Even though no owner ever wishes to have to take their pet to an emergency veterinary clinic, there are times when it is unavoidable. When it comes to getting sick, hurt, or having an accident, our pets are just like us in that they are susceptible to these things at any time of the day or week.
What are these emergencies that need to be addressed immediately?
There are times when you can safely wait for your regular vet to be available before bringing your pet in, but there are other times when you should act immediately. In the event that you suspect your pet’s condition is serious enough to warrant immediate attention from a vet, trust your gut and make an appointment as soon as possible.
Dyspnea
If your pet has respiratory distress, see a vet right away. Veterinarians can perform diagnostic tests to determine the cause of this symptom. Our facility provides 24-hour oxygen for patients who can’t oxygenate themselves.
Urinary or Bowel Straining
Urine or feces blockages may cause incontinence. A vet should determine the cause of your pet’s straining and whether it’s painful. Male cats should not strain to urinate. Some male cats get crystals or mucous plugs in their urethra. Urine will accumulate in the bladder, causing pain and bladder rupture. Without urinating, the body can’t eliminate kidney waste. If not treated promptly, these enzymes will become toxic and cause death.
Abdominal Bloat
The symptoms of GDV in dogs include bloating, discomfort, stretching, and gagging, and the disease can be fatal. In GDV, the stomach twists from food and gas (volvulus). Blood flow and stomach emptying are restricted. This will cause shock and sudden death if not treated immediately. The sooner your pet gets surgery for GDV, the better. According to studies, large-breed and deep-chested dogs are more likely to develop GDV. You may search for “veterinary surgeon near me” if you ever need one.
Seizures
A vet should diagnose your pet’s seizure. Multiple or cluster seizures can cause hyperthermia. Young dogs often have idiopathic epilepsy, but brain tumors, trauma, and toxins should also be considered. Cats rarely get epilepsy. Veterinarians should examine any cat having a seizure immediately.
Eye Injury
When dealing with the eye, time is of the essence. Extreme squinting or pawing at the eye is a veterinary emergency just as much as an apparent injury. Even though many eye injuries are treatable, the prognosis is usually better if treatment begins as soon as possible.
Vomiting or Diarrhea
While we’ve all had a pet experience gastrointestinal discomfort from time to time, persistent vomiting or diarrhea can lead to dehydration. Several episodes of vomiting or diarrhea must be investigated to determine the underlying cause, and a dehydrated pet may require hospitalization for supportive care.
Heat Attack
Warmer temperatures increase your pet’s risk of overheating while outside. Excessive panting, reddened gums, excessive drooling, vomiting/diarrhea, weakness, and lethargy are symptoms of heat stroke. Heat stroke can be fatal if untreated.
Accidents
While many vehicular trauma injuries will be obvious emergencies, others will not be. Even if your pet appears in good condition after being hit by a car, internal injuries can take time. Having a veterinarian check over your pet after it’s been in an accident is the best way to make sure it’s okay after being in a collision.
Parvovirus
Puppies and young adult dogs are especially vulnerable to parvovirus infection, which can be fatal. Unvaccinated adult dogs are also at risk of contracting this viral disease. More than half of infected dogs will die without treatment because of the dehydration brought on by the classic symptoms of parvovirus infection: profuse vomiting and bloody diarrhea. Cat and dog vaccinations are very important when it comes to these situations.
Pet Periodontitis
Dental disease in cats and dogs is the most common. Infectious, inflammatory, progressive. Periodontal disease in pets must be diagnosed early to determine the best treatment. Consider pet periodontal disease a battle between bacteria and the immune system. Toxins released by bacteria cause direct and indirect damage. Your pet’s immune system’s inflammatory response destroys bacteria and periodontal tissue. Feel free to consult a cat and dog dentist for further information.