Recognizing Medical Emergencies in Pets

IS IT AN EMERGENCY? Some emergencies such as seizures, heavy bleeding, gaping wounds, collapse, and paralysis are easily identified as requiring immediate attention. Other kinds of emergencies are not so easy to recognize but may be just as life-threatening to your pet. Because there are many different kinds of emergencies, it is important that you be able to recognize the symptoms and seek assistance immediately. Clinical symptoms may develop slowly with some illnesses or injuries, and it is often difficult to recognize them or judge their severity on your own. If, for any reason, you feel that your animal is not acting "right" or normal, please call us during our normal office hours or an emergency clinic after-hours. If you decide to take your pet to an emergency hospital, please call ahead to alert their staff of your emergency. Because your pet's health and safety are our primary concern, it may be necessary for your veterinarian to examine your pet and then transfer the case to an emergency clinic for overnight observation or critical care, or refer you directly to the emergency clinic with your pet. Thankfully, most of your pet's medical problems will not be emergencies and can be addressed in a regular office visit with your primary veterinarian. So... how do you decide whether or not you have an emergency? Bottom line: if you have any doubts, please don't hesitate to call. COMMON WARNING SIGNS: Difficulty Breathing: Labored breathing and/or pale or bluish gums or tongue may indicate heart failure, lung disease, internal bleeding, or major chemical imbalances. Major Trauma: If your pet has fallen, been hit by a car, or has suffered multiple wounds from an unknown source, you should seek professional help immediately, even if s/he is acting okay. Fainting, Collapse & Seizures: Neurologic problems can prevent normal movement and lead to greater injury if your pet tries to walk, while illness or injury may make a pet too weak to stand. Poisoning: In addition to pest baits and anti-freeze, medication overdoses and common foods like chocolate, onions, and grapes/raisins can be lethal if ingested by your pet. If you know or even suspect this, call immediately for professional direction to deal with the problem quickly. Lacerations & Bite Wounds: Wounds that break the skin are contaminated and can become infected. Many wounds that seem minor to the naked eye - a small puncture or bite wound - involve deeper, more serious damage below the skin's surface. Prolonged Vomiting or Diarrhea: Many serious illnesses begin with vomiting and/or diarrhea. Multiple episodes of vomiting or diarrhea can lead to severe dehydration and shock. Serious Bleeding: For heavy bleeding, apply direct pressure to the wound and seek help immediately. Facial Swelling: Sudden facial swelling may be caused by an allergic reaction to a vaccine or insect bite or sting. Untreated, such reactions can rapidly worsen and result in airway constriction and death. Infections: If your pet develops an infected wound or abscess, or if s/he suddenly gets worse while on medication for an infection, seek professional help immediately. Infections can spread and cause toxicity. Difficulty Urinating: Frequent attempts to urinate that don't produce a normal urine flow could indicate infection or obstruction, especially in male cats. This is an acute problem that can quickly lead to uremic poisoning and death. Fever or Hypothermia: The normal temperature range (in Fahrenheit) when taken rectally is 100