MSPCA-Angell’s brand new, state-of-the-art Critical Care Unit (CCU) is now open at its S. Huntington Ave. location.
Kiko Bracker, a veterinarian at MSPCA-Angell, told the Gazette that Angell’s previous ICU was “old and too small,” and did not efficiently serve animals.
“In order to better take care of our patients and our clients,” Bracker said, “it was important to update that space.”
According to MSPCA-Angell, the CCU comprises two floors and thousands of square feet. In a video on its YouTube channel, Angell said that the CCU provides round-the-clock care for dogs, cats, and exotic animals. Dogs and cars are able to be separated, while exotic pets also have their own space.
“The Critical Care Unit is the capstone of the MSPCA-Angell centennial campaign, which raised over $20 million to fund revolutionary veterinary care for our beloved pets, and it’s the most important milestone in veterinary medicine in generations,” the video states.
“The Critical Care Unit enables treatment for even the most fragile patients, as well as those recovering from complex surgeries or suffering from acute illness, chronic disease, or life-threatening injury.”
In the video, Bracker explains that Angell’s emergency department sees around 35,000 cases a year, and “this new space allows us to operate at the highest level we can.”
The spacious facility features natural light, soundproof glass, and “bathing and comfort stations” to keep the pets as comfortable as possible. It also features two private visiting rooms for clients to visit with their pets while they are being treated, as well as areas for mechanical ventilation and dialysis.
Bracker told the Gazette that this facility was under construction for about two years, and opened to serve patients on May 26. He said that the new space is “much more user-friendly and comfortable than that prior, cramped space was,” and allows doctors to better serve the animals in their care.
“It’s exciting for all of us—our staff, donors, and Angell clients— to realize that once again, Angell Animal Medical Center is defining the future of emergency veterinary medicine,” Neal Litvack, MSPCA-Angell President, said in the video. “I’m grateful to every donor who supported the creation of this amazing space, and I hope you’re as proud as I am to see it finally open to patients.”