(02) 6684 0735
(02) 6684 0735
Our furry companions hold a special place in our hearts, and as responsible pet owners, it's crucial to be vigilant about their health and well-being. While routine vet visits are essential for preventive care, there are times when our pets may require immediate attention. Knowing when to contact the vet in an emergency can mean the difference between life and death for your beloved pet. Here are several reasons to reach out to the emergency vet:
1. Collapse: If your pet suddenly collapses and is unable to stand or move, it could be indicative of a severe underlying issue such as heart problems, internal bleeding, or neurological disorders. Immediate veterinary intervention is necessary to determine the cause and provide appropriate treatment.
2. Seizures: Seizures can be terrifying for both pets and their owners. Whether it's the first time your pet experiences a seizure, a seizure lasting longer than five minutes, or more than two seizures occurring within a 24-hour period, it's crucial to seek emergency veterinary care. Seizures can be caused by various factors, including epilepsy, toxin ingestion, or underlying medical conditions that require prompt evaluation and management.
3. Respiratory Distress: If your pet is displaying signs of respiratory distress, such as increased rate and effort of breathing, gasping for air, or panting excessively, it could indicate a serious respiratory problem or even a life-threatening emergency like pneumonia or a collapsed trachea. Immediate veterinary attention is essential to stabilize your pet's breathing and address the underlying cause.
4. Squinting and Painful Eyes: Squinting, redness, swelling, or discharge from the eyes can indicate a range of eye problems, including corneal ulcers, foreign bodies, or glaucoma. These conditions can be extremely painful and may lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated. Contacting the emergency vet promptly allows for early diagnosis and appropriate treatment to alleviate your pet's discomfort and preserve their eyesight.
5. Inability to Move Hindlegs or Weakness: Sudden onset of weakness or paralysis in the hind legs may be a sign of spinal cord injury, intervertebral disc disease, or tick paralysis. These issues require immediate veterinary evaluation to prevent further damage and provide timely intervention for optimal recovery.
6. Sudden Change in Appearance: Any sudden change in your pet's appearance, such as pale or blue gums, swelling, hives, deformed leg, or a bruising on the abdomen, could indicate a serious medical emergency. These symptoms may be associated with conditions like shock, allergic reactions, fractures or internal organ damage, necessitating immediate veterinary assessment and treatment.
7. Inability to Urinate and Frequent Straining: If your pet is unable to urinate or is straining to urinate frequently, it could be a sign of urinary obstruction, especially in male cats. Without prompt intervention, urinary blockages can lead to kidney damage, bladder rupture, or even death. Contacting the emergency vet ensures timely management to relieve your pet's discomfort and prevent complications.
8. Bloated or Distended Abdomen with Unproductive Vomiting: A bloated or distended abdomen, especially when accompanied by unproductive vomiting (retching without producing vomit), could indicate a life-threatening condition called gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) or "bloat." GDV is a medical emergency that requires immediate surgical intervention to prevent gastric torsion and shock.
9. Pain: Pets experiencing severe pain may exhibit signs such as whimpering, restlessness, aggression, or reluctance to move. Pain can be caused by various conditions, including trauma, orthopedic injuries, or abdominal discomfort. Prompt assessment by an emergency veterinarian is necessary to identify the source of pain and provide appropriate pain management to alleviate your pet's suffering.
Always trust your instincts and never hesitate to seek professional veterinary care if you suspect your pet is experiencing a medical emergency. Your quick action could make all the difference in your pet's outcome.
Emergency veterinary care can be reached by contacting your regular veterinary clinic and following through with the answering machine instructions. This may include dialing a 1300 number to go through a triage process before seeing the vet, calling a mobile phone, or being directed to a different veterinary clinic providing after-hours services at that time. North Coast Veterinary Services shares after hours veterinary work will Mullumbimby Vet Clinic, so you will either be given 1300 number to talk to the triage vet prior to seeing us or be directed to call Mullumbimby Vet depending on the evening. Make sure you listen to the phone message and have a pen handy to write down the contact number you need.
