At Virginia Veterinary Centers, the best care happens when advanced training meets true compassion. Just look at Fredericksburg’s very own Dr. Margret Donahue. An Emergency & Critical Care Specialist, Dr. Donahue teamed up with RECOVER to become a CPR: Certified Pet Rescue Instructor and Basic Life Support and Advance Life Support Certified Instructor.
WHAT IS RECOVER?
The RECOVER Initiative is a non-profit, volunteer-based program within ACVECC and VECCS dedicated to conducting high-quality education, evidence search, and guideline creation for veterinary CPR. Their three main goals are:
Guidelines: Develop and update evidence-based, consensus veterinary-certified pet rescue guidelines through an exhaustive review of the primary CPR literature.
Education: Provide the only standardized CPR training to veterinary professionals and pet owners offering CPR certification through the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (ACVECC) and endorsed by the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society (VECCS).
Research: Inform and support scientific research to improve our approach to certified pet rescue in animals.
CERTIFIED PET RESCUE CERTIFICATION PROCESS
Applicants must pass an online course before qualifying for in-person certification. As a certified instructor, Dr. Donahue can certify veterinary professionals to perform correct CPR techniques. Dr. Donahue and Fredericksburg’s clinical manager, Kelia, recently visited Acredale Animal Hospital in Virginia Beach to teach a certification class. In total that day, 22 veterinary professionals were certified.
EDUCATION & TRAINING AT VVC
At Virginia Veterinary Centers, our intense training and education allow us to provide high-quality medicine to our patients. As a result, our board-certified specialists, emergency doctors, and team of support staff collaborate on cases to ensure that our patients receive the best care available.
Recently, Dr. Donahue put her new certification into action and ran a group RECOVER training with the team at VVC Fredericksburg. Together, our team prepared themselves for the ultimate emergency, utilizing the knowledge and skills required to give their patients the best chance of survival through certified pet rescue.
Are you a DVM interested in attending a RECOVER education course? Contact us to discuss training opportunities with Dr. Donahue.
CRITICAL CARE AT VVC
No one wants to see a pet struggling. But if it happens, our highly trained and experienced criticalists are here for you. Our team will provide the very best care for patients with life-threatening conditions, working hard for the best possible results.
SERVICES
Artificial organ support (oxygen therapy, ventilator therapy, specialized fluid support)
Blood transfusion therapy
Arterial Blood Gas
Status Epilepticus Treatments
Vasopressor Therapy
Multimodal Analgesia
Polytrauma Management
Emergency Airway Management
Parenteral Nutrition
Continuous Chest Drainage
Critically Ill Patient Post-Op Management
Diagnostic Procedures
Diagnostic Imaging
Mechanical Ventilation
Treatment for Life-Threatening Toxicitiestical Care
With extensive hours and three locations, we’ll be here when you and your pet need us. Our Critical Care department operates within our Fredericksburg and Richmond hospitals. Should you have any questions please contact us for more information.
