Packing in a hurry is always stressful. Here is a list of essentials that will help you not to get confused if your animal is admitted to the intensive care unit.

Documents and medical information:

• - Passport of the animal with marks of vaccination, treatment against parasites
• - Previous tests, results of ultrasound, X-rays
• - List of medications the animal is taking or has taken
• - Information about chronic diseases or allergies

Items for the animal's comfort:

• - Favorite towel, blanket, toy (something that has a familiar smell - this will help reduce stress)
• - If the animal is on special food - a small supply (especially for allergy sufferers or patients with dietary restrictions)

📌 Often, clinics provide everything an animal needs. But your participation and awareness are of great importance.

In the ICU of Zoolux Veterinary Clinic, you are allowed to bring your own things for your pet - this helps to reduce stress and improves the patient's adaptation.

How is monitoring carried out in the ICU?

Monitoring in the SICU is a constant observation of vital signs, which allows you to quickly respond to changes in the animal's condition and adjust treatment.

What does monitoring include?

• - Measurement of temperature, heart rate (HR), respiratory movements
• - Monitoring of blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) and blood pressure
• - Monitoring of glucose, electrolytes, lactate (if necessary)
• - Observation of diuresis (urination), the nature of the discharge
• - Control of consciousness, reaction to stimuli, pain level
• - Video surveillance for round-the-clock monitoring

Equipment that is used:

• - Vital signs monitors (multiparametric)
• - Infusomats for precise administration of liquids
• - Oxygen boxes, oxygen concentrators
• - Syringe pumps for bolus or long-term administration of drugs

📌 All data is recorded and analyzed, which allows staff to make prompt decisions. Such a level of supervision is possible only in the conditions of the NICU.

At Zoolux, monitoring is carried out around the clock according to a clear protocol, and the staff is trained to detect the slightest changes in the patient's condition.

What is the difference between a hospital and an ICU?

Often, owners confuse the concepts of "hospital" and "intensive care unit". Both options involve the animal's stay in the clinic, but the level of observation and equipment are significantly different.

Hospital:

• - Designed for animals in stable condition
• - Treatment and feeding are carried out on schedule
• - Less frequent monitoring (doctor visits several times a day)
• - No round-the-clock monitoring
• - Suitable for patients who do not require intensive care

ICU (intensive care unit):

• - Designed for critical or unstable patients
• - Constant monitoring of vital functions
• - Round-the-clock presence of staff
• - Possibility to use special equipment (oxygen, infusomats, syringe pumps, ECG, venous access)
• - Quick response to changes in condition

📌 The conditions of stay, intensity of care and available resources in ICUs are much higher. If the doctor recommends transferring to an ICU, it means that the patient needs maximum support.

Why was the animal given a catheter - is it dangerous?

A catheter is a thin tube that is inserted into a vein to administer medications, infusions, or take blood. It is one of the most important tools in intensive care.

Why a catheter is placed:

• - For continuous or repeated administration of drugs
• - For infusion therapy (administration of fluids)
• - To control electrolytes, glucose, acid-base balance
• - For blood sampling without multiple vein punctures

Is it painful or dangerous?

• - Catheter insertion is performed as delicately as possible, often under sedation or after local anesthesia
• - The catheter does not harm the animal if installed and maintained correctly
• - The main risks - infection, thrombosis, edema - are minimized due to professional care

📌 A catheter is not a "scary procedure", but a vital access that allows you to treat a patient quickly and effectively

In the intensive care unit of the Zoolux clinic, catheters are installed by experienced staff who monitor their condition daily or even several times a day.