Emergency Veterinary Medicine by BluePearl Richmond VA

BluePearl Pet Hospital
Richmond, VA
Emergency Medicine

Specialty and Emergency
Emergency:
Mon & Tue: 24 hours
Wed: Closed
Thu: 7 am-7 pm
Fri: Closed
Sat: 7 am-7 pm
Sun: 7 am-12 am
Specialty:
By appointment
Request Appointment

Pet emergency medicine by BluePearl.

A BluePearl urgent care vet hugs a grey and white dog on an exam table.

Conditions treated

Learn which conditions our emergency team can help diagnose and treat, so your pet gets the right care for their needs.

A BluePearl emergency vet tech holds a grey cat in her arms while looking at a monitor.

Success stories

Discover how other pets have overcome their diagnoses with specialized care, giving you hope for your pet’s recovery.

A BluePearl client smiles while holding her dog at the front desk of the animal hospital.

Call the hospital

Take the next step toward answers and getting the care your pet needs by connecting with our hospital team.

Pet emergencies can be scary – we’re here to help you handle them.

We understand that seeing your pet sick, hurt or in distress can be stressful – especially if you don’t know what’s wrong. Fortunately, our experienced ER clinicians are prepared to take action and help.

Common pet emergencies.

A BluePearl anesthesiology and pain management vet prepares to fix an anesthetic facemask on a yellow lab while a vet tech helps hold the dog on the exam table.

Acting quickly in an emergency may save your pet’s life.

If your pet is experiencing an emergency, you’ll have an entire veterinary team helping them so you can get back to what matters most – spending precious moments together.

  • Accidents, injuries and trauma (hit-by-car, animal attacks, etc.)
  • Bleeding 
  • Bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus, or GDV)
  • Collapse or unresponsiveness
  • Complications from chronic diseases 
  • Difficulty breathing 
  • Straining to urinate
  • Ingestion of medications, poisons or objects 
  • Seizures
  • Vomiting and diarrhea

Our emergency team.

Experience makes all the difference. 

Our emergency team is made up of veterinarians, vet technicians and assistants, and support staff with rigorous training and experience in specialty medicine. The team works hand in hand to provide the comprehensive, compassionate care your pet needs and deserves. Because we’re a multidisciplinary hospital, the team can consult the expertise of other specialty departments, too.

Raphael Malbrue

DVM, MS, CertAqV, DACLAM
Board Certified in Laboratory Animal Medicine

Avian & Exotics Medicine
Emergency Medicine
On the job

Dr. Raphael Malbrue loves working with both small companion animals and avian & exotic species. His clinical interests include critical care, emergency surgery, pain management and mentoring future veterinarians.

Education
  • Diplomate, American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine
  • Certified Aquatic Veterinarian, World Aquatic Veterinary Medical Association
  • Residency, Laboratory Animal Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge
  • Master of Science, Biomedical and Veterinary Medical Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Tuskegee University, AL
  • Bachelor of Science, Animal, Poultry, & Veterinary Science, Tuskegee University, AL
Off duty

In his free time, Dr. Malbrue enjoys hiking, exploring local cuisine and spending time with his family and pets.

James Riddle

DVM

Emergency Medicine
On the job

Dr. James Riddle’s particular clinical interests include anesthesia and pain management, toxicities and critical care patients.

Education
  • Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, Red Bank Veterinary Hospital, Tinton Falls NJ
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg VA
  • Bachelor of Science, Animal Science, Rutgers University, New Brunswick NJ
Off duty

Dr. Riddle likes cooking, cycling and hairless cats.

Lauren Young

DVM

Emergency Medicine
On the job

Dr. Lauren Young’s clinical interests include wound management, pain management and fostering the human-animal bond.

She believes Blood Bank services are essential for the community and provide a balance of science and problem solving to improve pets’ health.

Education
  • Internship, Large Animal Medicine & Surgery, Oakridge Equine Hospital, Edmond, OK
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge
  • Bachelor of Science, Biology, Bridgewater College, VA
Off duty

In her free time, Dr. Young enjoys hiking, visiting historic locations and spending time on the farm with her horses.

What to expect.

We know an unexpected trip to the emergency pet hospital can be stressful, and we want you to be prepared so you have one less thing to worry about. Our entire BluePearl team will be with you every step of the way.

Before your visit

  • If possible, call us before arriving so we can discuss your pet’s condition, help you with directions and prepare our team.
  • Collect your pet’s medical records, current medication or any historical information.
  • If your pet has eaten something potentially toxic, bring the substance with you if it’s safe to do so.

During your visit

  • When you arrive, let us know if you need help bringing your pet in from the car, and we’ll be ready to assist you.
  • Our team will perform an initial triage exam on your pet to assess their condition.
  • To stabilize your pet, we may need to administer IV fluids, pain medications, oxygen therapy and sometimes blood or plasma transfusions.
  • Before you leave, you’ll receive discharge instructions and a list of any recommended medications.

After your visit

  • We’ll let your family veterinarian know about your pet’s condition and the treatment they receive at BluePearl. This communication is key in the ongoing management of your pet’s care.
  • You know your pet better than anyone, and you play a crucial role in any follow-up treatment necessary. If you have any concerns about providing care at home (such as giving medication or monitoring your pet’s symptoms), let us know – we’re here for you.

Success stories.

"Thanks to the quick thinking of his veterinary team, the support of a generous donor dog, and the innovative use of autotransfusion, Harley pulled through surgery. Just two weeks later, Harley returned to BluePearl for his post-operative recheck. Tail wagging and spirits high, he was doing great."
Read Harley's story.
“The hard work and dedication of both teams was inspiring,” said Sierra, reflecting on Everest’s care at both hospitals. “No one gave up on him and because of that he thrived and was able to come to his forever home.”
Read Everest's story.
“Everyone at BluePearl was amazing. They were super kind and sweet, and now Suni is right back to his normal self.”
Read Suni's story.
"Over the next few days, it seemed that everything I have known and told people over my 30 years as a vet tech went out the window. Broski was nauseous and not eating and we were all worried there was something very wrong with him. Even after hours, the surgeon responded to my concerns and eased my worries. Our dog is now fully recovered and back to normal. Thank you to Dr. Heintz, Dr. Ferrell and everyone else who assisted!"
Read Broski's story.