

🌡 Also, be sure to stay aware of the temperature! While swimming may cool you and your pet down, hot sand or pavement poses a threat to your pet's paws. If you can't hold the back of your hand to the ground for at least 10 seconds without feeling a burn, it's too hot for your pet to walk on!

If you experience an emergency with your pet this summer contact First Coast at (904) 853-6310.

We at First Coast are heartbroken to share that a dog was involved in a tragic accident recently and was brought to Firs...
06/26/2024

We at First Coast are heartbroken to share that a dog was involved in a tragic accident recently and was brought to First Coast after he passed away.

If you or someone you know is missing a beloved pet, please contact us as soon as possible. We want to ensure that the owner is informed and can have closure during this difficult time.

Male, intact, grey pit bull with no microchip, wearing a brown leather collar with multiple little silver bones attached. Pet found at southside in between Atlantic & Beach Blvd at 7:45pm on 6/22/24.

Please contact us at (904) 853-6310 if you have any information. Thank you.

Male, intact, grey pit bull with no microchip, wearing a brown leather collar with multiple little silver bones attached. Pet found at southside in between Atlantic & Beach Blvd at 7:45pm on 6/22/24.

Please contact us at (904) 853-6310 if you have any information. Thank you.

We love  ! 🐱🐈😻 We also love any excuse to see pictures of your feline friends! In the spirit of celebration, post a pict...
06/26/2024

We love ! 🐱🐈😻

We also love any excuse to see pictures of your feline friends! In the spirit of celebration, post a picture of your adopted fur baby in the comments!

🆘 Towel Donations Needed! 🆘First Coast is urgently seeking donations of towels to help us care for our furry patients. I...
06/25/2024

🆘 Towel Donations Needed! 🆘

First Coast is urgently seeking donations of towels to help us care for our furry patients. If you have any gently used towels that you can spare, please consider donating them to our clinic.

Your generous donation will go a long way in ensuring our animals are comfortable and well-cared for during their stay with us. Every towel makes a difference!

Thank you for your support and kindness! 🐾❤️

Summer is here and it is HOT! ☀ Know the signs of heat stroke and protect your pet from this emergency medical condition...
06/24/2024

Summer is here and it is HOT! ☀ Know the signs of heat stroke and protect your pet from this emergency medical condition.
Signs of heat stroke include:

🌡Excessive panting
🌡Excessive drooling
🌡Difficulty breathing
🌡Vomiting
🌡Diarrhea, with or without blood
🌡Weakness
🌡Incoordination or stumbling
🌡Sudden collapse
🌡Seizures

If your pet is experiencing signs of heat stroke, contact First Coast at (904) 853-6310 right away!

The days are longer and the weather is warmer! ☀️ Thanks to the ASPCA, here are some fun activities you can enjoy doing ...
06/20/2024

The days are longer and the weather is warmer! ☀️

Thanks to the ASPCA, here are some fun activities you can enjoy doing with your pet this summer season.

https://bit.ly/3OcCeAO

If your dog loves a trip to the beach as much as you do, please be aware of the dangers involved in ingesting salt water...
06/18/2024

If your dog loves a trip to the beach as much as you do, please be aware of the dangers involved in ingesting salt water. 🏖️ 🌊

Most pet owners take precautions to ensure their pet's safety when swimming. However, not everyone knows that swallowing salt water, either for refreshment or accidentally while playing, can have life-threatening consequences. Keep an eye on your pet and try to prevent them from ingesting too much salt water!

If your dog ingests too much salt water, contact First Coast at (904) 853-6310

Happy Father's Day to all the dads of both human and pet children!🐾
06/16/2024

Happy Father's Day to all the dads of both human and pet children!🐾

As it continues to warm up outside, remember to help keep your pets safe in the heat and outdoors with these tips!☀️ Don...
06/14/2024

As it continues to warm up outside, remember to help keep your pets safe in the heat and outdoors with these tips!

☀️ Don't allow prolonged periods of time outside or outdoor exercise during the hottest parts of the day
☀️ Humidity makes it even more difficult for pets to cool down, especially short-nosed breeds
☀️ Be sure your pet always has access to shade and fresh water
☀️ NEVER leave your pet in a car unattended!

If you experience an emergency with your pet this summer contact First Coast at (904) 853-6310!

June is   🚨 This month serves as a helpful reminder of what to do in case of an emergency or natural disaster. Here are ...
06/12/2024

June is 🚨 This month serves as a helpful reminder of what to do in case of an emergency or natural disaster.

Here are some basic tips to help you prepare but be sure to create a plan that’s most fitting to your location, family, and pets.

It's only fitting that   falls during  ! Share a picture of your pet best friend! 🐕🐈🐇🐰🐹
06/08/2024

It's only fitting that falls during !
Share a picture of your pet best friend! 🐕🐈🐇🐰🐹

Eastern diamondback, pygmy, timber rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths, and coral snakes. These are a few of the ven...
06/07/2024

Eastern diamondback, pygmy, timber rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths, and coral snakes. These are a few of the venomous snakes that call Florida home. 🐍

So, have you ever wondered what to do if your pet gets bitten by one? Or, how to prevent snake bites altogether? Find out in First Coast's latest blog!

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Happy Hug Your Cat Day! 🐱 Did you know that there are scientifically-proven health benefits to cat ownership?❣ Cat owner...
06/04/2024

Happy Hug Your Cat Day! 🐱 Did you know that there are scientifically-proven health benefits to cat ownership?

❣ Cat owners have a lowered risk of heart disease and stroke due to the relaxing effects felines have on their humans which minimizes stress and lowers blood pressure.

❣ A cat's purr creates vibrations at a frequency of 20-140 HZ, and studies have shown that frequencies in the 18-35 HZ range have a positive effect on human joint mobility after injury.

❣ If you spend 15-30 minutes a day petting or playing with your cat it can boost your mood! A result due to a rise in serotonin and a decrease in cortisol.

Showing your cat love and affection will let them know you care for them too - so give your cat extra lovin' today and give them a hug!

It's  ! 🐾 This week was created by the AVMA in 1981 and encourages us to be responsible pet owners not just this week, b...
06/03/2024

It's ! 🐾

This week was created by the AVMA in 1981 and encourages us to be responsible pet owners not just this week, but every day of the year! We are grateful for the pets that enrich our lives and who are always there for us. ❤

Tell us how you plan to celebrate with your pet!

The last Friday of May is National Heat Awareness Day, especially important here in Florida!🌡️ Be aware of hot pavement!...
05/31/2024

The last Friday of May is National Heat Awareness Day, especially important here in Florida!

🌡️ Be aware of hot pavement! If it is too hot for your feet, it is too hot for their paws.
💦 Play in the water. Sprinkler, kiddie pool, visit to the river.... let pups splash around.
🚰 Stay hydrated. Bring a bowl and extra water everywhere you go. Make sure your pets always have access to drinking water, and stay in front of dehydration.
🚗 Never leave your pet in the car on a hot day.
😰 Know the signs of overheating. Excessive/heavy panting, vomiting, diarrhea, dry or red gums, unsteadiness, or even generally abnormal behavior.

Keep your pets safe by staying ahead of the hot weather this summer.

🚨UPDATE: Owner Found! 🚨Facebook do your thing!This male dog was hit by a car on Beach Blvd around 8:30 this morning and ...
05/28/2024

🚨UPDATE: Owner Found! 🚨

Facebook do your thing!

This male dog was hit by a car on Beach Blvd around 8:30 this morning and brought to First Coast Veterinary Emergency - HE DOES NOT HAVE A MICROCHIP OR COLLAR.

Please share to help find his owner!

Happy Memorial Day! ❤️ 💙Today we honor those who lost their lives while serving in the U.S. military. Because of their b...
05/27/2024

Happy Memorial Day! ❤️ 💙

Today we honor those who lost their lives while serving in the U.S. military. Because of their bravery, we are able to celebrate today with our family and friends.

As a reminder, our hospital will be open for the holiday.

Have a safe and enjoyable weekend with your pets.

While you're having fun with family and friends this Memorial Day Weekend, remember the following tips to help keep your...
05/22/2024

While you're having fun with family and friends this Memorial Day Weekend, remember the following tips to help keep your pets safe this holiday:

⭐ Cookouts are popular this holiday weekend, but the food and drink you serve your guests may be dangerous for pets. A few especially toxic examples include alcohol, raisins, grapes, onions, chocolate, and avocado.

⭐ Never leave your pets unsupervised around a pool, lake, or ocean. If you take your dog on a boat, we highly recommend having them wear a floatation device and keep them from drinking salt water. Also, try to keep your dog from drinking pool water, which contains potentially dangerous chemicals.

⭐ Be sure that your pet has appropriate ID tags and up-to-date microchip information. People leaving doors open and loud noises such as fireworks or thunderstorms can all increase your pets’ chances of escaping.

⭐ Be sure your pet has easy access to plenty of water so they don't get dehydrated - preferably in a shady spot, especially if they are spending a lot of time outside.

As a reminder, our hospital will be OPEN for the holiday.

🐾❤️ Let's Celebrate National Rescue Dog Day! 🎉🐶On May 20th, we honor the incredible companions who've found their foreve...
05/20/2024

🐾❤️ Let's Celebrate National Rescue Dog Day! 🎉🐶

On May 20th, we honor the incredible companions who've found their forever homes through rescue efforts. 🏡 Whether they've overcome hardships or simply needed a second chance, rescue dogs bring boundless love and joy into our lives. 🐾❤️

Today, let's share stories and photos of our amazing rescue pups, highlighting the beauty of adoption and the transformative power of love. 📸✨ Let's also take a moment to appreciate the shelters, organizations, and individuals who work tirelessly to give these dogs the love and care they deserve. 🙌

Join us in celebrating these incredible furry friends who've touched our hearts in the most extraordinary ways!

Share your rescue dog's story in the comments below and spread the love! ❤️🐾

Pool days are the best days! While a day at the pool should be fun and refreshing, we should always be prepared with the...
05/16/2024

Pool days are the best days! While a day at the pool should be fun and refreshing, we should always be prepared with these safety tips:

🐾 Limit access - Be sure to put a fence around a pool so your pet cannot fall in or jump in on their own.

🐾 Don’t let your pet drink chlorinated water - Always be sure to have fresh, clean water for your pets to keep them hydrated.

🐾 Keep an eye on pool toys - These toys are often choking hazards for pets.

🐾 Safely store pool chemicals - It is best to keep these chemicals out of reach.

🐾 Be aware - Pets can get overheated even when swimming. Always keep an eye on them and watch for any signs of this.

Happy Mother's Day! ❤️ Whether your babies have fur, feathers, fins, or scales, thank you for opening up your heart and ...
05/12/2024

Happy Mother's Day! ❤️

Whether your babies have fur, feathers, fins, or scales, thank you for opening up your heart and home to animals in need of a loving mom! We hope your day is full of love and appreciation for all you do.

Plants are popular this time of year 🌱🌿👩‍🌾 However, while you’re choosing plants for the yard or bringing plants indoors...
05/09/2024

Plants are popular this time of year 🌱🌿👩‍🌾 However, while you’re choosing plants for the yard or bringing plants indoors, make sure to avoid the following:

❌ Lilies, Sago Palm, Tulips, Azalea, Oleander, Castor Bean, Cyclamen, Kalanchoe, Yew, Amaryllis, Autumn Crocus, Chrysanthemum, English Ivy, Pothos and Schefflera

Instead, try pet-friendly plants! 🐕🐈

✔️ Bamboo, Basil, Catnip, Chamomile, Lavender, Marigolds, Peppermint, Rosemary, Thyme, Violets, and Wheat Grass

Check out this full list of toxic and non-toxic plants from the ASPCA: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxi...

If you suspect your pet has consumed a toxic plant, immediately contact First Coast at (904) 853-6310. You can also connect with the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435

This week, we are celebrating   &   🐾 Taking place every year during the first full week of May, National Pet Week was e...
05/06/2024

This week, we are celebrating & 🐾

Taking place every year during the first full week of May, National Pet Week was established in 1981 by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) to celebrate the pets in our lives and to promote responsible ownership.

We'd love to see pictures of the pets you will be celebrating this week in the comments below ⬇️

For some great info on how you can honor your pet during National Pet Week (or any week!) follow this link: https://www.avma.org/events/national-pet-week

First Coast spent the day at Woofstock, a local event in Riverside, and we had a prize raffle for one lucky pup! ☮️ ✌️ M...
04/30/2024

First Coast spent the day at Woofstock, a local event in Riverside, and we had a prize raffle for one lucky pup! ☮️ ✌️

Meet our lucky winner - Miss Coco, a groovy 3-year-old pitty girl who was dressed in a beautiful flower crown, stylish necklace, and a tie-dye t-shirt. She had great Woofstock spirit and her smile was bright! Congrats to Coco!

The World Veterinary Association created   in 2000 as an annual celebration of the veterinary profession. Today we celeb...
04/27/2024

The World Veterinary Association created in 2000 as an annual celebration of the veterinary profession. Today we celebrate the efforts of all veterinary medical teams around the world! 🌎❤🐕🐈🩺

It’s National Pet First Aid Awareness Month 🩹 With the warmer weather approaching, everyone is more likely to be out wit...
04/23/2024

It’s National Pet First Aid Awareness Month 🩹 With the warmer weather approaching, everyone is more likely to be out with their pets at parks, on vacations, and in new areas. Being prepared is important for your pet’s safety.

We recommend always carrying a pet first aid kit stocked with items that are unexpired and that you know how to use. For example, your kit could include items such as nonstick bandages, adhesive bandage tape, towels, and absorbent gauze pads to control bleeding.

Check out this resource from the ASPCA to learn how to make your own pet first aid kit at home: https://bit.ly/3q0wM4A

Share our DIY pet first-aid kit with your adopters, clients and community.

This time of year, people start using more fertilizers, insecticides, and herbicides for their lawns and gardens. Ingred...
04/17/2024

This time of year, people start using more fertilizers, insecticides, and herbicides for their lawns and gardens. Ingredients in these products can be dangerous if your pet ingests them. This is a reminder to keep all lawn and garden care properly stored and away from pets.

If you suspect your pet has consumed fertilizer, insecticide, or herbicide, immediately contact First Coast at 904-853-6310. You can also connect with the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

When you’re having a hard day, you get extra love 💕 🐾
04/16/2024

When you’re having a hard day, you get extra love 💕 🐾

It's  ! 🐕🐈🐇🐹❤ It's basically National Pet Day every day but we are just so lucky to have the joy, support, and connectio...
04/11/2024

It's ! 🐕🐈🐇🐹❤ It's basically National Pet Day every day but we are just so lucky to have the joy, support, and connection pets bring to our lives - let's celebrate them a little extra today! ♥

Share a picture of your pet or pets in the comments below!

Address

301 Jacksonville Drive
Jacksonville Beach, FL
32250

Telephone

+19048536310

Website

https://firstcoastveter.com/

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First Coast Veterinary Specialists (FCVS) Founder, Medical Director and Head of Surgery: W. Thomas (“Tom”) McNicholas, Jr., DVM, Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons, established First Coast Veterinary Specialists at its current location in February of 2017. Serving northeast Florida and south Georgia communities, FCVS is a referral specialty center with board certified specialists in surgery and anesthesiology working in partnership with primary care veterinarians and other board certified specialists to provide advanced care from the most experienced veterinarians in the region. Dr. McNicholas is an academically trained veterinary surgeon (Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine) with more than 18 years in an exclusive surgical setting. Board certified in veterinary surgery since 2003, Dr. McNicholas has performed countless soft tissue and oncologic procedures and in excess of 3000 TPLOs, 3000 cruciate extracapsular stabilizations, 2000 Medial Patella Luxation (MPL) stabilizations and 750 neurosurgical procedures. He also has a special interest in utilizing non-surgical and physical therapy protocols as a complement or alternative to surgery. Dr. McNicholas is the former owner of Affiliated Veterinary Specialists and Animal ER in Jacksonville, where he practiced for more than 10 years. After selling and then departing from AVS in 2015, Dr. McNicholas established a successful consulting veterinary surgery practice, pursued advanced studies in canine physical therapy and rehabilitation, and was privileged to be a staff surgeon at Dallas Veterinary Surgical Center (DVSC), one of the oldest and largest veterinary surgical centers in the country. Dr. McNicholas returned to the First Coast in February of 2017 to establish once again a surgery-focused practice that offers First Coast residents and their pets a level of compassionate care that is unmatched in the industry, and that respects and fosters the relationship the family veterinarian has with their clients and patients.

FCVS Staff Surgeon: Megan L. Wilson, DVM, MS, Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons-Small Animal, graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan, followed by a rotating internship at the university and a surgical internship in Orlando, Florida. She completed her surgical residency at Kansas State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, where she also obtained her Master of Science in Biomedical Science. Dr. Wilson enjoys all aspects of veterinary surgery. During her residency, she conducted research on weight-bearing improvement variables for dogs following TPLO surgery and on dogs with hind limb lameness, and she presented her research findings to veterinary surgeons at the American College of Veterinary Surgeons conference in Phoenix in October 2018.

FCVS Locum Surgeon: Ken Greenwood, DVM, MS, Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons, was the first board certified veterinary surgeon in Atlanta and a founding veterinarian of Northlake Veterinary Surgery. He is a graduate of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, and completed his surgical internship at Purdue University, followed by a residency and master’s degree at The University of Georgia.

In addition to providing specialized surgical care for thousands of dogs and cats at Northlake, Dr. Greenwood has provided years of pro bono surgical services for Zoo Atlanta, operating on a wide variety of exotic animals. In 2011, Dr. Greenwood obtained advanced training in raptor external skeletal fixation at University of Minnesota. He remains active in training the next generation of veterinary surgeons, having established weekly video-conference rounds between Northlake and the University of Georgia, serving as a locum professor at UGA, and mentoring and advising many surgical residents. A longtime leader in the Atlanta veterinary community, Dr. Greenwood was voted the 2006 Veterinarian of the Year by the Greater Atlanta Veterinary Medical Society. In his free time, Dr. Greenwood has traveled to the Northern and Southern poles of the world photographing and researching whales and wildlife. He remains fascinated by animals in the wild and continues to travel the seas in hopes of one day encountering the blue whale. Dr. Greenwood and his wife, Beth, have four daughters, Sarah, Anna, Bonnie, and Grace, and a clowder of cats. Fortunately for FCVS, one of Dr. Greenwood’s daughters lives right here in the First Coast, so it doesn’t take too much arm twisting to lure Dr. Greenwood down to FCVS several times throughout the year. FCVS Consulting Anesthesiologist: With over 20 years of experience in veterinary anesthesiology, James Bailey, DVM, MS, Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia, has safely anesthetized everything from critically ill cats, dogs, horses and cows to manatee, elephants, ostriches, dolphins and polar bears. Dr. Bailey is the President and founder of Innovative Veterinary Medicine, Inc., a biomedical research and development firm in Gainesville, FL. He has a doctorate in veterinary medicine from Colorado State University, a Master of Science in veterinary physiology and pharmacology from The Ohio State University and is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia. Further, he spent 11.5 years as a professor of veterinary anesthesia and analgesia at the University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine, leading the service as service chief for five of those years. He has served in academia, industry, private practice, marine mammal field research and as a marine mammal anesthesia specialist. Dr. Bailey has a long history in managing multi-disciplinary medical and research teams. He is currently the only veterinary anesthesiologist with experience in both sea lion and dolphin anesthesia, as well as experience with the APRV and AAV modes of ventilation. At FCVS Dr. Bailey is available for consultation and direct case management (you can often find him in the the FCVS operating room) and he also provides an ongoing level of training to FCVS staff that is unmatched in the field.


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