CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Pet owners in the Clarksville area no longer have to drive to Nashville during a late-night emergency.
Nashville Veterinary Specialists and Animal Emergency opened May 29 at 685 Kennedy Lane off Wilma Rudolph Boulevard.
"Being from Clarksville, it's great having this here because Nashville is an hour away and that is a long time to get your pet emergency care," said Angie Berrigan, hospital manager.
Before the surgery and internal medicine center opened, the area did not have an around-the-clock animal hospital. If an emergency happened on a weeknight, weekend or holiday, pet owners would have to drive to Nashville for care.
"We actually [got] a fair number of clients coming from Kentucky," said Dr. Heather Streppa. "It can be quite a drive with a critical patient."
Dr. Streppa worked for eight years at their location in Nashville. She joined the Clarksville team when the new location opened.
"We see a lot on the ER side, a lot of allergic reactions, involving swelling and breathing issues or respiratory support. We see a lot of injuries or traumas that require shock treatment. We are able to take care of those patients as well," Dr. Streppa said.
The 8,500 square foot space includes two operating rooms, a pharmacy, an ICU, radiology rooms, including a CT scanner and isolation areas if a cat or dog comes in with a communicable disease.
"It's important to have those areas," Dr. Streppa said.
Appointments with veterinarians who specialize in internal medicine and surgery can be made with a referral by a primary care vet. Emergency medical care is available from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. and 24 hours a day on weekends.
"We're off to a great start. We're hoping to have a long future here and excited to be in the area," said Berrigan.
