VRCC - Veterinary Referral & Critical Care

VRCC - Veterinary Referral & Critical Care Emergency and specialty veterinary care in Richmond's West End.
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If your pet has a chronic disease or life threatening injury, you can turn to a VRCC specialist who spends every day diagnosing and treating animals with your pet's specific illness. Our veterinary experts and advanced technology give your pet the best chance of a happy, healthy recovery.

Caption this photo!Write your caption in the comments below and like your favorite. The comment with the most likes by 4...
11/10/2025

Caption this photo!

Write your caption in the comments below and like your favorite. The comment with the most likes by 4pm tomorrow wins!

This handsome fella is Tucker!Tucker is a 1-year-old English lab who presented to Dr. Kirsch on Emergency after his mom ...
11/06/2025

This handsome fella is Tucker!

Tucker is a 1-year-old English lab who presented to Dr. Kirsch on Emergency after his mom found him chewing on an albuterol inhaler. He had punctured it, and it was estimated that there were around 64 puffs left in the inhaler. His mom reported that Tucker became very agitated and that his heart rate seemed high. She called Animal Poison Control, who advised her to seek emergency care.

Albuterol, an asthma treatment, is commonly used in pets and humans alike and is safe when used as recommended. However, in Tucker's case, chewing on the inhaler released all of its contents at once, resulting in toxicity.

High levels of albuterol can cause severe electrolyte imbalances, leading to signs like:
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Agitation
- Fast OR slow heartbeat
- Arrhythmia
- Rapid breathing
- Low or high blood pressure
- Drooling
- Dilated pupils

Fortunately, Tucker's mom got him in to see us, and Dr. Kirsch started him on IV fluids and medications to restore his electrolytes to normal levels. She also put him on a continuous ECG to monitor for heart rate and arrhythmias. Since his heart rate was so rapid, Dr. Kirsch started him on medications to bring it back down to normal.

While he was hospitalized overnight, he began to stabilize, his heart rate and electrolytes returned to normal, and he was able to go home for continued monitoring.

If your pet ever gets into something they shouldn't, it's always a good idea to either give us a call at (804)784-8722 or call Pet Poison Helpline at (855)764-7661. For toxicities, especially, the quicker we are able to intervene, the better!

Yesterday marked Dr. Jeff Clarke’s final day at VRCC, where he has been a valued member of our team for 11 years.During ...
11/05/2025

Yesterday marked Dr. Jeff Clarke’s final day at VRCC, where he has been a valued member of our team for 11 years.

During his time here, Dr. Clarke has touched the lives of so many pets and families, offering expert care and compassion when they needed it most.

We are deeply grateful for the dedication, knowledge, and expertise he has shared with our team and the veterinary community.

Please join us in wishing Dr. Clarke continued success and happiness in all that lies ahead!

Here is the winner of this week's caption contest! Check back next week for another photo to caption.
11/04/2025

Here is the winner of this week's caption contest! Check back next week for another photo to caption.

Happy Halloween! 🎃👻We hope everyone has a fun and safe day!Share a photo of your pet in their Halloween costume below!
10/31/2025

Happy Halloween! 🎃👻

We hope everyone has a fun and safe day!

Share a photo of your pet in their Halloween costume below!

This handsome boy is Jasper!Jasper is a 12-year-old Golden who was referred to Dr. Aman in Surgery for further evaluatio...
10/30/2025

This handsome boy is Jasper!

Jasper is a 12-year-old Golden who was referred to Dr. Aman in Surgery for further evaluation of a lump on his neck. His mom initially spotted the lump and took him to their primary care vet, who did a fine needle aspirate. The results were suspicious for hemangiosarcoma, a malignant tumor. They referred Jasper to Dr. Aman to have the mass removed, along with another smaller mass on his ear.

Ultrasound also found that he had several nodules in his liver and spleen, so Dr. Aman also performed an abdominal exploration to remove and send the nodules off for analysis.

Fortunately, Dr. Aman was able to remove the mass with wide margins, which will decrease the chance of it returning. And x-rays of Jasper's chest revealed that it had not spread to his lungs.

If you ever feel a lump or bump on your pet, it's always a good idea to ask your vet about it and have them do a fine needle aspirate to determine if it's benign or potentially malignant. Early removal of malignant tumors makes for a better prognosis!

Monday would have marked Kiley’s 18th birthday.Kiley was a beloved patient of Dr. Fallin and our Internal Medicine team,...
10/29/2025

Monday would have marked Kiley’s 18th birthday.

Kiley was a beloved patient of Dr. Fallin and our Internal Medicine team, and she continues to hold a special place in our hearts. Though she passed away in 2023, her parents honor her memory each year by sharing a delicious meal from their restaurant, Cocky Rooster, with our team.

We are so grateful for their kindness and join them in wishing Kiley a very happy birthday over the rainbow bridge. 💕

Caption this photo!Write your caption in the comments below and like your favorite. The comment with the most likes by 4...
10/27/2025

Caption this photo!

Write your caption in the comments below and like your favorite. The comment with the most likes by 4pm tomorrow wins.

No, we don't actually see cows now. 🐮😉This handsome bovine is actually Finn, who donned his Halloween costume for his ap...
10/24/2025

No, we don't actually see cows now. 🐮😉

This handsome bovine is actually Finn, who donned his Halloween costume for his appointment with Karen.

We think he's udderly adorable!

Share your own photos of your pets in their Halloween costumes in the comments! 👇

Team VRCC had an amazing time at The Locke A. Taylor Compassion Project’s 1st Annual Walk n’ Wag 5K & Family Fun Event! ...
10/22/2025

Team VRCC had an amazing time at The Locke A. Taylor Compassion Project’s 1st Annual Walk n’ Wag 5K & Family Fun Event! 💛

Our team came together for a great day supporting a cause that helps pet owners access lifesaving veterinary care when financial challenges arise.

Huge thanks to The Locke A. Taylor Compassion Project for hosting such a fun event and for carrying on Dr. Taylor’s legacy of kindness and compassion. We’re already looking forward to next year!

Check out their website to learn more about what they do and support them: https://compassionproject.vet/

Address

1596 Hockett Road
Manakin, VA
23103

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