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SPONSORED CONTENT
Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center
By Carla Mader ( Pet Connection Magazine ), Sherwood Johnson , DVM , DACVIM ( PVSEC ), and Kenton Rexford , VMD ( PVSEC )
Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center ( PVSEC ) is western Pennsylvania ’ s most comprehensive multi-specialty referral and emergency veterinary center , providing small animal veterinary services in 14 disciplines and 24 / 7 emergency care . PVSEC is conveniently located and easily accessible in the North Hills , off I-279 .
Pittsburgh is very fortunate to have a premier veterinary center like PVSEC in our region . The specialty and emergency services support and complement the care local veterinarians offer . PVSEC does not provide any routine or preventive veterinary care and , with the exception of the emergency service , only sees patients who have been referred by veterinarians . Its 34,000-sq . -ft . state-of-the-art facility offers advanced diagnostics and procedures all under one roof . It is also open 24 hours a day , 365 days a year .
To become a Diplomate of a veterinary specialty college , veterinarians must complete additional training usually comprised of a one-year internship , followed by two to four years in an approved residency program for their specialty , followed by extensive board examinations . Only after completing this additional training and passing specialty board exams may a veterinarian refer to him / herself as a specialist . PVSEC trains both interns and residents in some of these specialties .
PVSEC currently employs Specialists in many disciplines – Anesthesia , Cardiology , Critical Care , Dentistry , Dermatology , Internal Medicine , Neurology , Medical Oncology , Ophthalmology , Radiation Therapy , Radiology , and Surgery . It trains and employs a number of these specialty technicians .
WHY DO VETERINARIANS REFER TO PVSEC ?
PVSEC ’ s philosophy of providing outstanding care and being a leader in veterinary medicine is recognized by our area veterinarians . A very large referral base of veterinarians in western Pennsylvania , Ohio and West Virginia consult with and refer patients to PVSEC daily . In this way , PVSEC functions as an extension of local veterinary practices to provide their patients with advanced services and exceptional 24 / 7 patient care , and provides open communication to foster a team approach to medical care . Your veterinarian may refer you to a PVSEC specialist for advanced care when medically indicated . The specialists have extensive training and experience managing complicated and critical cases . PVSEC offers the most diverse team of specialists in Pittsburgh , with 14 veterinary services represented , allowing consultations between disciplines for the most comprehensive care possible . Advanced diagnostics such as MRI , CT , ultrasound , digital radiography , fluoroscopy , endoscopy , and much more assist in rapidly diagnosing problems and devising an appropriate treatment plan for your pet . The value of this cannot be overstated when your pet ’ s health is at stake . Early referral by your veterinarian can prevent problems from progressing – saving time , money and possibly even your pet ’ s life .
WHAT ’ S NEW AT PVSEC ?
This year has seen some important changes at PVSEC :
■ A veterinary social worker and internship program has been established to provide support to clients and staff alike , when dealing with difficult and emotional situations . This is one of many examples of how PVSEC truly cares for pet owners and employees , as well as patients .
■ PVSEC is partnering with PetCure Oncology to implement a new stereotactic radiosurgery ( SRS ) service . SRS ( also referred to as gamma knife ) is a non-invasive way of treating tumors with radiation that requires fewer treatments than traditional radiation therapy , has fewer side effects , and yet is more effective . PVSEC hopes to be offering this treatment in early 2017 . Currently , it will be one of only five veterinary hospitals to offer this service in the United States .
■ Construction is underway on PVSEC ’ s second location on Route 19 in Washington , Pa . This location is expected to open in the summer of 2017 , and will provide more convenient access for patients from Pittsburgh ’ s South Hills , West Virginia , and the I-70 corridor .
PVSEC ’ s main location is 807 Camp Horne Rd ., Pittsburgh , PA 15237 . Please call PVSEC at 412.366.3400 or visit www . pvs-ec . com for additional information .
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