Just a few years back, when your pet needed emergency medical care late at night, you would have had to call the veterinarian at home. But today, emergency care has emerged as a recognized specialty in veterinary medicine.
Many veterinary students look forward to a career in emergency and critical care after graduation.
Pamela Jones, a veterinary student at Colorado State University, said she enjoys the spontaneity of learning emergency veterinary practice. I like the variety and the immediacy of not only treatment, but seeing what happens when you make decisions in treatment, Jones said. Colorado State veterinarian Dr. Susan LaRue said that emergency care for animals is becoming common. Not long ago, all emergencies would be handled by the local veterinarian, LaRue said. But today, animal ER s can be found in most metropolitan areas and veterinarians can specialize in emergency care.