WEST GREENWICH, R.I., Sept. 16, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- West Greenwich Animal Hospital in West Greenwich, RI announced that the hospital provides emergency pet care, no appointment required. The entire veterinary team is trained in urgent care, including accidental poisonings, blunt force trauma injuries, and viral infections. The emergency pet hospital has a board certified orthopedic surgeon available to perform emergency surgery. An ultrasound pet specialist is also available with prior appointment to assist the veterinarian.
From accidental poisoning and heat exhaustion to snakebites or blunt force trauma injuries, the veterinary care team at West Greenwich Animal Hospital is fully able to provide urgent care in the event of an emergency. The team is specially trained to respond to veterinary emergencies. The animal hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and operating facilities for emergency pet surgery.
"In the event of a pet health emergency, every minute counts," said veterinarian Dr. Ralph Pratt. "Our team is specially trained to respond with life-saving care. From accidental poisonings to emergency pet surgery, if a pet sustains a health emergency, we can help."
Dr. Ralph Pratt, and his wife, veterinarian Dr. Amy Pratt, are co-founders of the veterinary hospital. In addition to providing urgent care for animals, they also work closely with pet owners to help reduce the incidence of animal emergencies.
"The best way to treat a pet health emergency is to help prevent it in the first place," said Dr. Amy Pratt. "For example, many accidental poisonings could be avoided if pet owners kept household cleaners, medication, chocolate and other substances securely locked away our of their pet's reach. Even household plants, when eaten by pets, can cause serious health problems. We educate pet owners about the importance of pet proofing their homes to avoid potential emergencies."
During the hot summer months, Drs. Ralph and Amy Pratt worked hard to educate pet owners about the warning signs of heatstroke.
"On a hot day, pet owners must keep their pets cool and reduce physical exertion," said Dr. Ralph Pratt. "Recognizing the early warning signs helps prevent extreme symptoms, such as seizures, collapse and unconsciousness."
In the event of a pet health emergency, pet owners can take their pets to the animal hospital during business hours without an appointment. If owners can call ahead, a veterinary team member can provide assistance over the phone prior to arrival.
The emergency pet hospital provides urgent care for pets in the East Greenwich, Coventry, Richmond, Foster, Scituate, and Sterling Connecticut communities.
The animal hospital also provides routine pet wellness care, including vaccinations, spay and neuter operations, general pet medicine and pet dermatology. Pet owners may learn more about these services by visiting http://www.wgah.net/.