Michigan Veterinary Specialists
search MichVet.com:
departments
& services
for our
clients
educational
library
in the news
careers
contact us
links
for veterinary
professionals

EMERGENCY AND CRITICAL CARE

Because emergencies are never planned, our emergency service operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week handling unexpected trauma, illness and injury. Our ER facilities are staffed at all times by highly skilled, compassionate doctors and technicians capable of handling even the most complicated and demanding pet emergencies. In addition, the Michigan Veterinary Specialists team of specialists are on-call to assist in providing excellent, comprehensive emergency care.

Whenever possible, in an emergency situation, try to contact your family veterinarian first. If he or she cannot comfortably handle the problem or is not available, take your pet to the nearest reputable 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital.

You never know when an emergency will arise, but being prepared with good information, the right tools and appropriate steps can save precious time and lives.

YOUR APPOINTMENT

If possible, please call our office or ask your veterinarian to contact us before you arrive so we can be prepared to meet you at our entrance doors. Our hospitals are staffed 24/7 and you can call to schedule an appointment anytime. If time allows, we will explain our examination fees before you arrive. The costs of any additional testing and treatments are not known at the time, so it is not always possible to estimate all costs. Once we examine your pet, your MVS doctor or technician will provide you with an accurate assessment of your pet's treatment options, plans and costs.

Read more about appointments, including what to expect, procedures, and payment policies.

SOME BASICS

  • Keep your veterinarian's phone number in a handy location near your phone.
  • Know where the nearest 24-hour emergency veterinary facility is located.
  • Have the phone number of Poison Control.
  • Make sure your pet has his or her identification tag on at all times.
  • It is a good idea to keep a pet first-aid kit in your home.

HOW TO HANDLE AN INJURED PET

  • Injured animals must always be approached with extreme caution. Even though the animal may normally be very docile and friendly, when they are hurt, they are most likely scared and nervous and will bite or scratch.
  • Approach the animal slowly and cautiously, and speak in a quiet and calm voice.
  • Before taking any action, STOP and do a quick assessment of the animal:
    • Be sure you are not putting yourself into a dangerous situation - check the area for other animals, cars, etc.
    • Listen to the animal to see if he or she is breathing or making any unusual sounds. You may want to put your hand near the animal's mouth to see if he or she is breathing.
  • ALWAYS apply a muzzle and use caution as even the nicest animal can bite if it is in pain. Once a muzzle has been applied, evaluate the animal for injuries and use this booklet to treat what you see.
  • Have the animal evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Attempt to keep it calm and warm as you transport it to your nearest veterinary hospital. Use a flat board, cardboard box, or large blanket as a stretcher if the animal is unable to stand or walk.

CLIENT EDUCATION ARTICLES

 

EMERGENCY DOCTORS

Dr. Corrine Camero
  • Bachelor of Arts, Wayne State University
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree:  The Ohio State University
  • Internship:  Michigan Veterinary Specialists
  • Special Interests: Surgical emergencies and critical cases

When Dr. Camero's childhood cat and best friend, Cali, was diagnosed with renal failure, she was told there was nothing she could do to help her. She sought a second opinion and was impressed with the thoroughness and intelligence of the young doctor who helped Cali live another five years. At the same time that she was fighting to save Cali, Dr. Camero was loving her biology and chemistry classes. Suddenly, it became clear to her that veterinary medicine was her calling. Dr. Camero went on to volunteer in Tennessee where she performed free spays and neuters to low-income pet owners, in New Orleans where she helped provide veterinary services for post-Katrina shelter residents, and in Ohio where she provided veterinary care for dogs that prisoners care for as a part of their rehabilitation. When not helping heal pets at work or in the community, Dr. Camero enjoys spending time with her partner and her pets – Taylor, a manx cat and the boss of the household; her cat River, better known as “Little One”; Meg, the attention-hogging kitty; and Bubba, a shy American foxhound.

Dr. Ryan Colburn
  • Bachelor of Science, Calvin College, Mich.
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree:  Michigan State University
  • Internship:  Michigan Veterinary Specialists
  • Special Interests:  Ocular emergencies and trauma

Growing up in Grand Rapids, Dr. Colburn always had pets and quickly developed a love of animals. At 10 years old, he began volunteering at a local veterinary clinic. That eventually led to a position in their boarding facility and later, a move to the medical department as a veterinary assistant. Dr. Colburn enjoys the fast pace and variety of cases seen through the emergency service, but his greatest fulfillment is helping anxious and scared families through nerve wracking situations. When not working in the hospital, Dr. Colburn likes to cook, play board games, watch movies, travel and bird watch. His home, like the home of his youth, is filled with furry family members which include Eddie, his couch potato dog and four kitties he’s had since their birth – Chip, Jeannie, Lucy, and Dexter.

Dr. Loretta Lee
  • University of Guelph, Canada, BS
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree (DVM): Ontario Veterinary College
  • Internship: Michigan Veterinary Specialists
  • Special Interests: transfusion medicine; toxicological, urinary and abdominal emergencies

Wanting to help animals in need, and pursuing a passion for emergency medicine and surgery, Dr. Loretta Lee acquired her veterinary medicine degree and completed an internship with MVS. Thereafter she worked full-time at a 24-hour emergency hospital and is now back with MVS. In her free time, she maintains a saltwater aquarium and spends time with her three Staffordshire Terriers named Isabelle, Blade and Rocky.

Dr. Rebecca Lein
  • University of Wisconsin – Madison, BS
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree (DVM): University of Wisconsin – Madison
  • Internship: Animal Emergency and Referral Center, IL
  • Special Interests: Trauma cases

Having always known she wanted to be a veterinarian, Dr. Lein chose to concentrate on emergency medicine because she likes the fast-paced environment, working with multiple medical disciplines, and helping people and their pets during a time of urgent need. Dr. Lein is originally from Wisconsin but now lives in Kentwood with three furry family members. Emma is a Persian mix that was a birthday gift, Monty is a poodle mix that was rescued from a puppy mill at 4 years old, and Porter is a pit bull mix that needed a new owner after being hit by a car at 5 months old and suffering serious injuries. When not spending time with her patients or her pets, Dr. Lein enjoys traveling and outdoor sports.

Dr. Saundra Robinette


  • Northern Michigan University, BS
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree:  Michigan State University
  • Internship:  Michigan Veterinary Specialists
  • Special Interests: Surgical emergencies

Growing up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Dr. Robinette’s favorite subjects were physiology and chemistry. So, it was only natural to become a doctor. According to Dr. Robinette, she chose veterinary medicine because helping an animal feel better is the best feeling. When not helping pets recuperate, she spends time skiing, golfing, hiking and mountain biking with her husband. She can also be found snuggling or playing fetch with her two people-loving French Bulldogs – Mackenzie and Lyssa – and cats Dooters and Dexter.

Dr. Sayra Reyes
  • University of Puerto Rico, BS
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree:  Michigan State University
  • Internship:  Michigan Veterinary Specialists
  • Special Interests: Gastrointestinal disease and toxicities
Originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico, Dr. Sayra Reyes had planned to enter medical school and become a physician. It wasn’t until her third year in undergraduate studies that she realized that she wanted to work with animals. Now living in Portland, Michigan, Dr. Reyes loves helping and healing pets she sees through the Emergency Service. When not in the hospital, Dr. Reyes relaxes with a book, snuggles with her corgi mix pooch named Kyler or is found dancing with her husband.

Dr. Katie Tillman

  • Oakland University, Michigan, BS
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree:  Michigan State University
  • Internship:  Animal Emergency & Referral Center, Illinois
  • Special Interests:  Seizures and cardiovascular emergencies

A Michigan gal from birth, Dr. Tillman knew she wanted to be a veterinarian since the 4th grade. She would sit in the back room of her grandmother’s house and wait for her grandma to bring the cat to her for his “appointment.”  What she enjoys most about her job treating emergency patients is helping them through tough situations. When not working in the ER, Dr. Tillman enjoys traveling and spending time with her pets – her dancing Basenji mix Norma and Oscar the Grouch, a three-toed rescued cat that spent the first two months straight hissing at Dr. Tillman and her husband.
 

 Terms of Use