The American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (ACVECC) has approved Penn Vet’s Ryan Hospital as one of nine designated Veterinary Trauma Centers in the U.S. – and the only recognized 24/7 Veterinary Trauma Center within a 100 mile radius of Philadelphia.  This prestigious distinction reflects Ryan Hospital’s comprehensive depth of resources available to animals suffering traumatic injuries. 

The criteria and expectations for Veterinary Trauma Centers include:

• The ability, on a 24/7 basis, to provide total care for every aspect of management of the small animal trauma patient, from emergency stabilization through definitive medical and surgical care and rehabilitation.

• The availability of board-certified specialists for consultation seven days per week in the fields of emergency and critical care, surgery, and radiology.

At Ryan Hospital, patient care can be tailored to individual needs through a team-based approach that allows emergency/critical care veterinarians to work closely with board- certified surgeons, anesthesiologists, internists, radiologists, cardiologists, neurologists, and other specialists to ensure patients receive the specialized medical care they need.  

“Our clients have access to board-certified specialists in every discipline,” said Bo Connell, Executive Director of Penn Vet’s Ryan Hospital.  “Our comprehensive capabilities, cutting-edge technology, and world-renowned specialists guarantee that the most up-to-date and advanced treatments are provided to our patients.”

Much like human trauma centers, Veterinary Trauma Centers also provide leadership in education and research.  “Our recognized faculty and staff are pioneers in research on trauma, shock, and other emergency conditions,” added Connell. 

One of the goals of the Veterinary Trauma Center network is to create a database of information related to animals sustaining trauma that can be used for multi-center veterinary trauma research.  These hospitals will work collaboratively to define high standards of care and disseminate information that improves trauma patient management efficiencies and outcomes.

“This new designation creates a standard of care in veterinary medicine that didn’t previously exist and provides pet owners with important information in the event of a trauma-related emergency,” said Dr. Armelle de Laforcade, an emergency and critical care veterinarian at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University and executive secretary of ACVECC.  “Receiving care at a certified trauma center with the necessary resources in place may help improve survival rates for the most severely traumatized patient.”