WVRCWaukesha

03/24/2026

🚨 Lunch & Learn Success at Crawford Animal Hospital!

Dr. Bianco and Maddie led an extended, RACE-approved CPR program with hands-on mock drills, giving 23 attendees the chance to practice lifesaving skills. 🐾

Fantastic questions came up about real clinic situations. We love seeing this level of engagement from veterinary teams! 👏

03/23/2026

🐾 Happy National Puppy Day! 🐾

Puppies bring a lot of joy… and sometimes, a lot of unexpected emergencies. Their curiosity (and tendency to chew everything) can land them in situations that need immediate veterinary care.

At an emergency hospital, some of the most common reasons we see puppies include:

🚨 Eating something they shouldn’t
Socks, toys, rocks, chocolate, you name it. Foreign body obstructions and toxic ingestions are some of the top ER visits for puppies.

🚨 Sudden vomiting or diarrhea
Puppies can become dehydrated quickly, and illnesses like parvovirus can escalate fast without urgent care.

🚨 Accidents & injuries
Falls, rough play, or being accidentally stepped on can lead to fractures or internal injuries.

🚨 Difficulty breathing
Coughing, choking, or respiratory distress should always be treated as an emergency.

🚨 Seizures or extreme lethargy
Low blood sugar, toxins, or underlying conditions can cause rapid changes in a puppy’s behavior and energy level.

Puppies don’t always show us when something is wrong until it becomes serious. Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it’s always better to have them evaluated right away.

Today we celebrate all the playful, curious, and lovable puppies, but also remind pet parents that when the unexpected happens, emergency care is here when you need it most. 🐶💙

03/20/2026

Spring break travel plans? Don’t forget, emergencies don’t take vacations. 🌴🚗🐾

Whether your pet is hitting the road with you or staying home with a sitter, ERs see an increase in spring break–related emergencies, including:

• Pets getting into medications, trash, or unfamiliar foods
• Anxiety-related issues, escape attempts in new environments, or when routines change at home
• Illnesses that go unnoticed at first when pets are under someone else’s care
• Heat exhaustion during travel or unexpected warm weather
• Foreign body ingestions (especially from “special treats” or table scraps)

Before you leave, make sure your pet sitter knows where the nearest ER is and when to go. A quick decision in an emergency can make all the difference!

03/18/2026

Spring in the Midwest brings more wildlife activity and more pet emergencies.

We’re seeing an increase in urgent cases from unexpected encounters outdoors.

🚨 Common ER visits this time of year:
• Bite wounds from raccoons or other wildlife
• Snake bites
• Trauma from chasing animals
• Porcupine quills and embedded foreign bodies

⚠️ Don’t wait if you notice:
Swelling, pain, lethargy, difficulty breathing, or any visible wounds after a possible wildlife encounter.

These situations can escalate quickly. Prompt emergency care can make all the difference.

03/17/2026

What makes WVRC Waukesha special? The people. 💙

Once a month we host a “Feel Good Day,” where our team shares notes of appreciation through our Appreciation Station. Staff members submit shoutouts, thank-you notes, and recognition for their coworkers who make a difference every day.

It’s just one of the ways we celebrate the teamwork and culture that make this place so special.

03/17/2026

Meet Rose. 💗

Dumped at a Texas veterinary hospital at just seven weeks old, this English Bulldog was fighting for her life against parvovirus. While her brother sadly didn’t survive, Rose refused to give up.

After finding her forever family, Rose’s journey continued with the support of our team. From managing chronic IBD with Dr. Balog to undergoing emergency procedures with our surgical team led by Dr. Hurley, Rose’s story is a powerful reminder of the dedication behind lifelong pet care.

Today, she’s thriving! She is a veggie-loving, zoomie-powered bundle of joy who believes her main job in life is loving every person she meets. 🐾

We’re so proud of Rose and grateful for the incredible commitment her family has shown every step of the way. Stories like hers remind us why we do what we do.

03/11/2026

Parasite Season Is Starting Earlier in the Midwest

Warmer temperatures arriving earlier in the year mean parasites like ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes are becoming active sooner than many pet owners expect. Unfortunately, this can increase the risk of emergency health issues for pets.

At an emergency veterinary hospital, we sometimes see the more serious consequences of parasite exposure, including:
• Severe tick-borne illnesses
• Complications from heartworm disease
• Flea infestations leading to anemia in small or young pets
• Allergic reactions to bites or stings

If your pet suddenly becomes lethargic, develops pale gums, vomits, has trouble breathing, or collapses after possible parasite exposure, it may be a medical emergency and should be evaluated right away.

Earlier parasite activity means it’s important to stay vigilant and monitor your pet closely after time outdoors, especially as we head into spring. 🐾

03/04/2026

Spring is almost here🌷and while you’re freshening up your home and yard, it’s important to remember that some seasonal products can pose serious risks to pets.

At a veterinary emergency hospital, we often see an increase in toxin exposures this time of year. Here are a few common spring hazards to keep on your radar:

🧼 Cleaning Products
Bleach, disinfectants, multi-surface sprays, and toilet bowl cleaners can cause vomiting, drooling, breathing difficulty, or chemical burns if licked or walked through and groomed off paws.

🌼 Fertilizers & Lawn Treatments
Early spring lawn care products may contain fertilizers, herbicides, or insecticides that can cause stomach upset, tremors, or more serious toxicity if ingested.

🐜 Slug & Rodent Baits
These are especially dangerous. Some can cause seizures or life-threatening internal bleeding.

🌷 Spring Bulbs & Plants
Tulips, daffodils, and other early bloomers can cause GI upset and some plants can be more toxic depending on the amount ingested.

💡 Pet Safety Tips:
• Store all chemicals securely out of reach
• Keep pets off treated lawns until fully dry (follow label instructions carefully)
• Wipe paws after outdoor time
• Choose pet-safe or pet-friendly products whenever possible

If your pet has ingested something concerning or is showing signs like vomiting, tremors, lethargy, or drooling, seek veterinary care right away. Early treatment can make all the difference.

03/04/2026

Recently, Brookfield Animal Hospital welcomed our Veterinary Social Worker, Neil for a Lunch & Learn focused on Coping Skills and Boundaries.

After the heartbreaking loss of one of their beloved clinic cats, their team was navigating the very real grief that comes with loving and caring for patients every day. Veterinary medicine asks so much of the people in it both emotionally and mentally.

Neil shared practical tools and crisis coping techniques to help team members process grief, establish healthy boundaries, and protect their well-being in high-stress moments.

Supporting mental health in veterinary medicine isn’t optional, it’s essential. We’re grateful to partner with practices that prioritize caring for their teams as deeply as they care for their patients. 💙

03/03/2026

Don't forget to register for our pet owner CPR session! There are still spots available! 🐱🐶

🚑🐾 Pet CPR Rescuer Workshop 🐾🚑

Join us on March 12th at WVRC Waukesha for a hands-on Pet CPR workshop designed to help pet owners feel more prepared in an emergency. Learn how to assess an unresponsive pet, perform chest compressions, and recognize when immediate veterinary care is needed.

📍 WVRC Waukesha
W239 N1046 Pewaukee Road
Waukesha, WI 53188

🕕 6:00–8:30 PM

⚠️ Important: Completion of the online Pet CPR course is required before registering for the in-person workshop.

👉 Online course: https://recoverinitiative.org/pet-owners-and-pet-professionals/cpr-course-for-pet-owners-and-pet-professionals/

👉 Register for the in-person session: https://form.jotform.com/260295772242055

Spots are limited! Secure yours today! 🐶🐱

For any questions please email: RECOVERPETRESCUER.WVRC@ethosvet.com

02/20/2026

We’re proud to share that WVRC Waukesha has been reverified as a Level II Veterinary Trauma Center by the Veterinary Committee on Trauma (VetCOT)!

WVRC has held this distinction since 2019 and we remain the ONLY approved and registered veterinary trauma center in Wisconsin.

So what does this mean for pets and families?

A verified Veterinary Trauma Center provides team-based, comprehensive care for injured patients. An emergency veterinarian is immediately available, with specialists accessible for consultation and advanced treatment as needed. This verification is determined by an outside governing body, ensuring the highest standards of trauma care are met.

In addition to delivering advanced care every day, our teams also contribute to the future of veterinary medicine. Trauma cases seen at WVRC are included in ongoing data collection that supports national research efforts leading to 34 publications to date that help improve outcomes for pets everywhere.

We are incredibly proud of our doctors, technicians, and support staff whose dedication makes this achievement possible. Thank you for trusting us with your pets when it matters most.

02/19/2026

Cold weather can be tough on pets, especially those living with arthritis or mobility challenges. ❄️ Just like people, stiff joints and aching muscles often feel worse in the winter months, making it harder for pets to get around comfortably.

Signs your pet may be struggling this season include:
• Slower to get up or lie down
• Hesitation with stairs or jumping
• Limping or stiffness after rest
• Sleeping more or avoiding activity

How you can help at home:
🐾 Provide warm, supportive bedding away from drafts
🐾 Use rugs or mats to prevent slipping on hard floors
🐾 Keep nails trimmed for better traction
🐾 Maintain gentle, consistent exercise to keep joints moving
🐾 Talk with your veterinarian about pain management and mobility support options

If your pet seems suddenly in more pain, unable to walk, or has a noticeable decline in mobility, that can be an emergency. Our team is here to help