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At Carolina Animal Specialty & Emergency Hospital (CASE), we understand that timely, expert care can make all the difference. That’s why Dr. Helms, our board-certified Internal Medicine specialist, also performs echocardiograms for patients needing pre-surgical cardiac clearance—eliminating the long wait times typically required to see a board-certified cardiologist, which can be 3 to 5 months elsewhere. For oncology patients, while the closest board-certified veterinary oncologist is over an hour away, CASE offers a convenient alternative. Dr. Helms can administer treatment locally, following an oncologist’s evaluation and prescribed chemotherapy protocol—providing compassionate, skilled care without the long drive. Your pet’s health is our top priority. At CASE, advanced specialty care is never far from home.
Expert Specialty Care, Closer to Home
At Carolina Animal Specialty & Emergency Hospital, we provide advanced specialty and emergency care when your pet needs it most. We understand your pet is family, and when they’re facing a medical emergency or a complex health condition, you want the very best care—right away. Our highly trained team is here with the expertise, technology, and compassion to deliver life-saving emergency treatment and advanced specialty services 24/7.
Specialty & Emergency Animal Hospital in Hickory, NC
Around-the-Clock Critical Care, Because Every Second Matters
At Carolina Animal Specialty & Emergency Hospital, your pet’s health is our highest priority—day or night, 365 days a year. Our hospital is fully staffed 24/7 with experienced veterinarians and dedicated support staff, ensuring continuous, attentive care when your pet needs it most. With round-the-clock patient monitoring, supportive oxygen therapy, and in-house diagnostic capabilities, we’re equipped to act fast in urgent situations. From the moment you walk through our doors, your pet will receive timely, compassionate care supported by advanced tools and a skilled medical team. Because emergencies don’t wait—and neither do we.
The employees at this facility are outstanding. My wife and I had an emergency related to one of our dogs and ended up having to make the difficult decision to put him down. The staff were extremely kindhearted and empathetic towards us and our dog's needs. I can't say enough about the professionalism and respect shown by the staff.
– Vince P.
Wonderful, empathetic and level headed team. Emergencies with your fur baby is stressful enough and knowing he was in capable hands and being properly cared for with people who actually care really helped me stay calm. I'm ever so grateful!
– Heidi L.
From the moment we came in to Carolina Animal Speciality & Emergency Hospital our Golden, Scout was cared for. We know she was well cared for while in their capable hands. We want to give our special thanks to Emergency Care Dr. Molinaro, Internal Medicine Dr Helms, and Surgeon Dr. Diamond and all the techs assisting in Scout’s care. Also, thank you front office, each and every call was handled professionally and promptly. She is recovering at home now with lots of TLC from the family❤️
– Peggy C.
Top-Rated Veterinarians Serving the Hickory, NC, Community
Specialty Services for Every Step of the Journey. At Carolina Animal Specialty & Emergency Hospital, we provide advanced care in Internal Medicine, Surgery, Behavior, Rehabilitation, and Radioactive Iodine Treatment for cats with hyperthyroidism. Our skilled team creates personalized treatment plans to support your pet’s health, comfort, and quality of life—whether they need medical management, post-operative recovery, or behavioral support.
Top Quality Veterinary Care Available 24/7
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