VCA Midwest Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center

25/01/2025

While the seasons continue to change, it's always important to keep your pet safe from the elements. Our winter safety tips will help your pets stay safe and warm, regardless of the weather!

24/01/2025

What a strong & resilient momma dog! This is Opie, peacefully sleeping at home with her four newborn puppies. Opie was presented to our Emergency Department experiencing dystocia (difficult labor). She had successfully whelped (given birth to) one female puppy. However, she was now having life-threatening difficulties with one distressed puppy stuck in her birth canal and two more fading quickly in her uterus. Our emergency and surgery teams immediately sprang into action, and Opie had an emergency cesarean section (C-section).

The three puppies were all delivered successfully, but the female puppy that was stuck in Opie's birth canal was in critical condition. Dr. Byers (board certified Emergency/Critical Care and Internal Medicine Specialist), Sara (Surgery LVT), Morgan (Surgery LVT), Nikki (Surgery LVT), and Heather (ICU LVT) worked diligently to resuscitate the delicate newborn, following updated newborn resuscitation guidelines that will be published later this year.

Dr. Byers is the Co-Chair for the Newborn Resuscitation Domain of the RECOVER Initiative, a collaborative project supported by the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society (VECCS) and the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (ACVECC) that develops evidence-based consensus guidelines on CPR in dogs and cats.

23/01/2025

Let's celebrate Bees! Yesterday, she was discharged from the Intensive Care Unit after fighting acute pancreatitis. Our emergency and ICU teams, including Dr. Haller (Emergency DVM), Austin (LVT), Kaitlin (LVT), Ashley (LVT), Sam (Veterinary Assistant), Dr. Byers (board-certified emergency/critical care and internal medicine specialist), Molly (Veterinary Assistant), Heather (LVT), and Kelsey (LVT), worked around the clock to get Bees back to her family. As part of her treatment, Bees received a new medication called PANOQUELL-CA1, the first FDA conditionally approved medication for acute pancreatitis in dogs. Our hospital is proud to make available to our patients the latest medical therapies for our patients! Yay Bees!

Pictured: Bees and her mom, Dr. Byers, & Molly.

22/01/2025

These are pictures from a very sweet cat who had surgery at her primary veterinarian to remove a mass about 4 days ago. At some point during the day, the incision opened some at the top (dehisced) possibly from her scratching at the area with her back feet. Because she had a heart murmur and was a very well-behaved girl, we did not want to risk sedation to debride and repair the wound. We were able to locally numb the incision, clean the open area and treat with Phovia light therapy, which helps to kill any bacteria that may be in the incision and stimulates healing cells to come to the area so the incision can heal. Afterward, we were able to place a few staples to help hold the incision closed and wrap her neck in a light bandage to prevent further scratching since a normal elizabethan collar would irritate the area by sitting right on the incision. Normally, we would have to debride this wound under sedation or anesthesia to remove dead tissue and stimulate the healing, which carries more risk and can cause more pain. One Phovia treatment per week until a wound is healed can help prevent infection, stimulate faster healing and sometimes avoid sedation and more pain caused to our patients. We love it for all kinds of wound care! 🙂🐱🐾

17/01/2025

Did you know a dog’s sense of smell is up to 100,000 times stronger than ours? Their noses can detect scents we can't even imagine! 🤯

Watch this video to learn more fascinating facts about how dogs experience the world through smell.

🎥: VCA Baring Boulevard Animal Hospital

16/01/2025

Don't let a little snow ruin your pet's walk! We're sharing tips to help your pet avoid having jack frost nip at their nose on their next potty break.

15/01/2025

Arthritis can cause complications with keeping your pet healthy, and low-impact exercises can be a great way to manage your pet's health.

Follow along to learn how you can help keep your pet active!

09/01/2025

All donations made to VCA Charities at any VCA Animal Hospital in California will support disaster relief efforts, including our work to help pets impacted by the current devastating fires in Los Angeles now through January 31st.

08/01/2025

It's time to celebrate Drogo, who was successfully discharged from our hospital. He was a uniquely challenging patient! He developed a hemoabdomen (free blood in his abdominal cavity) and a massive blood clot in his pelvic canal secondary to suspected von Willebrand's disease. Confirmatory testing is pending. The clot was so large that it occluded his colon and urinary bladder, necessitating emergency surgery.

Doberman pinschers are over-represented for developing von Willebrand's disease, which is a blood clotting disorder. Normally, this breed is screened for this disease prior to neutering, but Drogo has not been castrated, nor has he ever had surgery. We suspect his bleeding event was caused by playing with another dog in his home.

Drogo received life-saving care from members of our emergency, surgery, and ICU teams, including Dr. Vogel (ER veterinarian, not pictured), Kelsey (ICU LVT), Morgan (Surgery LVT), Dr. Meyer (board certified surgeon), and Dr. Byers (board certified emergency/critical care & small animal internal medicine specialist). Drogo was a truly critical patient, and our talented overnight ICU teams Dr. Haller(ER Veterinarian) Ashley (ICU LVT), Sam (ICU VA), Alyson (ICU VA), and Abby (ICU VA and Vet Student) (All are not pictured as they were getting much deserved sleep when Drogo went home) were able to ensure he received the necessary around-the-clock intensive care.

Let's all celebrate Drogo and his family for his successful discharge from the hospital. Yay Drogo!

07/01/2025

Keeping our pets safe is our top priority!

Visit https://pets.vcahospitals.com/er-holiday to claim your 50% off coupon, find a VCA Animal Hospitals Emergency Care location near you.

Offer for free ER exams available for CareClub Members only. Offer for 50% off one ER exam. Both offers available at participating ER locations through 1/15/25. Terms and conditions apply.

06/01/2025

As the seasons change, it’s crucial to keep your pet cozy and safe from the elements. Our winter safety tips will help your pets stay safe and warm, no matter the weather!

31/12/2024

Everybody please give it up for Kona! He is a handsome feline friend that was presented to our Emergency Department in severe respiratory distress. He was diagnosed with pleural effusion (fluid accumulation between his lungs and his body wall), congestive heart failure, and hyperthyroidism (excess thyroid hormone in the body). His family allowed our emergency and critical care team, including Dr. Byers (our boarded certified emergency and critical care specialist), Kelsey (one of our ICU Licensed Veterinary Technicians), and Abby (one of our Veterinary Assistants and current professional veterinary student at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln), to provide him around-the-clock intensive care. Happily, Kona responded wonderfully to his therapies, and he was able to be discharged on New Year's Eve, just in time to celebrate the arrival of 2025 with his family at home! Yay Kona!

31/12/2024

Happy New Years from VCA! We hope you and your pets have an amazing day to welcome the new year! #2025

30/12/2024

We’ve had some paw-sitively amazing pet moments in 2024! We’re thrilled to have cared for over 3.7 million animals this year!

Thank you for trusting us with your pets—it's been an honor to be a part of their journey. Here’s to many more unforgettable moments in the year ahead! 💙

24/12/2024

Happy Holidays from VCA Midwest! While many clinics are closing today at noon, our Emergency Department will be open through the holiday 24hours until 6am Friday morning. Should you have a pet emergency we will be here with our highly trained staff ready to help you and your pet. Give us a call at 402.614.9000.

23/12/2024

Happy Holidays to you and your pets!

From: VCA 💙

20/12/2024

The CDC has confirmed an outbreak of Avian Flu, which can spread among birds, livestock, and other animals.

To help keep you and your pets safe, we’re sharing important guidelines and precautions. Swipe through to learn more.

20/12/2024

At VCA, peace of mind is our love language. This holiday season, unwrap 50% off an Emergency Care exam* until January 15. Claim your coupon today and be prepared in case of an emergency: https://bit.ly/3Z2AvD1

Offer for 50% off one ER exam at participating ER locations through 1/15/25. Terms and conditions apply.

19/12/2024

Pets aren’t just gifts—they’re lifelong companions and commitments. This holiday season, let’s remember the responsibility that comes with welcoming a pet into our lives.

We've put together some key reminders to help ensure a happy, healthy future for your pet.

17/12/2024

We’re sharing some helpful tips on how to care for your pet’s arthritis including senior-proofing your home.

16/12/2024

To have a happy, hazard-free holiday, pay attention to these common holiday dangers for pets!

This holiday season, we're by providing 50% off an ER exam for all pet owners and free ER exams for CareClub members.

Visit https://pets.vcahospitals.com/er-holiday to claim your 50% off coupon, find a VCA Animal Hospitals Emergency Care location near you, and discover more tips for a safe, pet-friendly holiday season.

13/12/2024

Worried your cat might be hiding joint pain? If they’re hesitating on stairs or avoiding high perches, it could be a sign they’re uncomfortable.

A CareClub® membership can help your pet with mobility support, including unlimited exams and joint health rechecks.*

Enroll today: https://bit.ly/40aTlsm

12/12/2024

🎶 Put your paws up as we celebrate the 12 Days of VCA 🎶

12/12/2024

Is your pet the goodest boy or girl? Watch until the end for maximum “aww” moments.

06/12/2024

Stay safe, stay merry this holiday season!

Be prepared by learning which common festive hazards to keep out of reach of pets—curated by Trupanion. https://bit.ly/3Azq6W1

27/11/2024

We are wishing everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving. We are thankful for an amazing team that will be available for your pet emergency needs 24 hours on Thanksgiving. We will be open all of Thanksgiving day and closing at 6am on Friday morning. Please call should you have a pet emergency 402-614-9000.

25/11/2024

Here's Nova with her family and some of our medical staff, including Dr. Byers (our board-certified emergency/critical care specialist), Heather (ICU Licensed Veterinary Technician), and Allyson (ICU Veterinary Assistant). Nova was admitted to our hospital in septic shock, which is a life-threatening condition that occurs when an infection leads to dangerously low blood pressure and organ failure. It is latest stage of sepsis and for Nova was caused by a small intestinal obstruction. Our skilled surgical team led by Dr. Meyer (our board-certified surgeon) and our vigilant ICU team worked around the clock to maximize the likelihood Nova would be successfully reunited with her family. Their efforts paid off, and Nova was successfully discharged from our hospital. Yay Nova!

15/11/2024

Here's a spotlight on one of our emergency department patients from last week! Meet Zazu, our real life Lisa Frank furry friend. We couldn't not share her with you all. 💛💚💙💜

11/11/2024

Check out mister Bugs! Bugs was presented to our Emergency Department in critical condition due to sepsis. Sepsis is a life-threatening emergency that occurs when the body has an extreme response to infection. For Bugs, his infection occurred due to a condition called acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome (AHDS) when bacteria from his intestinal tract leak into his blood stream. Mortality rates for sepsis in dogs are variable and may be as high as 70%. When Bugs was presented, he was unconscious, had an unreadably low blood pressure, and severely low blood sugar. With the extensive efforts of Dr. Jones, Dr. Byers, and the medical staff in the Emergency Department and the Intensive Care Unit, Bugs was discharged from the hospital after five days! He continues to do well at home today! Everybody show Bugs and his family some love for his fantastic recovery!

31/10/2024

A little Halloween spirit! This is Sonny, he comes in to visit Dr. Cooley's team, his mom found the best costume! Isn't he handsome!

31/10/2024

Happy Halloween! Do you dress your pets up for Halloween? We would love to see! Here are a few of our festive furry friends! 👻😺

29/10/2024

TRICK OR TREAT NIGHT IS ALMOST HERE!! 👻🎃

Halloween is an annual event that most children, and lots of adults, look forward to enthusiastically, anticipating a day and evening filled with masks, candy, and pranks! But this holiday can be particularly spooky for the pets in your family. To make Halloween fun for all of your family members, take note of these Halloween safety tips for your pet.

https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/halloween-safety-for-pets

18/10/2024

And that's a wrap! Another fabulous tech week in the books. Thank you to all of these amazing individuals. Why not end it with a successful chest tube placement! Wishing each and every tech in vet med a fantastic weekend!

17/10/2024

Couldn’t fit all of them in one video so just had to make 2! If we missed a photo of one person they should still know how awesome they are and how much they are appreciated!

17/10/2024

14/10/2024

Happy Veterinary Technician Week!

We are so thankful for all of our Licensed Veterinary Technicians that work in our hospital. They continually bring compassion, skill and dedication to what they do every single day! It is going to be a great week of celebrating each and every one of them!