Pacific Northwest Pet ER & Specialty

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Pacific Northwest Pet ER & Specialty

At Pacific Northwest Pet ER & Specialty Center, we work in partnership with pet owners and their vet
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Located just 7 miles from Portland, Oregon, we offer advanced veterinary medical care, led by board-certified specialists in a state-of-the-art facility. Trust us to provide the very best client experience and exceptional patient care—all under one roof.

06/20/2024

The days are longer, and the weather is warmer, which means Summer is here!

06/18/2024

Today is Veterinary Appreciation Day! Created in 2015 by Trupanion, this day of appreciation acknowledges the hard work and dedication of every single hospital employee - from the front desk staff all the way to those working in the exam rooms. We're so thankful for our wonderful team and all that they do!

06/16/2024

Happy Father's Day to all the dads of both two and four-legged children!

06/14/2024

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.

Always have your pet emergency contacts prepared including your primary veterinarian and your local pet ER, such as ours, Pacific Northwest Pet ER & Specialty Center (360) 635-5302

Ensure your pets have identification

Know where pet friendly hotels are in case you need to evacuate

Make sure to have a leash and/or carrier ready to go

Prepare an emergency kit with the essentials

06/12/2024

This weekend, our team had a fantastic time at Bark in the Park, supporting DogPaw Off-Leash Dog Parks! It was a wonderful fundraiser and fair dedicated to these amazing community spaces where our furry friends can roam freely.

Interested in finding a DogPaw Dog Park near you? Visit www.dogpawoffleashparks.org to learn more!

06/11/2024

This month we have lots to celebrate! Here at PacWest, we believe that every pet—and every human—deserves to feel loved and celebrated!

From our entire team, we want to thank you for being a part of our diverse and wonderful community. Let’s make this Pride Month one to remember – filled with love, joy and plenty of wagging tails.

06/07/2024

Our team is headed to Bark in the Park tomorrow! Join us from 9am to 2pm at Dakota/Pacific Community Park to support Dog Paw Off-leash Dog Parks fundraiser and fair.

06/06/2024

It's ! 🐾 This week was created by 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!

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!

06/03/2024

Join our team this Saturday, June 8th at Dakota/Pacific Community Park from 9am to 2pm for Bark in the Park! Bark in the Park is a wonderful fundraiser and fair that was created just for dogs and their humans. Grab the leashes, and let’s go!

05/31/2024

Our check-in process is changing!

All clients will be asked to bring patients in need of emergency services directly to our hospital for check-in. Our dedicated team will evaluate each pet upon their arrival. We will continue to prioritize patients based on the severity of their condition, and order of arrival, just like in the human ER.

The purpose of this change is to streamline the check-in process and to ensure that all patients receive the highest level of care. This change also allows us to see patients in a timelier manner by having patients in-hospital when the medical team is ready for your pet.

Our dedicated team is here for your family during your pet’s unexpected and difficult time by providing quality, compassionate and professional care.

If you have any questions or if your pet requires emergency services, please call us at (360) 635-5302.

05/30/2024

Claire De Loon is an 8 month old cat that presented to our emergency department with a 3 day history of vomiting and decreased appetite.

X-rays identified an unusual-shaped foreign body causing a small intestinal obstruction.

Claire De Loon underwent a successful surgery and look what we found! She did very well and was discharged the following day.

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 emergency and critical care service will be OPEN during the holiday.

Have a safe and enjoyable day with your pets!

05/23/2024

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 emergency and critical care service will be OPEN during the holiday.

05/20/2024

Today is National Rescue Dog Day! Do you have a wonderful rescue dog in your life? Share with us in the comments!

05/15/2024

May is an important time of year to raise awareness on the importance of Mental Health, Did you know that veterinarians are at an increased risk for su***de due to the high emotional stress of their profession? As we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month, it's crucial to remember the silent battles many face, including our veterinary teams.

It is important to remember that our hospital is filled with smart, caring, hardworking, and empathetic people who have dedicated their lives to helping pets and the people who love them. We work very diligently to ensure our team has the necessary work/life balance, along with mental health resources to support them during times of need.

Remember, we can all help prevent su***de. The National Su***de Prevention Lifeline offers 24/7, free, and confidential support for those in distress. If you or a loved one need help, please don't hesitate to reach out at 1-800-273-8255.

Together, let's spread awareness and support for mental health in our community.

05/14/2024

Even with the gloomy weather, our team dedicated last Saturday to supporting the Humane Society for Southwest Washington (HSSW) during their 5K! This incredible event serves a crucial purpose: raising funds to aid HSSW in their mission to deliver life-saving medical assistance and shelter to pets in their care.

We're deeply grateful for the chance to connect with our community and fundraise for our own Compassionate Care fund, which offers vital support to pet owners facing hardships.

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

04/28/2024

It's ! We know every day that we spend with our four-legged companions is special, but today we get to celebrate being pet parents a little bit more!

Share a picture of your furry kids in the comments below!

04/24/2024

Our team had the privilege of participating in and sponsoring the PVMA Rose City Veterinary Conference held on April 21st in Portland. One of our Board-Certified Cardiologists, Gabi Wallace, delivered an insightful lecture on Diet Induced Cardiomyopathy, and one of our Referral coordinators, Tracy, got the opportunity to interact with our veterinary community while at our booth.

A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated team for their unwavering commitment to sharing their wealth of knowledge with the veterinary community. Together, we strive to make a meaningful impact in the field of veterinary medicine.

04/23/2024

This week is dedicated to our administrative team and customer service representatives who help keep it all together for our patients and hospital teams. During an unexpected animal emergency or health crisis, people often feel distressed and vulnerable. These team members are typically the first point of contact to determine urgency, schedule visits, explain processes, and guide pet parents to action. With their care, they help keep people and patients attended to and hospital operations running smoothly.

Join us in saying THANK YOU to our wonderful team!

04/22/2024

Happy Earth Day from the team at Pacific Northwest Pet ER & Specialty Center!

04/19/2024

Happy National Cat Lady Day! Embrace the Cat Lady within you and share a picture of you and your feline bestie in the comments below!

04/16/2024

April is Canine Fitness Month! Just like us, our canine companions need regular exercise to maintain their physical and mental wellbeing. Sadly, many pups suffer from obesity and inactivity, which can lead to various health issues which can shorten their lifespan.

There are many benefits to getting active with your dog, regardless of size, age or breed:

Whether it’s a leisurely stroll or an energetic game of fetch, every bit of activity counts to help maintain a healthy weight.

By spending one-on-one time with your pet, you are strengthening the bond between you and your canine-companion.

Exercise offers an outlet for all dogs to help relieve boredom, anxiety and stress.

What are some ways that you like to get active with your dog? Share with us in the comments!

04/11/2024

It is ! It is National Pet Day every day for us, but we are just so lucky to have the joy, support, and connection pets bring to our lives - let us celebrate them a little extra today!

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

04/10/2024

April is Heartworm Awareness Month.

Did you know that more than a million pets across the country are affected by heartworm disease? These perilous parasites, transmitted by mosquitoes, invade the heart, lungs, and associated blood vessels of animals, causing severe lung disease, heart failure, and damage to other organs. Heartworms pose a threat not only to dogs, cats, and ferrets but also to various wild species like wolves, coyotes, and foxes, which can act as carriers, especially in areas near urban environments.

Recognizing the signs of heartworm disease is crucial. In dogs, symptoms may start with a mild cough, reluctance to exercise, fatigue, decreased appetite, and weight loss. As the disease progresses, heart failure can occur, accompanied by a swollen abdomen due to fluid buildup. Severe cases may lead to a life-threatening condition known as caval syndrome, characterized by labored breathing, pale gums, and dark bloody or coffee-colored urine. Immediate surgical intervention is often necessary to remove heartworm blockages to save the dog's life.

Cats infected with heartworms may exhibit subtle or dramatic symptoms, including coughing, asthma-like attacks, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, difficulty walking, fainting, seizures, or fluid accumulation in the abdomen. Sadly, in some cases, the first sign of heartworm disease in cats is sudden collapse or death.

Prevention is key. Regular testing and preventatives prescribed by your primary care veterinarian can protect your pets from this deadly disease. For further insights into heartworm disease prevention and treatment, visit the American Heartworm Society's website: https://www.heartwormsociety.org/pet-owner-resources/heartworm-basics

04/07/2024

We are pleased to announce that we are now accepting Trupanion Direct Pay for Trupanion-insured clients!

How does it work?

We submit your claim as you check out.

You pay just your portion of the bill.

Trupanion pays the balance directly to us.

You’re good to go!

To learn more about Trupanion insurance and Direct Pay, please visit: https://www.trupanion.com/

04/04/2024

Meet Prince Kaikoa! This sweet boy carried his own bag of goodies into his Internal Medicine appointment today. We love seeing the fun personalities of our patients when they come to see us!

04/02/2024

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://www.aspcapro.org/resource/how-make-pet-first-aid-kit

03/31/2024

Wishing you and your family a bright and joyful Easter Sunday! 🐰🐣

We hope you won’t need us, but in case you do our emergency service will remain open on Easter.

Are you enjoying your day with some bunny furry and special? Share a picture in the comments below!

Address

815 SE 160th Avenue
Vancouver, WA
98683

Telephone

+13606355302

Website

http://www.pacificnwvets.com/

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Videos

Spend the day with us at Pacific Northwest Pet ER & Specialty Center. When you are this cute, there is a good chance you will get an up close and personal look at how things are done! Brooks never had the chance to make it to his kennel as he got an in-depth tour of the day to day operations of our hospital. We believe in spoiling our patients to ensure their time with us is paws-itively amazing!

Prince Kaikoa - Internal Medicine

Meet Prince Kaikoa! This sweet boy carried his own bag of goodies into his Internal Medicine appointment today. We love seeing the fun personalities of our patients when they come to see us!

We love when owners reach out after an emergency to let us know that their pets are doing well! LeeLa came to us unable to walk and needing an emergency back surgery called a hemilaminectomy. She was immediately triaged by our neurology service and received the surgery the same day. We are so happy that she is able to run around again, and we just adore her sunflower photo shoot!

It's #NationalPetDay! For us it is National Pet Day every day, but we want to celebrate the joy, support, and connection pets bring to our lives a little extra today! ♥ Share a picture of your pet or pets in the comments below!

Introducing Harley, this week's Critical Care Case Study: Harley is a 5-year-old, male neutered German Shepherd who presented to Pacific Northwest Pet ER & Specialty Center's Critical Care Service with a fast-progressing hind limb weakness, incontinence, and coughing. He started having a short, choppy, hind limb gait with progressing weakness that would require him to rest after 2-4 steps and had a minimal to weakened palpebral reflex. Within one week his neurologic dysfunction was so poor that he was unable to empty his bladder and was dribbling urine despite having a large, distended bladder. He was also unwilling to eat and drink. Chest radiographs were performed and showed megaesophagus. He received a challenge dose of neostigmine which improved his gate within minutes, confirming a diagnosis of generalized myasthenia gravis. In Harley's case, this is an acquired disease where his immune system made antibodies against certain receptors at his neuromuscular junction. These antibodies cause decreased activity of neurotransmitters leading to severe muscle weakness. Human patients in myasthenic crisis are treated with either total plasma exchange (TPE) or IVIg, with the former considered most effective. TPE is a therapy that removes the plasma, which contains these immune mediated antibodies, and replaces it with plasma donations and other fluids. This is considered a short-term therapy to remove antibodies, decreasing progression of disease as the medical therapies start working. This can be a lifesaving therapy in many autoimmune diseases. Harley received two TPE therapy sessions with our critical care team and started oral therapies for his disease. After his second treatment he had an improved gait and was able to walk increased distances without growing too weak. After the second therapy, he was able to urinate on his own and keep food and water down, despite his enlarged esophagus. Harley continues to improve at home with long term management from

Emergency veterinary visits can be scary for pets and owners. It helps to know what happens during an emergency visit and how to prevent pet emergencies. Our very own Emergency Department Head, Dr. Paul Chauvin, met up with KATU News & Afternoon Live for a behind the scenes look at what the emergency team does at Pacific Northwest Pet ER & Specialty Center. To learn more about our emergency or specialty services visit our website here: https://www.pacificnwvets.com/service/24-7-emergency/

Did you know that dogs can suffer from a ‘slipped disc’ just like people? Cooper presented for difficulty walking in his back legs and was diagnosed with a ‘slipped disc’. The medical term for these injuries is intervertebral disc herniation or intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). In people, disc herniations are usually associated with pain or mild weakness. In dogs, symptoms can range from spinal pain alone up to total paralysis of their legs. Sometimes just the back legs are involved and other times all four limbs are affected. Severe disc herniations are considered surgical emergencies and dogs should be seen by a veterinary neurosurgeon as quickly as possible, especially if they are struggling to walk on their own or are totally paralyzed. Luckily, the prognosis with surgery is excellent in most cases if dogs receive prompt care. Just two weeks after surgery Cooper was walking strongly and was much improved! We were so happy to be able to provide surgical treatment for Cooper and get him back up on his feet again. Our new neurologist, Dr. Joe Kowal, is able to provide a range of medical and surgical treatments for patients suffering from various neurologic diseases such as the disc herniation in Cooper.

Ever wonder what a Veterinary Cardiologist does? Our very own Cardiologist, Gabrielle Wallace, met up with KATU News & Afternoon Live to share a bit about what the cardiology team does at Pacific Northwest Pet ER & Specialty Center. We take your pet's heart to health. Interested in learning more? Visit our website here: https://www.pacificnwvets.com/service/cardiology/

Sometimes, all you need in life is a dog 💚 Our Hospital Director, Shannon, caught the sweetest moment as her son read a bed time story to his pup. Clearly, it put him right to sleep 😂

Happy New Year from your friends at Pacific Northwest! 2021 was a challenging year for all of us. We are grateful for the continued trust and confidence that you place in our team when caring for your furry loved ones. We are honored to serve our Vancouver community. We're always here - should you ever need us.