Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
The Intensive Care Unit provides exceptional care to critically ills dogs, cats and some special species. Our nurses are trained in all the latest medical and pain management techniques. ICU nurses possess strong critical thinking skills, which ensure the highest standard of care.
The ICU has state of the art equipment and three mechanical ventilators. The nurses are proficient in all modes of ventilation and provide supportive care to these patients. On average there are seven to ten patients in the ICU each day with a small nurse-to-patient ratio. Our patients stay in ICU for an average of 2 days to 2 weeks. We are able to provide long-term care for our critical patients and are able to form lasting emotional bonds with those animals. The Intensive Care Unit at the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania is staffed 24 hours a day by a team of specially trained nurses, integrated with residents and interns, working alongside faculty who are board certified in Emergency and Critical Care. Teaching is an important part of our mission, and veterinary students rotate through the ICU in groups of 3-6.
The ICU provides state-of-the-art critical care therapy and monitoring. Apart from physical parameters, monitoring modalities routinely used include direct and indirect arterial and central venous pressure monitoring, pulmonary artery catheter placement; arterial blood gases, pulse oximetry, end-tidal capnography and measurement of lung mechanics; closed urinary collection systems; hemoglobin, electrolyte and colloid osmometry monitoring. Available therapeutic and supportive modalities include routine fluid and colloid therapy, blood transfusion, oxygen supplementation, positive pressure ventilation, enteral and parenteral nutrition, peritoneal dialysis, and cardiopulmonary cerebral resuscitation.
On average, there are 7-10 patients in the ICU each day, with an average stay of 2-3 days per patient. Each year, we see about 1200 dogs and cats, and our special species caseload is growing. All of our patients are considered "high risk" and each one has been admitted to the ICU because of special needs, and the presence of a life-threatening disease condition. Despite this challenging population, we have an overall discharge rate of approximately 75%.
Current nursing staff in the ICU includes:
Rosemary Lombardi, CVT, VTS(ECC) ICU Nursing Supervisor/Wards Nursing Advisor
Lila Sierra, CVT, VTS(ECC) ICU Assistant Supervisor
Elana Shaner Benasutti, CVT Weekend shift supervisor
Ellen Gratch, LVT
Chantal Reme, CVT
Mary Piccillo, GVT
Eileen Hendricks, CVT
Samantha Dales, CVT
Amanda Ashley, CVT
Jessica Coughlan, CVT
Bridget Lyons, CVT
Stephanie Cohen, CVT
Holly Killian, CVT
Monika Wright, CVT
Nursing Aides:
Amaris Pollock
Tara Curran
Heather Kunkle
Victoria Bonacci