BluePearl Pet Hospital
Avondale, AZ
Emergency Medicine

24/7 Emergency and Specialty

Pet emergency medicine by BluePearl.

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.

A vet specialist holds a small grey puppy wearing a cone on an exam table.

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.

Marlayna Barnard

MS, DVM, CVA

Emergency Medicine
On the job

Dr. Marlayna Barnard’s special interests include anesthesia, surgery and the integration of acupuncture with Western veterinary medicine.

Education
  • Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Chi Institute, Reddick, FL
  • Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Emergency, Veterinary Specialists of Rochester, NY
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Ross University, St Kitts & Nevis, West Indies
  • Master of Science, Anatomy and Neurophysiology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins
Off duty

Dr. Barnard enjoys traveling, hiking, camping, gardening and family time. She has many pets, including dogs, cats and an African sulcata tortoise.

Taylor Boyer

DVM

Emergency Medicine
On the job

Dr. Taylor Boyer is particularly interested in surgery, seizures and snake bites.

Education
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus
  • Bachelor of Science, Biology, Delaware Valley University, Doylestown, PA
Off duty

Dr. Boyer loves spending time with her big family and her significant other. Family dinners and cookouts are her absolute favorite! She enjoys relaxing at home watching shows or being outdoors for a hike or walk. Her family has two huskies, named Ruby and Venee, and lots of cats, while her significant other’s family owns a boxer named Sampson.

Jared Brethouwer

DVM
On the job

Dr. Jared Brethouwer enjoys all aspects of emergency medicine and has a special interest in cardiopulmonary medicine and blood disorders.

Dr. Brethouwer is the medical director of all BluePearl Pet Hospitals in the greater Phoenix area.

Education
  • Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, VCA Animal Specialty Group, San Diego CA
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis
  • Bachelor of Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins
Off duty

An outdoor enthusiast, Dr. Brethouwer likes kayaking, fishing and volleyball. Indoor pastimes include reading and cooking.

Catherine Jones

DVM, CVA

Emergency Medicine
On the job

Dr. Catherine Jones’ clinical interests include emergency medicine, critical care and surgery.

Education
  • Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Colorado State University, Fort Collins
  • Bachelor of Science, Equine Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins
Off duty

Dr. Jones loves exploring locally and abroad. She is an avid backpacker and adventurer, owned by a dog and a horse.

Francesca Lanfranchi

DVM

Emergency Medicine
On the job

Dr. Francesca Lanfranchi is part of our emergency medicine training program for clinicians. She is particularly interested in triaging and stabilizing emergency patients as well as performing surgeries.

Education
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ
  • Bachelor of Science, Small Animal Science, Delaware Valley University, Doylestown, PA

An Nguyen

DVM

Emergency Medicine
On the job

Some of Dr. An Nguyen’s clinical interests include neurology and ophthalmology cases and soft tissue surgeries, such as gastrointestinal obstructions and C-sections.

Education
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette IN
  • Bachelor of Science, Veterinary Science, University of Arizona, Tucson
Off duty

Dr. Nguyen likes outdoor rock climbing, playing basketball and playing the piano. She has a heeler mix named Rocky.

Alyssa Thomas

DVM
On the job

Dr. Alyssa Thomas’ clinical interests include infectious disease and autoimmune conditions.

Education
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ
  • Bachelor of Science, Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson
  • Bachelor of Arts, German Studies, University of Arizona, Tucson
Off duty

In her free time, Dr. Thomas enjoys watching movies, traveling, camping and volunteering at an exotic animal sanctuary.

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.