Advanced Critical & Emergency Care for Your Pet
Why Choose Our Critical Care Team?
Expert, life-saving emergency care for pets throughout Wisconsin and beyond. Our board-certified criticalists and emergency veterinarians provide 24/7 specialized treatment for the most severely ill and injured pets.
Why See a Veterinary Critical Care Specialist?
When every second counts, the advanced training of a criticalist can make the difference between life and death. For pets facing life-threatening trauma, poisoning, or sudden severe illness, our specialists bring expertise in complex resuscitation, advanced life support, and continuous intensive care monitoring that general practices may not offer.
Advanced Training and Expertise
Our criticalists are Diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (DACVECC). This signifies completion of a rigorous multi-year residency focused exclusively on emergency and critical care medicine, mastering the management of the most unstable patients.
Specialized Diagnostic & Monitoring Tools
Our Level II VECCS-Certified facility features a state-of-the-art Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with advanced monitoring (continuous ECG, blood pressure, oxygenation), in-house laboratory for instant results, mechanical ventilators, and immediate access to blood products and emergency medications.
Tailored Treatment & Stabilization Plans
We develop immediate, individualized stabilization and treatment strategies for each critical patient, integrating advanced pain management, nutritional support, and continuous care to support recovery.
Collaborative Care Approach
We work seamlessly with your primary veterinarian and all internal specialty services such as surgery, internal medicine, and neurology to ensure your pet receives comprehensive, uninterrupted care from emergency through recovery.
Meet our Critical Care Staff:
Dr. Finstad is a diplomat of the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical care. She attended the University of Wisconsin for veterinary medical school followed by a rotating internship at Tufts University and an ECC residency at The Ohio State University. During residency she became captivated by the kidney and extracorporeal therapy. She is currently a member of the inaugural class of the American College of Veterinary Nephrology and Urology, completed Hemodialysis Academy and a fellowship in Extracorporeal Therapy at OSU. She hopes to one day be considered a veterinary critical care nephrologist.
In her spare time, Dr. Finstad loves to spend time with her husband, Zach, and their Labrador Retriever, Samson.
Emily joined the MVS team in December 2025.
Kennedy joined the MVS team in March 2025.
Conditions We Treat
Our critical care team is equipped to diagnose and manage the full spectrum of life-threatening emergencies.
Severe Trauma
Immediate care for pets after accidents, falls, animal attacks, or other major physical injuries.
Toxin Ingestion & Overdose
Rapid decontamination and treatment for ingestion of toxins like antifreeze, human medications, pesticides, or toxic foods.
Acute Abdominal Emergencies
Treatment for gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV or “bloat”), sudden severe vomiting/retching, or acute abdominal swelling and pain.
Respiratory Distress & Failure
Management of severe breathing difficulties, including providing oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation.
Shock & Sepsis
Aggressive treatment for systemic shock, severe infections (sepsis), and overwhelming inflammation.
Acute Urinary & Metabolic Crises
Emergency intervention for urinary blockages, diabetic crises, severe electrolyte imbalances, and sudden collapse.
Advanced Diagnostic & Treatment Procedures
Immediate, accurate diagnosis and advanced supportive care are the foundations of saving lives in critical care.
24/7 Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
Constant monitoring of vital signs including ECG, blood pressure, and oxygen levels by dedicated nurses and doctors.
Advanced Respiratory Support
High-flow oxygen therapy and full mechanical ventilation for pets who cannot breathe effectively on their own.
Comprehensive Transfusion Medicine
Immediate access to life-saving blood products (plasma, packed red blood cells) for patients suffering from trauma, poisoning, or disease.
Point-of-Care Laboratory Testing
In-house blood gas, electrolyte, and chemistry analysis to guide treatment decisions in real time, 24 hours a day.
Advanced Pain Management & Sedation
Continuous pain scoring and multi-modal pain relief protocols, including constant rate infusions (CRIs), to ensure patient comfort.
Preparing for Your Emergency Visit
In an emergency, every moment is crucial. To help us act quickly:
Call Ahead if Possible: Contact us at (608) 274-7772 while you are on your way so we can prepare for your pet's arrival.
If safe and feasible, bring any current medications or the container of any ingested toxin.
Know Your Pet's History: Be ready to describe the timeline of symptoms and any relevant pre-existing conditions.
Experiencing An Emergency? Call Now (608) 274-7772
Home Care Tips After a Critical Illness
Recovery continues at home. Following discharge, these practices can support your pet’s healing:
Strict Activity Restriction: Adhere to leash walking and crate rest instructions. Prevent running, jumping, and playing for the prescribed period (often 8-12 weeks for procedures like TPLO).
Incision & Bandage Care: Keep the surgical site clean, dry, and monitor for redness, swelling, or discharge. Follow our specific guides for [Cast & Bandage Home Care](link to your PDF).
Manage Pain & Discomfort: Administer all prescribed medications on schedule and monitor your pet's comfort level.
Follow Rehabilitation Plans: Commit to prescribed physical therapy exercises. Our [TPLO Rehabilitation Guide](link to your PDF) provides a structured recovery roadmap.
Monitor Appetite & Behavior: A gradual return to normal eating, drinking, and temperament are positive signs of healing.
Ready to Help Your Pet Heal?
If your pet needs advanced surgical care for an injury, orthopedic condition, or complex mass removal, our team is here to help. Many pet owners travel from throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, and the greater Midwest to access our board-certified surgical expertise in Madison.
At Madison Veterinary Specialists, we understand that surgery can be a stressful experience. Our board-certified surgeons and dedicated team are committed to providing compassionate, precise care—from consultation through recovery—to help your pet return to a happy, active life.