Emergency and Critical Care

Emergency and Critical Care

Emergency and Critical Care is a specialty that is dedicated to the treatment of acute, life-threatening conditions. Veterinarians that specialize in this discipline have had to undertake a minimum of four years additional training after their veterinary degree.

At Pulse, our critical care veterinarians are responsible for primary case management of in hospital cases and as a resource to our emergency team in the evaluation, specialized monitoring and intensive care for critically ill or injured pets. 

Cases that benefit from the involvement of a critical care specialist include polytrauma (multiple injuries after a significant event such as a vehicular accident), severe burns, respiratory emergencies, animals not producing urine, animals that have had a challenging anesthesia or recovery after a surgical procedure, heart rhythm abnormalities or life-threatening neurologic diseases. 

If your family member requires intensive treatment in our ICU our emergency and critical care trained veterinarians improve the quality of care your pet will receive which will improve their chances of a positive outcome.

Pulse is proud to announce that we will have 7 day per week
critical care coverage starting at the end of September which will ensure your
pet receives the highest level of treatment when admitted to our hospital. We
are excited to have a brand new mechanical ventilator and are hoping to be able
to start offering ventilation over the next few months. 

 

Pulse Veterinary Specialists and Emergency 
Sherwood Park 780-570-9999 *just off the Henday
*click for directions: 450 Ordze Rd, Sherwood Park

Our Team

Dr. Ajaypal Kahlon

Originally from the state of Panjab, Northern India, Dr. Kahlon finished his veterinary degree in 2015 and pursued further education and research in Public health and epidemiology. He eventually moved to Canada in the fall of 2017 to pursue a postgraduate degree in Veterinary Pathology at WCVM, focusing on interactions between climate, migration of waterfowl, and avian influenza in the Canadian Prairies. In 2021, Dr. Kahlon obtained the Certificate of Qualification, a license to practice veterinary medicine in North America and since then has been working in Urgent and emergent care. Apart from emergency medicine, he really enjoys the surgical and imaging aspects of veterinary medicine the most.

When not working, Dr. Kahlon loves to stay active and enjoy traveling, hiking, playing tennis, soccer, and field hockey. He strongly believes in giving back to the community and loves to volunteer and provide his professional skills to areas deprived of veterinary services whenever he can.

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Dr. Aleicia Mushins
Dr. Amber Carson
Dr. Angela Chamberlain

Angela grew up in Toronto and completed a BSc in Animal Biology before graduating from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2009. Following graduation, she headed out to Vancouver and spent 7 years working in small animal practice and experiencing the west coast lifestyle.

She moved to Calgary in 2016 and has been working in emergency practice since. In her free time Angela enjoys cooking, running (due to all the cooking), traveling, and enjoying the outdoors with her husband, daughter and 2 dogs.

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Dr. Candace Farrar

Dr. Candace Farrar has always loved animals and knew from an early age that she wanted to be a veterinarian,  Born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta Candace studied Animal Biology at the University of Alberta and then moved on to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon where she graduated in 2018.  Upon entering the profession, she practiced small animal medicine in the Edmonton region before joining the Pulse team. She loves the fast-paced environment and unique challenges that emergency practice brings and looks forward to helping your pets get back to their best.  Away from the clinic Candace loves spending time with her beloved partner Mason, and golden retriever Penny. Other interests include hiking, cooking, and making music.

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Dr. Jenny Puttick
Dr. Julianne Wilson

Julianne grew up west of Rocky Mountain House working with her family’s dogsledding company, which started a very early passion for sled dog health and veterinary medicine. After completing a Bachelor of Science with a minor in Law and Society at the University of Calgary, she graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 2018. Following graduation, Julianne enjoyed serving rural Central Alberta as a general mixed animal practitioner, before joining the Pulse team in 2021.

In her free time Julianne enjoys travelling, volunteering, and spending time in the mountains – whether it is snowboarding, canoeing, camping, or hiking with her three dogs.

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Dr. Kat Purich
Dr. Melissa Gowenlock

Melissa was raised in rural southern Manitoba.  Her passion for animals was prevalent at a very young age and she knew she wanted to be a vet before she was 5 years old.  After completing her BSc in a Genetics Honors program at the University of Manitoba, she moved to Saskatoon and graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 2009.  She moved to Sherwood Park where she practiced in a small animal and exotics practice for 12.5 years, while also doing locum work at an emergency facility in Edmonton.  After realizing her passion for helping sick patients, she transitioned to Pulse to work emergency full time. Melissa enjoys surgical cases but is willing to see any of your critter, dur, feathers, or scales. She is a huge advocate for the well being and best interest of your pet.

Melissa is a self-proclaimed crazy cat lady and wears the title with pride.  She lives with her husband and two large dogs in Sherwood Park; they “rent” their house from their five cats who own it.

In her spare time, she keeps busy with her pets and multiple fish tanks but really enjoys getting outside for camping, hiking, white water rafting, snowboarding, etc.  Travel is also a huge component of her life, and she enjoys volunteering for organizations such as Canadian Animal Task Force as well as Caribbean Spay Neuter to be able to help spay/neuter animals in the Caribbean and South America.

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Dr. Morgan Shipka
Ariane

Ariane graduated from the Animal Health Technology program at NAIT in 2015. She also has completed a bilingual Bachelor of Science at the University of Alberta. Ariane shares her home with six cats, and when not at work, she loves to read, play soccer, travel (has travelled 40 countries so far), and is a tv and movie junkie.

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Ashleigh
Bailey C
Bailey K
Breanne
Brie
Brie is a devoted veterinary technician with a profound passion for animal welfare and a mission to elevate the well-being of her furry, feathered, and scaly patients. Growing up on a beef farm near Edmonton, her childhood was steeped in hands-on animal care and a deep appreciation for livestock. Her early experiences in the 4-H Beef Club, volunteering at local vet clinics, and managing a mobile petting zoo sparked her lifelong commitment to animal care.
To transform her passion into a profession, Brie pursued rigorous training in veterinary technology. She obtained Veterinary Medical Receptionist and Veterinary Technical Assistant certificates from Olds College, followed by a Veterinary Technician diploma from Lakeland College. This comprehensive education provided her with a solid foundation in animal care, diagnostics, and treatment, laying the groundwork for her successful career.
Brie is known for her exceptional dedication and ability to thrive in high-pressure situations, ensuring that every animal under her care receives the highest standard of treatment, particularly in critical moments.
Beyond her work in the clinic, Brie finds joy in exploring new places and cultures. At home, her life is brimming with activity, surrounded by a vibrant mix of pets and family. Her garden and extensive collection of houseplants bring her solace, while her two energetic toddler boys, Holdyn and Huxley, add endless excitement. Her household also includes Cricket, her spirited Australian Shepherd; Zoey and Lou Lou, their charming Ragdoll cats; and a delightful array of other pets: Chicken Nugget the cockatiel, French Fry the lovebird, Pascal the gecko, Pho and Ramen the mice, and Rainbow Dash the Betta fish.
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Cassie

Bio Coming Soon

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Courtney
Danielle B
Emily
Florianne
Hannah

Bio Coming Soon

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Jessica S
Kailey
Keesha
Kim M
Kristen
Lacey

Lacey started her veterinary technician journey in a small rural practice but soon moved to the city to work in an emergency clinic.  After a few attempts to leave, Lacey now knows that emergency medicine is where she is meant to be. Lacey goes home to her husband, 3 boys, and 3 cats.

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Lindsay F
Madison B
Magi
Meghan

Born and raised in Crossfield, Alberta, Meghan graduated from the Animal Health Technology program at Fairview College in 2015. She has a special interest in feline and reptile medicine, making her a great addition to our emergency team. Meghan enjoys competitive tennis, snowboarding, watching college and pro football, and attending heavy metal concerts during her spare time. Meghan shares her home with her boyfriend, three cats, and one bearded dragon.

 

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Meranda

Born and raised in Red Deer, Alberta, Meranda knew that she had a love for animals and wanted to take care of them from an early age. In 2018, she graduated from the Veterinary Assistant program, where she started working at the emergency clinic in Red Deer before coming to Pulse Veterinary. Meranda shares her home with two recuse Pitbull’s that keep her busy with their crazy antics. When not at work, Meranda can be found photographing friends and family, painting pictures, doing crafts, home Renos, and gardening. She also enjoys going to the mountains and camping.

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Morgan

Morgan started her career in the veterinary industry in 2020 and is currently attending the Animal Health Technology program and NAIT. Morgan loves photography, travelling, and doing anything with her dogs during her free time. Morgan shares her home with three husky mixes and two cats. She is looking forward to finishing tech school and continuing her career in emergency medicine.

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Nikki

Nikki was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta. She graduated from the Animal Health Technology program from Lakeland College with honours in 2014. Since graduation, she has worked in emergency and specialty care. Her three fur babies Scarlett Johannson, Stella Potato and foster failure Sylvia keeps her daily life busy. When she is not at work, Nikki enjoys hiking and being outside with her partner Corban.

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Nonnie
Rebecca V
Robyn

Robyn graduated as an RVT in 2009 from the AHT program at NAIT here in Edmonton. She immediately fell in love with emergency medicine, and in 2019 she became certified as a VTS (ECC)-Veterinary Technician Specialist in Emergency and Critical Care. Today she is the lead ER RVT at Pulse and is incredibly grateful to work alongside such a passionate team.

When not at work she spends her time hanging out with her partner and her young son. Robyn is also deeply involved and committed to rescue work for injured and ill pets. To complete the family, she has a 20-year-old cat (Scooter), one-eyed dog (Lizzie), two mini ponies and a mini donkey (Piglet, Francine and Lois).

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Sara V
Sarah P
Shaun
Shelbi

Shelbi graduated from the NAIT Animal Health Technology program in 2018 and has been working in emergency and critical care since. When she is not at work she enjoys playing sports, camping, gardening, and cooking. Shelbi shares her home with a full house of three dogs, Izzy, Roo, and Echo.

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Shelbi S
Sydney
Teneil
Tezra

Bio Coming Soon

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Veronica
Victoria

Victoria graduated from the Animal Health Technology program at Olds in 2019. From graduation she had spent a couple years in general practice before having the opportunity to join Pulse. She had joined the emergency team early 2021 and is loving the fast pace and the ability to learn new skills. In her spare time, she is more than likely having cuddle time with her cat, Lily, binge-watching TV shows, playing video games, or doing puzzles.

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