Paw and Order: Emergency Victims Unit

November 8, 2025 7 AM - 5 PM.

Today's ER shift was with Steph, my LVT for the day - and honestly, she was incredible. From the moment we started rounds, she made sure I was involved in every step, every treatment, every update. It felt less like shadowing and more like actually being part of the team. 🐾 Apollo – The Dizzy Pup

Apollo, a 10-year-old neutered mixed-breed, came in yesterday for vestibular signs — he was circling, off-balance, and seemed disoriented. Yesterday he received mannitol to help with any potential brain swelling, and today it was amazing to see how much he had improved. He was standing more steadily, following Steph around the room, and even wagging his tail a little when his owners came in. His parents decided to opt out of an MRI, feeling comfortable with monitoring him at home since he was looking much better. We spent time checking his vitals, making sure he was eating and drinking, and watching for any subtle signs of recurrence. It was really rewarding to see how quickly supportive care can help, and Apollo was a perfect reminder that recovery doesn’t always have to be dramatic to be meaningful.

🐱 Luna – The Plant Explorer

Luna, a 4-year-old spayed Siamese, arrived for sudden vomiting and lethargy. Her owners realized she had gotten into some houseplants overnight, and we were immediately concerned about possible toxicity. Steph had me help with hydration checks, setting up IV fluids, and monitoring her vitals closely. Luna was quiet and a little scared at first, but she gradually started moving around the kennel and exploring her surroundings. We also got a chance to discuss with Steph how to determine when a cat needs hospitalization versus home monitoring, which was really interesting. By mid-morning, she was more alert, showing interest in small treats, and her owners were thrilled to see her improving. It was a simple case, but it showed how quickly cats can respond when given proper supportive care.

🦴 Max – Backyard Sprain

Next was Max, a 7-year-old Golden Retriever, who came in limping on his right hind leg after a long run in the yard. His leg was swollen, and he was clearly uncomfortable, so we performed radiographs to rule out fractures. Thankfully, it was just a mild sprain. I helped Steph with the bandaging and administration of pain medication, and we reviewed proper rest and recovery instructions for his owners. Max was wagging his tail and trying to play despite the injury, which made it both funny and a little challenging to manage! It reminded me how even seemingly minor injuries can have a big impact on a dog’s mobility and comfort.

🧸 Cleo – The Curious Chewer

Cleo, a 2-year-old Labrador, was next. She had ingested a small toy part, and her owners were worried she might choke or develop an obstruction. She wasn’t showing distress yet, but the ER team wanted to monitor her closely and be ready to intervene if needed. I helped prep her for radiographs and watched as Steph explained the decision-making process for ingestion cases, like when to monitor versus when to perform endoscopy. Cleo was playful and very food-motivated, which made positioning her for imaging a little tricky, but it was great practice in patient handling. This case was a good reminder that ER isn’t always about dramatic emergencies — sometimes it’s about preventing problems before they get serious.

🐾 Oliver – The Wobbly Senior

Finally, Oliver, a 12-year-old Dachshund, came in with sudden hind limb weakness. He had trouble standing and was wobbling when trying to walk, so Steph walked me through a full neurologic assessment, including checking reflexes and muscle tone. We discussed potential causes, like intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) or a vascular event, and the importance of monitoring for pain, bladder function, and progression of weakness. Oliver was nervous but calm with Steph, and I got to assist with IV catheter placement and supportive care, which was a great hands-on learning experience. It was a little nerve-wracking seeing him so unstable, but by the end of the shift, he seemed more comfortable and was being closely monitored for the next steps.

✨ Overall Reflection:

Today reminded me why I love ER so much — every patient is different, every case is a new challenge, and being hands-on makes you feel like you’re truly helping. Working with Steph made the day smooth, educational, and really fun. I left tired but inspired. 💉🐶🐱❤️