Critical Care - Clinic Information

The PVSEC Emergency department offers emergency medical care 24-hours a day, 7-days a week, including all holidays, providing your pets with quality emergency care around the clock. The emergency department is staffed around the clock by at least two experienced veterinarians, and offers the added experience of a board-certified or residency-trained criticalist, who oversees the hospital ICU four days a week.

Because of the urgent nature of emergency care, the PVSEC Emergency department welcomes walk-ins. Our team of experienced emergency veterinarians and technicians provide your pet with high quality emergency medical care, including hospitalization if necessary.

Fox 53 has produced a series of medical messages featuring PVSEC clinical departments. Click below to view the Emergency & Critical Care medical message previously airing on Fox 53 and MyPittsburghTV.

As in human emergency rooms, PVSEC Emergency triages the most acute, life-threatening cases first. During extremely busy periods, more stable patients may need to wait while these critical cases are stabilized. A veterinary technician will take a brief history and the patient's vital signs prior to the emergency doctor examining the patient. Should your pet require an additional evaluation, PVSEC offers access to specialists in the fields of cardiology, dermatology, dentistry, internal medicine, neurology, medical oncology, ophthalmology, radiation therapy, and surgery.

Appointments

The PVSEC Emergency department welcomes both walk-ins and referral cases. Appointments are not required, although referrals and pertinent medical records assist the emergency doctors and staff in assessing your pet's condition. To refer a patient to the criticalist, your pet's primary care veterinarian should call PVSEC to speak with Dr. Guenther, Dr. Rutter, or Dr. Deitschel directly to discuss your pet's case, and fax a completed referral form(PDF) (Word doc) to our office. Information from the referring veterinarian regarding your pet's medical history, previous treatments, lab work and x-rays may also be beneficial in the diagnosis and management of your pet's condition.

Many pets may require hospitalization. In the event of a hospital stay, please be assured that every effort will be made to make your pet comfortable. PVSEC offers fleece pads, blankets and pillows to provide a comfortable surface for your pet. Cats are provided with litter boxes and dogs are walked outside if appropriate.

HOURS: Emergency walk-ins are seen 24-hours a day, 7-days a week, including holidays. Critical Care cases are seen by referral only when Dr. Guenther, Dr. Rutter, or Dr. Deitschel is in the office. Please call the office at (412) 366-3400 for availability.

Fee Information

Consultations and appointments with PVSEC Emergency require a deposit at the time of admission for treatment. Full payment will be due at the time of your pet's discharge. We welcome cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover Card or Care Credit.