Special Care Team (SCT) members are skilled in supportive care of patients and clients. They provide comfort for pets and offer guidance to families to support the best quality of life for their pets, even when these decisions are difficult. As a practice, we value life and give companion animals the benefit of treatment and best care. We don’t view “old age” as a disease, or as a reason to give up on a pet. A diagnosis of cancer doesn’t mean we quit either. Further, special needs pets deserve a chance at life too.

 

Often, when medical problems are serious, some may think the outlook is hopeless and that the best course of care involves euthanasia or “putting the pet to sleep”. In reality, by providing the pets we care for supportive care, treatment, and diagnostics to understand the scope a medical condition, many miracles do happen. On the other hand, where a cure is not possible, an option for supportive or palliative care, as opposed to euthanasia, should be available to every pet guardian.

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Supportive care, palliative care, and hospice care have been the mainstays of treatment in human medicine for many years despite the fact that some individuals believe that euthanasia should also be available for people. Yet, even when the body becomes weak, or an incurable condition exists, offering options in care to a companion is a choice to provide comfort, peace, and more time with the loved one. Quality of life may be demonstrated in subtle ways in these cases. Many pets enjoy time and companionship with their family even when the body becomes immobile. By supporting a pet’s hydration and appetite, as well as employing medications for the relief of pain, quality of life may be improved. Even though physical strength may not be as evident as it once was, the extra time with a pet and the comfort that that pet experiences in this process may be worthwhile for many pet guardians and their pets.

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Most often, the people facing euthanasia decisions feel that there is a clear sign when the pet lets them know that they're ready to pass. In these circumstances, East Lake’s Special Care Team will help that process to be as comfortable as possible for the pet and family. In other cases, a pet may be allowed to humanely pass peacefully under hospice care, either in the hospital or at a home setting. East Lake is available for palliative care and hospice care consultations to help pet owners decide the best options available for them. Also, the Special Care Team will assist families in supporting objective assessments relative to what the pet’s needs are as well as the family’s needs.

 

Pet guardians are encouraged to have discussions with East Lake’s Special Care Team regarding future care for their pets so that they may partner with the veterinary healthcare team to make sure that their wishes are most respected. Additionally, this objective help from the veterinary healthcare team is beneficial, especially in those circumstances where a pet guardian may feel pressure from outside voices such as those of family members or friends that have predetermined judgments of how a pet should be cared for. Additionally, upon facing the loss of a pet either before or after a pet's passing, grief counseling referrals are available upon request.

 

 

The Special Care Team (SCT) consists of team members who support client and patient needs in the following areas:

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• Client Care

  • Alternatives to euthanasia

  • Care provider support

  • Loss support

  • Family support

  • Chauffeur transport services

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• Pet Care

  • Aging care

  • Diabetic support

  • Chronic medical management

  • Chronic physical management

  • Special needs patient care

  • Palliative care

  • Hospice

  • Euthanasia

  • In home care

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• Inpatient Care

  • Hospitalization care

  • Emergency care

  • Urgent care

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• Mobility Care

  • Rehabilitation

  • Massage

  • Physical therapy

  • Laser therapy

  • Water therapy

  • Acupuncture

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• Cancer Care

  • Chemotherapy

  • Cancer immunology

  • Palliative care

  • Hospice

 

* NOTE: English, Spanish, and Mandarin communication support are available.

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Call us at 214-342-3100