Skip to main content
A veterinary professional holds a black dog with shy ears in an office setting.

Critical Care

At Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital

With best-in-class medicine, technology, and an expert team, we’re fully prepared to provide the complete, compassionate care your pet needs.

You've come to the right place

We’re open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and require no referral or appointment for emergency services.

A small white terrier laying in a plush blue dog bed with a blue blanket and a yellow bone on a cyan background.
Two vets in maroon scrubs attending to a large fuzzy brown dog in a clinical setting.
A blue heeler stands between two smiling people in a veterinary setting with a CT scanner in the background.
Two people in blue scrubs interacting with a brindle dog in a veterinary clinic.
Woman with a dog exits the door of an emergency department with glass doors and a red "EMERGENCY" sign above.
A woman in a teal scrub top holds and pets an orange and cream spotted cat in a veterinary office.
A dog in a veterinary clinic sitting while looking at a woman holding a treat, with two other vets in scrubs nearby.
Veterinary hospital reception with staff at computers and a speckled countertop.
Person holding a black, white, and brown dog in a clinical setting.

We’re here for you and your pet

Schedule a visit. No referral needed.

We want you and your pet to have the best experience possible. If you need us to reach out to your primary care veterinarian for your records, we’re happy to do so.

Conditions

If your pet is experiencing any of these conditions, our board-certified specialists and teams have the expertise to make a difference.

  • Post-surgery recovery
  • Trauma
  • Sepsis
  • Respiratory distress
  • Pneumonia
  • Shock

Diagnostics

Comprehensive diagnostic testing allows you to gain a complete understanding of your pet’s condition.

  • Blood/urine testing
  • ECG (electrocardiography)
  • Endoscopy
  • Ultrasound
  • X-rays
  • MRI
  • CT

Treatments

Our approach to treatment prioritizes improving your pet’s quality of life through personalized, compassionate care.

  • Blood transfusions
  • Electrolyte replenishment
  • Oxygen therapy
  • Breathing support
  • Catheterization
  • Nutritional support
  • IV fluid therapy
  • Therapeutic plasma exchange

Prepare for your visit

  • 01Call us immediately, if possible. We’ll assess your pet’s condition before they arrive, then act once they do.
  • 02Pack your pet’s medical records. If they’ve swallowed something poisonous, bring the remains of what was eaten.
  • 03Travel gently with your loved ones. Use a carrier if you can.

During your visit

  • 01Check in once you arrive, and we'll see you as soon as possible.
  • 02Your pet will be thoroughly examined by an ER trained veterinarian to assess the severity of their condition.
  • 03We will discuss findings and provide recommendations for care, ensuring you are involved every step of the way.

After your visit

  • 01Follow your pet’s treatment plan and schedule check-ups with your primary veterinarian as recommended.
  • 02You know your pet best. If anything seems amiss or you have any concerns, give us a call — we’re here for you.
  • 03Our team will contact your primary veterinarian to provide records and discuss details of the care we provided.

Our critical care team

When your pet needs care, our highly trained specialists are here to help.

Our partner hospitals