VRCC - Veterinary Referral & Critical Care

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Manakin, VA
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.

07/04/2025

We hope everyone has a fun and SAFE 4th of July! 🌭🇺🇸

This is a reminder that we are OPEN today for emergencies. We hope you won't need us, but we'll be here if you do!

07/02/2025

Meet Finley! 😍

Finley is a sweet 3-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who was referred to Dr. Aman in Surgery for bilateral medial patella luxations (MPL), a condition where the kneecap (patella) slips out of place.

During Finley’s orthopedic exam, Dr. Aman found that his left leg was more affected than the right, and recommended surgery to correct it. The procedure went smoothly, and Finley was able to go home to recover. His family is also keeping an eye on his right leg for any signs of progression.

Signs of medial patella luxation can include:

- Intermittent skipping or limping on a back leg
- Difficulty rising, running, or jumping
- Lameness that comes and goes

MPL is especially common in small-breed dogs, like Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Yorkies, Pomeranians, and Chihuahuas. It can be mild and manageable in some dogs, while others may need surgery to restore comfort and function.

We’re so happy that Finley is feeling better and wish him well on his continued recovery!

07/01/2025

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

06/30/2025

Caption this photo!

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

06/26/2025

This handsome beagle is Todd!

Todd is a 6-year-old dog who was referred to Dr. Clarke in Neurology for severe neck pain. About a year ago, Todd had a similar episode that improved with rest and medication. But last month, the pain returned.

He was started on conservative care which helped intitially, but he did not return to normal. Then, Todd suddenly woke up one morning crying out in pain. That’s when he came to see Dr. Clarke at VRCC who recommended an MRI.

The MRI revealed a ruptured disc in his neck. Dr. Clarke then performed a ventral slot procedure to remove the disc material and relieve pressure on Todd’s spinal cord.

We’re happy to report that Todd’s surgery went smoothly and he was able to go home to begin his recovery. He returned this week for a recheck and is looking great! He’s now off his pain medications, though he’ll still need a couple more weeks of rest before easing back into his usual beagle business.

We wish Todd all of the best in his continued recovery!

06/25/2025

Please, please, PLEASE follow these safety tips with it being as hot as it is. ☀️

- Provide access to fresh water at all times to keep pets hydrated.
- Limit outdoor activity, especially during the heat of the day.
- Keep a close eye on pets when they are outdoors. Dogs don't know their limits and sometimes all it takes is running around the yard for 15 minutes to have a heat stroke situation.
- Brachycephalic (smush-faced) breeds in particular have an increased risk of heat stroke due to their anatomy. If you have a pug or frenchie, be EXTRA cautious.
- If you suspect your dog has overdone it, do not hesitate to get them to a vet. It's better to be safe than sorry!

Please SHARE to remind other pet owners!

06/20/2025

Happy first day of summer! ☀️😎🏖️

What is your pet's favorite summer activity? Let us know in the comments!
***Bonus points for sharing photos***

06/19/2025

Meet Winnie!

Winnie is a 4-year-old Dachshund who was referred to Dr. Clarke in Neurology for evaluation of rear limb weakness. Her symptoms began in early May, and her primary care veterinarian started her on conservative treatment including pain medication, steroids, and laser therapy. While this helped control her discomfort, Winnie didn’t show much improvement over the next month.

She was then sent to see Dr. Clarke at VRCC. Dr. Clarke performed a neurological exam which pointed to a thoracolumbar spinal issue. An MRI confirmed the cause, a ruptured disc at L1-L2.

Dr. Clarke recommended surgery, and performed a hemilaminectomy, a procedure to remove the disc material that was pressing on her spinal cord. The surgery went well, and Winnie was able to go home to recover.

She came back for a recheck earlier this week and is doing great at home and was able to come off of a couple of her medications

We wish this girl all the best in her continued recovery!

06/18/2025

This handsome pup is Liam! 😍

Liam is a 5-month-old bulldog puppy who was referred to Dr. Schneider in Surgery after he took a tumble off the couch and started limping. His primary care veterinarian took x-rays and diagnosed him with a left condylar fracture, a break in the end of the humerus bone at the elbow joint.

Liam was then referred to VRCC for surgical repair. Dr. Schneider performed the procedure using a screw and k-wire to carefully realign and stabilize the fractured bone.

The surgery went smoothly and Liam was able to go home to start his recovery. He returned to VRCC last week for his 3-week recheck, and we’re happy to report that he’s healing well and using his leg comfortably at home.

We wish Liam well on his continued recovery!

Address

1596 Hockett Road
Manakin, VA
23103

Telephone

(804) 784-8722

Website

http://www.vrccvet.com/

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