VIPet Monthly Newsletter (Issue 10)
Pet T.L.C.
(1) What is considered an emergency
As a loving pet owner, it’s natural to be concerned about your pet if they’re unwell, and to want prompt diagnosis and treatment. But what is actually considered a medical or surgical emergency for pets?
Common symptoms that suggest a condition requiring urgent treatment can include:
- Inability to pass urine
- Difficulty breathing
- Seizures
- White or very pale gums
- Fainting
- Sudden wobbliness or weakness
- Steady bleeding from a wound
- Profuse vomiting or diarrhoea, especially if it contains blood
- Significant mental dullness
- Noticeable sudden belly-bloating with discomfort
If you suspect that your pet has been bitten by a snake or eaten something they shouldn’t have (e.g. a non-food item that could get stuck or a toxin such as rat bait or a human medication), you should phone ahead to the veterinary clinic and bring them in for immediate assessment, as these issues are best treated early.
Any condition or injury that causes your pet severe pain for more than a few minutes also warrants an urgent vet visit. This can include traumatic injuries, such as if your pet has had a fall from a reasonable height, hit by a vehicle or been attacked by another animal.
If a very young animal becomes unwell, or if your pet has an ongoing serious health condition and becomes unwell, they are best assessed quickly because these pets often have less capacity to fight illness and can deteriorate quickly.
The bottom line? If you’re worried about your pet, give your vet clinic a call to ensure your pet is okay and to set your mind at ease. Additionally, many conditions can be treated quickly and easily if caught early.
Lastly, a reminder that if you are ever taking your pet in for emergency treatment, try to phone ahead to the veterinary clinics – as this allows them to prepare for your arrival to provide assistance more rapidly and support you and your pet.
