Cary, N.C. – June 4, 2007 – The Veterinary Specialty Hospital of the Carolinas (VSH) recently announced it has treated 50,000 pets since opening its doors in 1997, a milestone few animal hospitals achieve in ten years.

VSH is a 24-hour, multi-specialty and emergency hospital that provides medical, surgical, diagnostic and therapeutic services for patients throughout North Carolina as well as surrounding states.  There are less than 50 specialty hospitals like VSH in the United States.

The 50,000th patient was a four year-old yellow Labrador retriever named Buddy Mullen from Apex, North Carolina.  Buddy was treated for a viral stomach infection after being admitted through VSH’s emergency department.  Buddy’s owner, Matt Mullen immediately knew that something was wrong one night after dinner when Buddy became lethargic and started vomiting.  VSH’ emergency team was able to treat the viral infection and alleviate Buddy’s dehydration.  Upon discharge the next day, Mullen learned that Buddy was VSH’s 50,000th patient.

To celebrate, Dr. Gary Spodnick, founding partner of VSH and Chief of Surgery, presented Buddy and Mullen with a gift card to PetSmart, a stuffed animal toy, a large pet food container as well as a VSH blanket, sweatshirt, t-shirt, dog travel bowl and a travel mug.
“We are extremely pleased to reach such a significant milestone in our practice,” said VSH co-founder Dr. Kevin Concannon.  “In ten years, we have treated 50,000 pets, expanded our services and added an additional facility in North Raleigh.  We hope to continue to improve the lives of pets throughout the state who are in need of specialty and emergency services over the next ten years.”
 
Buddy has now fully recovered from his virus.  “Being the 50,000th patient was so unexpected.  We were so happy with the professional service we received from VSH, especially at 3:00 in the morning,” said Mullen.  “And Buddy loves the stuffed the animal he was given.  He sleeps with it every night.”