Picture this… Let’s call it scenario 1:
Rocco, a canine patient you’ve come to know and love, comes in for a routine dental.
After completing a pre-anesthetic exam and reviewing his recent lab work, Rocco was led to the treatment area for anesthetic induction and his dental procedure.
His dental visit was thankfully uneventful. He had a basic cleaning and one minor extraction. He’s ready to move on to recovery!
As Rocco wakes up from anesthesia, he’s thermogenic (his body temperature is below average) and tachycardic (his heart rate is severely elevated).
As veterinary nurses attempt to intervene, Rocco’s anxiety increases, and he begins thrashing and vocalizing. Through the kennel door, one of the nurses notices the color of his tongue slowly change from bright pink to a light pale purple, and they attempt to administer oxygen.
Rocco’s responding fearfully and won’t allow the team to come close. The veterinarian, who’s already started seeing afternoon appointments, is pulled from a room to assist.
Let’s pause here…
A few red flags are going up:
1. The patient is overly stressed and because of his fearful response, intervention, and treatment are delayed
2. The Veterinarian is pulled away from appointments, causing delays for other patients needing care
3. Clients are getting understandably upset due to extended wait times
The snowball effect continues…
So, let’s switch gears and take a look at scenario 2:
Rocco, who you know and love, comes in for his routine dental as scheduled.
The pre-anesthetic exam and labs look good – so he’s off to his procedure.
The procedure goes as planned. A simple cleaning and a single extraction. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy.
Rocco has been moved to the recovery area, where a temperature-controlled ICU cage awaits him. The warm environment helps slowly bring his body temperature back to normal.
The soft-close plastic doors reduce the unfamiliar noises of the hospital, helping keep Rocco’s anxiety at bay. With clear visibility, his veterinary team can keep close tabs on his progress.
After his swallow reflex returns and he’s safely extubated, the treatment technician uses the external control panel to turn on some supplemental oxygen for Rocco as he recovers.
After a short time, Rocco’s vitals are in a healthy range; he’s bright, alert, and ready to head home!
Although your hospital may not offer emergency or ICU services…
ICU cages still bring incredible value to patient care and staff monitoring in general practice.
They increase hospital workflow and efficiency by helping to reduce complications, minimizing unnecessary staff attention, and minimizing disruptions to the daily schedule.
In our last scenario, having the ICU cages as part of their recovery protocol helped:
· Improve patient recovery
· Reduce appointment interruptions
· Ease observation and monitoring
As time passes, more veterinary practices are investing in ICU cages to enhance their patient care protocols and elevate their standard of care.
Now more than ever, our furry friends are considered family members more than they are “house pets.”
The love and companionship they bring to our lives are unmatched, and as their veterinary care team, we have the exciting opportunity to provide a comfortable and safe experience.
Learn More about ICU cages - https://newvetequipment.com/intensive-care-unit
