Emergency moments with pets are among the most stressful experiences a family can face. When time is critical and emotions are high, the team at Bridger Veterinary Specialists (BVS) consistently rises to the occasion, offering expertise, communication, and compassion in equal measure.
Luna usually woke her owner, Thomas, at the same time every morning. But one day, she came in unusually early—circling him, clearly in distress. When Thomas looked closer, he realized her face was covered in about 30 porcupine quills.
Knowing BVS was open 24/7, he rushed her to the ER. “A really nice woman came to the door and got Luna in immediately,” he shared. She was sedated, and the vet explained how tricky it is to remove quills due to their fragile, barbed tips.
After a few hours of monitoring and a dose of antibiotics, Luna was ready to go home and was back to herself within a day.
One evening, Joyce and her husband heard their cat Sunrise gagging. When they tried to help, he ran away, and what they thought was a mouse tail dangled from his mouth. Thinking he’d just caught a mouse, they let him be. But the next day, he couldn’t eat or drink without gagging. Their regular vet in Helena took x-rays and delivered shocking news: Sunrise had swallowed a sewing needle with thread still attached.
Their vet referred them to BVS for emergency surgery. “They couldn’t be more pleased with their services,” Joyce shared. The team at BVS removed the needle in just under an hour without any invasive cuts to Sunrise’s throat.
“They took Sunrise in on such short notice and we are so grateful,” Joyce said of the experience.
When Zazu was hit by a car chasing a deer, his family was devastated. After an initial assessment by their local vet, it was discovered he was developing Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC), a severe blood clotting disorder. Zazu was transferred immediately to BVS for advanced care.
“The staff swiftly took Zazu on a stretcher to begin urgent treatment,” said Zazu’s owner, Haley. “We were met at the front desk by an incredibly compassionate team who provided comfort during one of our family’s toughest days.”
Throughout the day, they received consistent updates from the team, including Dr. Dan Thomsen. “Calm and factual, he helped us understand what was happening without adding to our anxiety,” Haley said. Zazu responded to treatment remarkably well, and the very next morning, Dr. Thomsen shared the incredible news that Zazu could go home.
“When we visited him, it was like seeing a different dog compared to the one we saw the day before—full of life and spirit,” Haley said. “Thanks to the extraordinary care and dedication... we didn’t lose a cherished member of our family.”
Max had been William’s loyal companion for eight years; a quiet dog indoors, always nearby, and a ball of energy outside. One day, Max became very sick, his health declining rapidly. He was lethargic and refused to eat or drink. After a diagnosis of Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA) at their regular vet, William was warned that things could worsen. By the following morning, Max’s urine had turned dark red. William rushed him to BVS.
With over 40 years of experience as an Internal Medicine physician, William was deeply impressed by the team’s level of care. “His various docs at BVS called me twice a day,” he shared. “We discussed every procedure and therapeutic option, every lab result and clinical change.”
Max was treated in the ICU and needed intensive home care afterward. “I didn’t know if he’d make it through and I was worried that I’d put him through a week of misery... for nothing,” William admitted. But Max recovered, and two months later, he’s back to his old energetic self.
When Morgan noticed that Moose, his 13-year-old lab, was swollen all over, he immediately suspected a snake bite. He called BVS’s emergency number and was told to bring him in right away.
“When I got there, they were prepared to take Moose to the back immediately,” Morgan recalls. Over the next 10+ hours, the staff treated the bite with antivenin to neutralize the toxic effects of the snake venom, and kept Morgan informed. “They reduced my anxiety by keeping me updated,” and they were honest about the risks without sugarcoating the situation.
“Moose is a 13-year-old lab who worked his whole life, so he earned his retirement,” Morgan shared. Thanks to BVS, he’s doing exactly that.
These five stories are just a glimpse into the impact Bridger Veterinary Specialists has had on the Bozeman community. Whether it’s late-night emergencies, rare diagnoses, or unexpected injuries, BVS is where pets and their families find hope when it’s needed most.
"Thanks to the extraordinary care and dedication... we didn’t lose a cherished member of our family."
“We were met at the front desk by an incredibly compassionate team who provided comfort during one of our family’s toughest days.”