Iowa Veterinary Specialties
Iowa Veterinary Specialties is Des Moines' premier veterinary emergency and specialty hospital.
IVS is an emergency and specialty hospital full of trusted veterinary professionals that partner with pet families to provide compassionate care. Our team is dedicated to serve our community through education and excellence.
Iowa Veterinary Specialties is honored and privileged to be able to help your pet. Our veterinarians work with your pet's primary, referring veterinarian to ensure optimal communication and the best care possible. Our emergency facility is fully staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide high quality care to your pet in a time of need.
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Veterinary Services
24 Hour Emergency Vet
Iowa Veterinary Specialties is a 24- hour hospital that provides comprehensive emergency care for pets in critical need. Our facility remains open around the clock, 365 days a year, ensuring that expert medical attention is always available—no matter the time of day or night. With a deep commitment to both clinical excellence and compassionate care, our staff is equipped to handle a wide range of emergencies.
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Surgery
IVS offers a wide range of surgical services should surgery be necessary, including emergency surgery when needed. We will do a full physical exam from nose to tail and speak with you about all your concerns. Our goal is to make sure you are fully informed regarding your pet’s condition and necessary surgery as well as the aftercare.
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Exotics
At Iowa Veterinary Specialties, we recognize the vital role exotic animal veterinarians play as the first and most trusted source of care for their clients and patients. Your expertise in the unique needs of non-traditional species lays the foundation for each pet’s long-term health and wellbeing, and we are proud to serve as a resource when advanced diagnostics, emergency treatment, or specialty care is needed.
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Veterinary Pain Management
Animals do not communicate their pain in the same manner as people. In fact, it is their natural instinct to conceal their pain. Unfortunately, these misconceptions can lead to pain being neglected when animals are sick, injured, or after having a surgical procedure performed.
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Endoscopic Foreign Body Removal
Endoscopy provides an excellent option as an alternative for surgery, because it is less expensive and more cost effective. These procedures minimize recovery time and reduce post-operative discomfort for your patients. All of our full-time doctors are trained on endoscopy.
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Computed Tomography (CT)
At IVS, we offer 24/7 access to advanced CT imaging for rapid and accurate diagnosis. Our 64-slice CT scanner provides high-resolution images that help us improve treatment plans, and patient outcomes.
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See what clients are saying about Iowa Veterinary Specialties.
Iowa Veterinary Specialties has provided the most compassionate and professional care for our dog, Rocky, after he was seriously injured in an unprovoked pitbull attack. From the moment we arrived, the amazing front desk staff was calm, kind, and efficient—which is what we needed in this traumatic situation. Dr. McMurray and the amazing team went above and beyond in treating Rocky. Their expertise, communication, and genuine care gave us much peace of mind during a very emotional time. We always felt that Rocky was in the best hands. We are so grateful for IVS. They really cared for Rocky like he was theirs and supported us throughout his recovery.
It was past 1am, yet the staff remained incredibly warm and welcoming, never hurrying us along. They took the time to listen to our worries about Bella, showing genuine care and a desire to assist us. Carrie at the reception was particularly friendly and approachable throughout our experience. The entire team recognized that Bella was a cherished member of our family.
I was impressed! Everyone - receptionist, tech, doctor - were all very compassionate. They provided care options and opinions. We were not pressured or rushed to make decisions. Is it expensive, yes! But once we knew our Riggins was not going to make it, they provided a relaxing private room for us to spend time with him. They even sent us home with a clay paw print impression. They were all very kind and caring. I was dreading picking up his remains - they really did good by him and we felt he was honored. How the remains are returning is soothing. Then a couple days later we received a card in the mail signed by the staff. It shows you guys really care! Thank you for the care you provided Riggins and his humans.
I am very thankful for IVS. I brought my cat in for an emergency euthanasia around midnight on the 3rd. My cat had been a little sick but declined fast that night. They were very helpful, patient, and caring. I paid just under $500 for private euthanasia and private cremation. I think that’s reasonable especially for it being an emergency situation. They gave us her ashes back in a beautiful wooden box, ink paw prints, some of her fur, and a clay paw print. Thank you IVS for making a horrible situation a little easier.