Veterinary Emergency + Referral Center of Hawaii

We are excited to announce that VERC now has an Instagram Page!! Follow us at .Hawaii

We are thrilled to connect with our amazing community of pet parents, veterinary professionals, and animal lovers. At VERC, we are dedicated to providing the highest level of care for your furry family members, whether it’s an emergency or a specialized treatment.

🐾 Follow us for:
✨ Expert tips on pet health and wellness
✨ Behind-the-scenes looks at our hospital and team
✨ Heartwarming pet stories and success cases
✨ Information on the latest advancements in veterinary medicine
✨ Community events and engagement

Let’s embark on this journey together to ensure the best care for our pets. Thank you for trusting us with your pet’s health. Your pet’s well-being is our top priority, and we are here for you 24/7. 🐶🐱❤️

From our family to yours, we wish you a happy and safe Labor Day! 😄

This is a friendly reminder that our hospital will be OPEN 24/7 on Labor Day, in case of any unexpected emergencies. Thank you and Happy Labor Day!

What a tangled tale we have to tell! Our two feline friends, Sushi and Chopstix, gave their owners quite the scare with a chewed-up package of string. But don't worry, they're both doing purr-fectly fine now after our skillful ER team saved the day! Our technician, Shelby, uncovered the mischief-maker, Sushi, who managed to swallow 8ft of h**p string! Talk about a big appetite! After a successful treatment and some anti-nausea injections, these two are back home, hopefully staying away from any more stringy snacks! 🐱😷🧵 .Hawaii

Join us in extending a warm welcome to our newest specialist, Dr. Corrine Lawson, a board-certified Criticalist who has joined our Emergency and Critical Care team. 🐾 ❤️

Not only a dedicated medical professional, Dr. Lawson is equally devoted to teaching, mentoring, and creating vibrant learning environments for fellow veterinarians. No matter how difficult the case, Dr. Lawson seeks to make a difference for all of her patients and their families. We're so excited to have her onboard to expand the critical care service in Oahu and deliver hope to countless families. 🌺🌴

📕 Learn more about Dr. Lawson: https://www.verchawaii.com/staff/corrine-lawson

.hawaii

Veterinary Emergency + Referral Center of Hawaii Compassionate care and client communication are the cornerstones of our practice.

What a wonderful evening it was! Last night we had the pleasure of hosting a Continuing Education dinner for Hawaii's dedicated veterinarians at Stage Restaurant. Our very own board-certified Criticalist, Dr. Andrew Cruickshank, shared invaluable insights on respiratory emergencies. A huge thank you to all who joined us and helped make this event a great success! Special thanks to Hill’s Pet Nutrition for your generous support. We truly appreciate our wonderful veterinary community! ❤️ 🐾

You first heard about Po's challenging journey back in January when he underwent a craniotomy with our Neurology team to address a brain tumor. Following that, he received stereotactic radiation therapy with Dr. Quarterman at TrueCare for pets in Los Angeles.

We’re thrilled to share that Po recently had another MRI to assess his progress, and we’re delighted to report that no evidence of the brain tumor was found! 🎊

Thank you to everyone involved in Po's care for your dedication and support. We’re so grateful for this positive outcome and wish Po continued health and happiness! ❤️🎉🐾

Today is National Check the Chip Day. 🏠 💕

Keeping our furry friends safe is a top priority! Has your pet been chipped yet?
🐾 If yes, double-check their registration details to make sure they have been updated for any recent address changes.
🐾 If not, talk with your veterinarian today to see if this is an option for your pet.

Happy Spoil Your Dog Day, dog parents! 🐶 As if we really needed an official day to shower our fur-babies with more love. What's your special treat for today? 🍖 A lengthy walk? 🐾 Or perhaps an extended cuddle fest on the couch? 💕 Show us your happy spoiled dogos in the comments below! 📷

After a sneezing sprint that left her utterly exhausted, Evie mustered her courage for blood tests, chest rads, CT scan, and a rhinoscopy. Diagnosis? An invincible hair she couldn't sneeze out! Following a week of anti-inflammatory meds and healing rest with her favorite toys and little sister, our brave girl is back to her lively self. 💕

Paws up for International Cat Day! 🌍🐾 Let's honor our purr-fect pals who fill our hearts with love and life with happy snuggles. Snap a pic of your feline friend and share why they are the cat's meow! 🐱❤️

We're thrilled to welcome Dr. Kathryn Pitt to our renowned surgery team! With her impressive background—graduating from Michigan State University, completing her residency at UC-Davis, and finishing a Surgical Oncology Fellowship at Colorado State University—she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. Passionate about education, she also holds a post-graduate certificate in Veterinary Education. We're excited to provide her expertise in soft tissue and surgical oncology procedures to our patients!

Read more about Dr. Pitt: https://www.verchawaii.com/staff/kathryn-a-pitt

Beach days are the best days, especially with our furry pals! Keep an eye out for these signs – they may suggest your buddy had a bit more fun than intended signs after romping in the saltwater:
• Vomiting 🤮
• Diarrhea 💩
• Irritated eyes 👀
• Excessive head shaking 🐶
• Lethargy 😴
• Irritated skin 🐾

Spot any of these symptoms? Give us a call at (808) 735-7735 to determine if further medical assistance is needed. Let’s keep those tails wagging safely!

Meet Max, the friendly and lovable feline member of our client care team! Providing the purr-fect start to our week. 🐱

From everyone at VERC, we wish you and your family a happy and safe 4th of July!

As we prepare to celebrate the 4th of July, here are some tips to ensure your pets' safety during the festivities. Remember, if an emergency occurs, we are available 24 hours a day. Please feel free to contact us at (808) 735-7735 if you need assistance.

🌞🐾 Keeping Pets Hydrated: Your Summer Guide! 🐾🌞

Just like us, our furry friends can suffer from dehydration and heatstroke. Here's how you can keep your pet safe and hydrated:

🚰 Fresh Water Always: Ensure your pet has access to fresh water at all times. Change their water daily and consider multiple water stations in your home.

🌳 Shade is a Must: Whether indoors or out, make sure your pet can relax in cool, shaded areas, away from direct sunlight.

👅 Watch for Signs of Dehydration:

Excessive panting or difficulty breathing
Increased heart rate
Dry or sticky gums
Weakness or lethargy
Sunken eyes

🕒 Mind the Time: Avoid vigorous play or walks during peak sun hours. Early mornings or evenings are safer and cooler.

🍉 Fun with Ice & Treats: Spice up their hydration routine with ice cubes, frozen treats, or fruits safe for pets (like watermelon, minus the seeds!).

🚑 Know When to React: If your pet shows any signs of dehydration or heatstroke, it's essential to act fast:

💦 Provide them water immediately
💨 Bring them to a cool, air-conditioned area
🆒 Apply towels soaked in cool (not cold) water to their head, neck, and chest
📞 We're Here to Help: If your pet’s symptoms persist or worsen, bring them in to be seen. Our team is ready to ensure they receive the care they need.

Let’s make this summer safe and enjoyable for our pets! July is Pet Hydration Awareness Month. Remember, if you're ever concerned about your pet's hydration or heat tolerance, give us a call or visit us. Your pet's health is our top priority! 💧🐶😺

Looking for a summer fruit that’s safe to share? 🍉 🍉 🍉

Watermelon is 92% water so it’s a great treat to help keep your pet hydrated. It also has low calories, no fat or cholesterol, and is high in potassium and vitamins A, B6, and C. But be sure to remove the seeds and rind!

Try freezing small chunks of watermelon to make an extra special treat for a hot day! 🍉 🍉 🍉

🐾📸 Happy National Selfie Day, pet parents! 📸🐶🐱

Today is the paw-fect excuse to strike a pose with your furry best friend! 🐾❤️ Whether it's a silly selfie or a heartwarming moment, let's celebrate the unconditional love and joy our pets bring to our lives. 🥰

Share your favorite pet selfies in the comments below and spread some smiles! Let's fill our feeds with adorable faces and wagging tails! 🐾📸

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Hooray for summer! ☀️ What activities will you be doing with your companions this summer?

VERC is a college friendly workplace! We provide internship opportunities to students from the WCC Vet Tech Program at Windward Community College. Let’s extend a warm welcome to Michelle (left) and Tatum (right) who are interning with us this Summer! Congratulations to both of you on your achievements so far!

Happy Father's Day to all the wonderful dads of both four- and two-legged "children"! 💕🐱🐶

🔥🚗Hot Car Alert: Keep Your Pet Safe! 🚗🔥
With summer in full swing, remember the dangers of leaving pets in hot cars. At VERC, we're here to ensure the safety and well-being of your furry family members.
Even on relatively mild days, the inside of a parked car can quickly become dangerously hot, putting pets at risk of heat stroke and even death. Here's what you can do to keep your pet safe:
1. Never Leave Pets Unattended: Even for a few minutes, never leave your pet alone in a parked car. The temperature inside can skyrocket in a matter of minutes.
2. Plan Ahead: If you're running errands, leave your pet at home where they'll be safe and comfortable.
3. Spread Awareness: Educate friends and family about the dangers of leaving pets in hot cars. It takes a community to keep our pets safe.
Let's work together to keep pets out of hot cars and ensure a safe and enjoyable summer for all. If you have any concerns about your pet's well-being, don't hesitate to contact us for guidance. 🐾☀️

🐾🚨 Pet Disaster Preparedness Month is here! 🚨🐾
Is your furry friend ready for anything? 🌀 🔥🌊 Don't wait until it's too late to ensure your pet's safety during emergencies. Follow our checklist for the perfect pet disaster preparedness kit:
✔️ Food & Water: Stock up on a 3-7 day supply of food and 1 gallon of water per day for each pet.
✔️ Medications & Medical Records: Pack a 1-2 week supply of meds and copies of your pet's medical records.
✔️ Identification: Update ID tags and consider microchipping your pet for added security.
✔️ Comfort & Shelter: Have carriers, bedding, and familiar toys ready to reduce stress.
✔️ Sanitation: Don't forget litter, waste bags, and cleaning supplies.
✔️ Safety Equipment: Leashes, flashlights, and reflective gear ensure safe transport.
✔️ Emergency Contacts: Keep vet info and pet-friendly accommodations handy.
✔️ Special Needs: Cater to your pet's unique requirements with specific supplies.
✔️ Documentation & Planning: Create a written plan and share it with your family.
Be proactive, not reactive! 🛡️ Share this checklist with fellow pet parents to help them prepare too. Together, we can keep our beloved pets safe no matter what comes our way. 🐶🐱

🌸 Managing Seasonal Allergies in Pets 🌸

Spring and summer bring beautiful blooms, but also seasonal allergies for many pets.
Here’s how to help:

🤧 Symptoms: Itching, redness, sneezing, ear infections.
❤️ Prevention: Wipe your pet’s paws and fur after outdoor play, use air purifiers, and consult your vet for allergy management options.
❤️Treatment: Your vet may recommend antihistamines, medicated shampoos, or allergy shots.
❤️Help your pets enjoy the season without the itch!

🔥🐾 Hot Asphalt Alert: Protect Your Pup's Paws! 🐾🔥
As temperatures soar, remember that hot asphalt can pose a serious risk to your furry friend's paws.
Walking on hot pavement can lead to painful burns and blisters on your dog's paw pads. Here's what you can do to keep them safe:
1. Test the Pavement: Before heading out, place the back of your hand on the pavement. If it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for your dog's paws.
2. Opt for Cooler Times: Schedule walks during cooler parts of the day, like early morning or late evening, to avoid hot pavement.
3. Protective Measures: Consider using protective booties to shield your pup's paws from the heat.
4. Stay in the Grass: Whenever possible, walk your dog on grassy areas or shaded paths to minimize contact with hot surfaces.
5. Hydrate and Rest: Bring along water for your dog to drink and take breaks in the shade to prevent overheating.
By staying vigilant and taking these precautions, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable summer for your furry companion.
Let's keep those paws cool and happy! 🐶❤️

We are so excited to introduce another new veterinarian on our ER team!

Dr. Jang was born in Korea and grew up on the east coast of Canada where she attended veterinary school. She completed a small animal rotating internship at Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington DC prior to moving to Hawaii. She has been practicing emergency and critical care (ECC) medicine ever since. Aside from ECC, her professional interests include neurology, animal welfare, trauma, and toxicology.

Join us in welcoming Dr. Ang to our ER team!!

Dr Erica Ang grew up in Singapore and obtained her veterinary degree from the Royal Veterinary College in London. She practiced in Singapore as a general practitioner, then transitioned to emergency & critical care for several years before moving to Hawaii. Her medical interests include internal medicine, emergency medicine, and critical care. She finds treating critically ill pets deeply rewarding as they recover and are nursed back to health. She is excited to join VERC and work with a team of like-minded animal lovers.