Dr Lisa Powell is a clinical professor at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center, US. Dr Elizabeth Rozanski and Dr John Rush are clinical professors at Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, US. All three are board-certified Diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, and have 50 years of emergency and critical care experience between them. The authors have practiced in institutions that provide advanced diagnostic techniques, 24-hour emergency and intensive care medicine, and training of both professional veterinary students and post-doctorate veterinarians seeking specialty certification in veterinary emergency and critical care. Dr Rush is also board-certified in veterinary cardiology, and Dr Rozanski is board-certified in veterinary internal medicine.