Critical Care
Critical Care at Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Services
A critical care specialist’s job often involves initially stabilizing emergency patients upon arrival to our hospital. When it is determined what further advanced care is necessary, the critical care doctor continues to work closely with our other hospital clinicians to ensure the best ongoing monitoring and care.
When to See a Criticalist
Patients requiring a criticalist may have severe respiratory disease, altered cardiovascular status (including severe hypertension [high blood pressure], hypotension [low blood pressure], or an abnormal heart rhythm. Patients with severe, acute organ failure may also require intervention by a criticalist.
VSES Critical Care Services
- High Risk Anesthesia
- Advanced Nutritional Therapy
- Oxygen Therapy
- Pain Management
- Respiratory Therapy
- Transfusion Medicine
Meet Our Critical Care Team
Kat Kicera
DVM, Diplomate ACVECC
Dr. Kat Kicera joins our team as the second board-certified criticalist. She recently relocated to the Rochester area from Florida. Dr. Kicera attended the University of Miami, where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in creative writing and literature. She then completed her post-baccalaureate degree in pre-veterinary courses before earning her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Florida. Dr. Kicera completed a small animal rotating internship at Coral Springs Animal Hospital. She then completed an Emergency and Critical Care residency at the University of Florida.
Dr. Kicera’s professional interests include mechanical ventilation, shock, and sepsis.