The COVE: Specialty & Emergency Veterinarian in Portsmouth, VA

In an emergency situation, count on the COVE, in Suffolk, VA. Only a short 15-minute, or less, drive from Portsmouth, VA, The COVE provides 24/7 emergency care to our area’s pets. Plus, as a specialty veterinary hospital, we also offer advanced treatment in cardiology, dentistry, and surgery. Our specialty services are performed on an appointment basis while our emergency services are available all hours, day and night to any pet who needs our assistance. In addition, after your pet receives care at the COVE, our veterinarians and other licensed and experienced veterinary support team members make it a point to keep your primary vet up to date to ensure continuity of care throughout their treatment and recovery.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, or are experiencing an emergency, call our team today at (757) 935-9111 and bring your pet in to see us as soon as possible.

A Closer Look at Our Emergency & Specialty Veterinary Care

The COVE is unique in that we are one of the only animal hospitals that offers 24/7 emergency care and specialty veterinary services. Our goal is to help pets of Suffolk and the greater Portsmouth, VA area to live their best lives with exceptional veterinary care.

24/7 Emergency & Critical Care

In an emergency, rely on the COVE for your pet’s urgent and critical care. We’re one of the only emergency animal hospitals lead by a specialist, so you know your pet is getting the very best of emergency care. Our emergency and critical care services include:

  • Emergency care
  • ICU care with round-the clock monitoring and nursing care
  • 24/7 outpatient care
  • Lab testing (in and out of house), radiology, ECG (electrocardiography), ultrasound
  • Emergency surgery
  • Blood transfusions
  • Respiratory treatments
  • Nutritional support
  • Personalized pain management
  • Endoscopic procedures including bronchoscopy* (typically performed on a scheduled basis once patient is stabilized)
Techs Ultrasound

Offering Advanced Care with Specialty & Referral Services

Our specialty services include cardiology, surgery, and dentistry, all performed by experts in their fields. In order to make an appointment for one of our specialty services, you’ll need to be referred by your primary veterinarian. After your pet’s referral, we’ll be happy to work with your primary vet for your pet’s continued care.

Surgery

Surgery can be used to correct and prevent a wide range of medical issues in our pets. Dr. Jeff Stallings is our surgical specialist who is a diplomat of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, and he is one of the most respected veterinary surgeons in the area. He performs many of the most advanced and complex procedures available, as well as routine surgeries:

  • Orthopedic procedures
  • Advanced soft-tissue surgeries
  • Oncologic (cancer) surgeries
  • Minimally invasive surgeries (including but not limited to thoracoscopy, laparoscopy and arthroscopy)

Cardiology

Cardiology is a branch of medicine that deals with the heart and circulatory system. Our American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine board-certified cardiologist, Dr. Merrilee Small, deals with heart problems as well as some lung and other respiratory problems. To help in her diagnosis and treatment, she utilizes the following advanced equipment:

  • Echocardiography
  • Holter and event monitoring
  • Blood pressure monitoring
  • Digital thoracic radiography
  • Pacemaker interrogation and monitoring
  • Acute and chronic medical management
  • Outpatient and inpatient cardiology care

While surgery is sometimes the best treatment option for some cardiological problems, most patients can be treated on an outpatient basis with medical management.

Dentistry

Dental care is too often overlooked in veterinary medicine, and we aim to bring a light to this essential service. Our dental care services are performed by Dr. Colleen Fox, who has advanced training in veterinary dentistry. Her services help keep pet’s teeth and gums healthy so they can maintain their quality of life through their golden years and beyond:

  • Endodontics
  • Oral disease treatment
  • Oral surgery
  • Orthodontics
  • Periodontal care
  • Dental radiographs
  • Restorative dental care