“Triage for canine (feline)!” resounds through the intercoms over 20 times per day at one of the country’s most advanced veterinary emergency and critical care (ECC) centers - not in New York City or Boston, but right here in Stamford’s Harbor Point.
Owned by Cornell University, and established in 2011, Cornell University Veterinary Specialists (CUVS) is one of only 23 VECCS (Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society) Certified Level 1 facilities in North America. This designation means that CUVS is staffed and equipped to provide the very highest level of emergency and critical care to handle the most critical of patients. A robust team of board-certified critical care specialists, specialty residents, emergency doctors, and highly skilled veterinary nurses work around the clock, 24/7/365, to provide life-saving care to dogs and cats, and compassionate support to their families.
“When you bring your pet to CUVS, we are dedicated to ensuring that not only does your pet receive the best possible care, but we spend the time needed to thoroughly explain everything to you, so that you’re positioned to make the best decisions for your pet”, says Dr. Susan Hackner, CUVS’s Chief Medical Officer. “We’re pet lovers. We know what it’s like to have a sick pet. We’ve been there. We’re here to give each and every pet the very best possible care – and we have the advanced expertise and technology to do just that. Not only is our ECC Department world-class, but it’s supported by a comprehensive group of experts in other specialties, including surgery, internal medicine, cardiology, ophthalmology and diagnostic imaging, to ensure that each patient benefits from the expertise that s/he needs.”
The CUVS Lifeline Blood Bank
Ensuring that each patient has access to immediate life-saving care was the impetus for the hospital’s very own in-house blood bank. The CUVS Lifeline Blood Bank, led by two board-certified critical care specialists, Dr. Anthony Gonzalez and Dr. Megan Murray, is one of exceedingly few in-house veterinary blood banks across the Tri-State Area. “Faced with nationwide shortages in animal blood products and an ever-increasing number of seriously ill pets that need them, CUVS recognized the need for a proactive, sustainable solution”, says Dr. Gonzalez. "Blood transfusions are often essential to stabilize trauma patients, manage complex surgeries, and support patients with severe anemia. With timely access to blood products, our ability to save lives is significantly enhanced."
Starting with Peter, CUVS’s first canine donor, the blood bank now counts over 240 donors. Peter, an energetic and sociable mixed-breed dog, has donated enough times to have changed the lives of many other pets. “It’s a no-brainer for me,” says Peter’s owner. “He loves coming to CUVS every three months for this, is completely unfazed by donating, and I know the impact that this has for other dogs”. The volunteer program is supported by a dedicated group of pet owners and service organizations, relying mainly on local pet owners to become lifesaving donor families. “The people that come to us have a reason that they want to be a part of the program,” says Dr. Gonzalez. “Whether it’s a prior experience of a pet in need, or personal fulfillment, they’re choosing to give back. They’re making themselves and their pet available as a way of paying it forward.” And it does. Each donation produces four units of red blood cells and plasma, enough to potentially save four other pets. “It’s extremely rewarding to be able to help patients. And doubly rewarding that, when our team administers a unit of blood, we know the pet and the family that it comes from.”
So what does it take to become a CUVS Lifesaver? Generally, dogs weighing over 50 lbs and cats over 9 lbs, who are between 1 and 8 years of age, may be considered suitable, as long as they are healthy, up to date on vaccinations and preventatives, not on chronic medications, and have a calm and friendly temperament. Donor families receive a number of benefits including comprehensive health screenings, an annual supply of preventatives, exclusive Lifesaver swag and, of course, the knowledge that they are saving lives.
Interested in your pet becoming a CUVS Lifesaver? Contact bloodbank@cuvs.org for more information.