Paw-tient Care: ICU Shift

November 26, 2025 8 AM - 4 PM.

I started my day in the Intensive Care Unit with my LVT for the day, Brianna.

🐶 Ruby – Chihuahua

Ruby was back from last week’s ER shift. She had a gallbladder mucous seal rerouting surgery on Monday and didn’t initially recover well. Her BP dropped, requiring a blood transfusion, but today she was bright, alert, and trying to bite us—a sure sign she’s on the mend!

🐾 Dr. Watson – 8.5 yr Scottish Terrier

Here for anorexia and mild anemia. He is also undergoing treatment for multi B-cell lymphoma and had chemotherapy last week. He’s going home today, but with his owner hospitalized, he might board at VMCLI temporarily.

🩸 Milo – 7 yr Morkie

Milo has IMHA (immune-mediated hemolytic anemia), a disease where the immune system attacks red blood cells, causing severe anemia and fatigue. He has had 7 blood transfusions over the past few days and is on a diluted ketamine CRI. He also has hematochezia (bloody stools).

🧬 Max – 14 yr Mixed Breed Basset Hound

Max has an acute liver injury and is being treated for leptospirosis after a faintly positive leptospirosis test. Medications include Unisyn, Baytril, and N-acetylcysteine. He is stable but requires careful monitoring.

💩 Maverick – 5 yr Male Lab

Maverick also has IMHA and has had 3 blood transfusions. He has been very sick today with explosive hematochezia. His bedding and IV catheter had to be changed multiple times, and we gave him Visbiome to help support his gut health.

🐱 Luna – 6 yr Female Domestic Shorthair

Luna was admitted for acute pancreatitis, presenting with vomiting, dehydration, and lethargy. She is on IV fluids, pain management, and anti-nausea medications. Today she finally started showing interest in her wet food.

🐶 Baxter – 9 yr Male Golden Retriever

Baxter came in for a severe heart failure exacerbation. He is on oxygen therapy, diuretics, and constant monitoring of vitals. He’s stable but needs frequent blood pressure checks and careful fluid balance management.

Today in the ICU was intense but incredibly educational. It was amazing to see how critical care is a mix of constant vigilance, quick decision-making, and compassion. Watching Ruby bounce back, seeing Luna show signs of improvement, and carefully managing patients like Milo and Maverick reminded me how fragile and resilient our patients can be. I also realized how important teamwork is in the ICU — Brianna and I had to coordinate every movement, from checking vitals to changing bedding, to ensure each patient got the best care. The day was physically and emotionally taxing, but seeing small improvements in even the sickest patients made it incredibly rewarding.