Emerald City Emergency Clinic

07/10/2025

We’ve had an influx of scopes and surgeries lately… but sometimes, quick action saves everyone the extra work!

Meet Nash — and don’t let those politely crossed paws fool you! This troublemaking Bernedoodle got into his kid brother’s underwear drawer and tried to hide the evidence. Thanks to his family bringing him in fast, we were able to safely induce vomiting and retrieve a pair of dog-patterned underwear. We just can’t make this stuff up!

07/08/2025

Travel plans ahead? ✈️

As summer adventures take you and your pets on the road, or sky, it’s important to plan ahead to keep them safe and healthy along the way. Whether you're heading to the mountains, the coast, or anywhere in between, make sure to follow the summer travel tips we’ve shared—and always take a few minutes to research veterinary emergency clinics along your route and destination. Knowing where to go in case of an emergency can make all the difference.

If your summer travels bring you to our home state, welcome! We’re proud to be part of your journey. Our emergency team is here for you should your pet need emergency or specialty care while you’re visiting. Safe travels and wagging tails ahead!

07/07/2025

🚨 Foreign Body? We’ve got it covered — from nose to tail. 🐾

Last week, our team used endoscopy to help a pup who bit off more than they could chew. The culprit? A partially chewed dental treat that became lodged in the esophagus.

Using our in-house flexible endoscope, we were able to visualize the obstruction and safely advance it into the stomach, where it can be broken down naturally, avoiding the need for surgical intervention.

Endoscopy is a minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic tool that allows us to evaluate the gastrointestinal tract, retrieve foreign bodies, collect biopsies, and more — often with shorter recovery times and less discomfort for our patients. At ECEC, we offer:

🔹 GI endoscopy (like this case!)
🔹 Otoendoscopy for deep ear exams and retrieval of foreign bodies (foxtails, anyone?)
🔹 Rhinoscopy for nasal evaluations
🔹 And more!

07/04/2025

🐾 ARE YOU MY MOTHER? 🐾

This sweet ~5–6 month old female gray kitten was found wandering near The Martin at Green Lake Apartments — no collar, no microchip.

She’s being lovingly cared for by the Good Samaritans who found her. 💕 But we’d love to help her get back home where she belongs.

If this little gray angel looks familiar or you have any information, please call us!
📍(206) 634-9000

07/04/2025

The perfect cat does not exi—

Oh.
It’s Betty.

Crunchy tongue. Smooshy face. Poofy tail.

She looks like she was conjured in a dream.
Or maybe a Studio Ghibli film.
Either way, we’re obsessed.

Happy 4th, y'all. Stay safe out there.

07/02/2025

Meet Indiana Jones — a golden retriever with a thirst for adventure… and a hunger for corn cobs. 🤦🏼‍♀️🌽

Indy partied a little too hard on vacation with his family, landing himself in the ER for emergency surgery to remove a corn cob from his stomach.

Not a fan of the cone at home, his family got creative, repurposing his life jacket into a recovery suit to keep his incision protected.

No swimming until those sutures come out, so he’s dry-docked for now. Here’s to smooth sailing ahead… and better snack choices next time!

07/01/2025

Worried about fireworks and your pet?

📌 Here are six tips to help keep them safe and calm.

Refill anti-anxiety medications early and follow your vet's dosage advice
Double-check collars, ID tags, and microchip info
Go for a long walk during the day
Secure all doors, windows, and fences
Turn on the TV or radio to drown out the noise
Stay home and provide comfort

Fireworks can be scary for pets, but a few simple steps can make a big difference. The sooner you have a plan, the better off your pet will be. We're here for you in case of any pet-related incidents.

06/30/2025

This beautiful mini dachshund, Nairobi, was hospitalized with a scary case of Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis (HGE) — also called Acute Hemorrhagic Diarrhea Syndrome (AHDS).

With symptoms like sudden vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and rapid dehydration, HGE can come on fast and become life-threatening without quick treatment.

Thanks to her family’s quick action, our team was able to stabilize her with IV fluids, anti-nausea medications, and supportive care. And we’re happy to report… she’s on the mend.

06/29/2025

🎆 Hug your dogs and check your fences! 🐾

The Fourth of July is almost here—and while we humans enjoy the festivities, our pets often feel less than thrilled about the booms and bangs.

Here’s Mika (held by his mom) with a friendly reminder to prep your pups:

✔️ Double-check fences and gates
✔️ Update ID tags and microchips
✔️ Keep pets safely indoors during fireworks
✔️ Talk to your vet in advance about anxiety meds or calming options

‼️ A current exam (within the last year) is required to prescribe medication—it's part of having a valid Veterinary-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR). So don’t wait until the 4th to call!

Let’s keep our pets safe, sound, and snuggled this holiday. 💙

06/26/2025

Meet Meriwether — explorer, mischief-maker, and now… proud owner of a beautiful splint. 🦋🐾

Meriwether’s latest misadventure landed her in our ER with a broken toe. After a brief overnight stay, she was discharged to recover at home with her family. Get well soon, sweet girl!

06/25/2025

💡Student Ambassador Spotlight! 💡

Meet Sydney, a proud Minnesotan and DVM candidate at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, Class of 2026! 🎓 She’s passionate about community and preventative care for both small animals and horses. When she’s not studying, you’ll find her camping, biking, snowboarding, or chilling with her orange cat, Gouda. Thanks for being one of our student ambassadors!

06/24/2025

Worried about outdoor play in the heat? Here’s what every pet parent should know about summer dog safety before heading outside.

As temperatures rise, summer care for dogs becomes more important than ever. High heat can lead to overheating, burnt paws, and other serious health risks. Whether it’s backyard fetch or a trip to the dog park, a few smart precautions can keep playtime fun and safe.

• Plan playtime smartly. Opt for early morning (6–9 AM) or after 7 PM when the ground and air are cooler.
• Check the ground temperature. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for paws—stick to shaded, grassy areas or use protective booties.
• Hydrate and rest often. Make sure your dog has plenty of fresh water and access to shade between bursts of activity.
• Watch for heat stress. Signs like heavy panting, drooling, or slowing down are red flags, bring playtime to a stop and help your dog cool off.
• Tailor to your pet. Older dogs, brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds, and those with health conditions are more sensitive to the heat and need lighter activity.

If you’re ever unsure whether your pet is showing signs of heat-related illness, reach out to your primary care vet, or visit our emergency clinic. We're here when you need us.

06/23/2025

🎉 Happy Tail: Bun is Back! 🐾

Meet Bun!

Bun and his family had just moved in next door when he decided to go on an unsanctioned neighborhood tour. He slipped out and vanished. Our team joined the search, but Bun remained stubbornly out of sight.

His family didn’t give up—they partnered with a local rescue, setting up trail cams, feeding stations, and humane traps.

After nine long days on the run, Bun was safely captured and brought straight to us. He was treated for dehydration, a corneal ulcer, and a fractured toe that ultimately needed to be amputated.

Today, Bun is back where he belongs—one toe lighter, a few lives shorter, and home safe with his people. ❤️

06/19/2025

Meet Dr. Max Rinaldi, Medical Director and partner at Emergency Veterinary Hospital in Springfield, OR.

Max’s journey with Lakefield started unexpectedly—during paternity leave—but quickly turned into a story of leadership, mentorship, and meaningful growth. From his first ER shift to becoming a partner in the hospital, Max has built a career rooted in compassion and connection.

He’s proudest not just of the pets he’s helped, but of the team he’s helped grow. “Watching people rise into new roles and thrive—that’s what sticks with me.”

👀 Read his full story here: http://bit.ly/45nvHf3

A Surprising Introduction to Lakefield When Lakefield acquired Emergency Veterinary Hospital (EVH) in Springfield, OR, in 2019, Dr. Max Rinaldi was on paternity leave. “I had no idea who Lakefield was,” he said. “I came back for a meeting and suddenly found myself in the middle of an acquisiti...

06/16/2025

Louisville, here we come! Our recruiting crew is heading to ACVIM and we’re bringing the energy.

👋 Come say hey at Booth #612

✨ Enter to win an all-expenses-paid trip to the Galápagos with our amazing partners at World Vets
💙 Donate to Frankie's Friends and double your impact
🖊️ Grab one of our legendary Lakefield pens

And find out why Lakefield might be your next great adventure!

06/13/2025

Wow, what a unique patient! One of the rarest breeds in the world.

06/06/2025

Happy birthday, Dr. Simon-Vasquez! 🎂

06/04/2025

🚨 Now Open in Port Orchard: PawDoc Urgent Care 🚨

Lakefield Veterinary Group is excited to announce the launch of PawDoc Urgent Care, now serving the Port Orchard community! Created to bridge the gap between general practice and emergency care, PawDoc offers efficient, expert veterinary care for dogs, cats, and pocket pets.

Whether your pet has a torn toenail, an upset stomach, or a sudden skin flare-up, our team is ready to help. With convenient hours Friday through Monday, transparent pricing, and the flexibility to walk in or book online, PawDoc makes it easy to get the care your pet needs, when they need it most.

Because your pet’s health shouldn’t have to wait. Learn more at: https://bit.ly/43W9uDw

06/02/2025

Big news from Bridgetown Veterinary Emergency and Referral! We’re thrilled to share that Bridgetown has been named a Top 5 Finalist for Best Emergency Pet Services in Willamette Week’s 2025 Best of Portland Readers' Poll!

If Bridgetown has helped you and your pets through a tough time, now’s the time to show them some love. Your vote could help shine a spotlight on the incredible care they provide, day and night.
🗳️ Vote here: https://bop.wweek.com/goods-and-services/best-emergency-pet-services
🕐 Voting closes June 20th!

Thank you, Portland, for recognizing Bridgetown's commitment to urgent, expert care when it matters most.

05/29/2025

Student Ambassador Spotlight: Dr. Tylah! 💡

Please join us in congratulating Tylah on graduating from North Carolina State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine this May! From dreaming of becoming a veterinarian at nine years old to walking across that stage, her dedication to animals and passion for veterinary medicine is inspiring. 🎓

05/27/2025

Lakefield is heading to New Orleans for the NABV Conference — June 5–7! Connect with Dr. Lent, hear him speak on Saturday, June 7th

Swing by our booth to learn about exciting opportunities with Lakefield and:
✨ Enter to win an all-expenses-paid trip with World Vets
💙 Scan to donate to Frankie's Friends

05/15/2025

Proud to Be Among America’s Best 🐾 We’re thrilled to share that TWO Lakefield Veterinary Group hospitals have been named on USA TODAY’s list of America’s Best Veterinary Hospitals!

Freeland Animal Hospital ranked an incredible #9 with a score of 98.43, and Keller Lake Animal Hospital earned a spot at #74 with a score of 92.44—out of 300 hospitals nationwide.

This recognition is especially meaningful because it’s based on feedback from over 11,000 pet owners and veterinary professionals—people who truly understand the value of compassionate, high-quality care.

From the front desk to the surgery suite, our teams are united by one purpose: your pets and their well-being. Thank you to our clients, colleagues, and (most importantly) our patients for your continued trust!

05/13/2025

From CSR to Area Manager: Meet Amy Holland! Amy's journey with Lakefield started in 2013—and she’s grown every step of the way. From answering phones as a CSR to now leading 10 hospitals across three states, Amy is proof that growth happens when trust and opportunity go hand in hand.

“I want to be remembered for how deeply I cared—about pets, their families, and especially my team,” she says.

Her Southern accent may be unforgettable, but it’s her leadership and heart that leave a lasting legacy.

Read more on our blog: https://bit.ly/3ETaiQ6

Amy Holland’s Journey from CSR to Area Manager Amy Holland has been with Lakefield Veterinary Group since the very beginning—before the company was even officially Lakefield. Over the past decade, she’s gone from client service representative to area manager, building her career with a combina...

05/06/2025

The amazing team at Indian Trail Animal Hospital!