Tuesday, May 21, 2013

"DO I NEED TO BRING MY PET IN?" What constitutes a pet emergency

I think our receptionists answer this question multiple times each day. The phone rings, and the client on the other end describes the symptoms their pet is experiencing, then asks "Do I need to bring him in?".  The rule of thumb is if your pet is sick or injured, you should seek veterinary care as soon as possible. If you are concerned enough to call, then yes....the pet should come in. However, some conditions are more urgent than others, and how is a pet owner to know?

 
 
We'll start with some of the conditions that are considered an emergency, requiring 
Seek Immediate care
immediate care:

  • Rattlesnake Bite- a rattlesnake bite is considered an emergency, and you should seek veterinary care for your pet ASAP!
  • Heatstroke- heatstroke is considered an emergency, and you should seek veterinary care for your pet ASAP!
  • Hit by Car- even if the pet was "bumped" and appears ok, sometimes resulting internal injuries are a serious problem.
  • Trauma or Broken Bones- the best chance for recovery is immediate treatment.
  • Excessive Bleeding- seek immediate treatment.
  • Sudden onset of Bloated or Enlarged Abdomen-this can be caused by a condition where the stomach "flips", therefore not allowing anything to exit the stomach. This is a life threatening condition, usually requiring surgical intervention. 
  • Poison Ingestion- rodenticides (such as rat bait), some human prescription and over the counter medications, marijuana, antifreeze, household products and cleansers, and even some household plants are toxic to pets. Chocolate could be added to this list as well, depending on the amount and type of chocolate ingested and the weight of the dog. In any event, call your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your pet has ingested something that he shouldn't have! For a full list of poisonous plants visit: http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/ask-the-expert/ask-the-expert-poison-control/plants-and-trees.aspx
  • Labored Breathing- immediate care should be sought for a pet experiencing difficulty breathing or a cat with open mouth breathing. This condition could be considered an emergency, requiring immediate care if the pet is pale or blue (check the color of the pets gums).
  • Seizures- a violent or prolonged seizure, lasting longer than 3 minutes.
Schedule an appointment ASAP
 

The following conditions warrant same day care:
  • Eye Conditions- a foreign body in the eye (such as a foxtail), a sudden change in the appearance of the eye (cloudy or discolored), swelling around the eye, or the pet pawing at the eye are all conditions that warrant a same day appointment.
  • Excessive Vomiting- repeated vomiting, not able to keep down food/water for a period of 12 hours.
  • Bloody Diarrhea- ongoing diarrhea should not be prolonged past 24 hours. Bloody diarrhea warrants same day treatment. Please bring a stool sample to the appointment, if possible.
  • Difficulty Urinating- especially in cats. A male cat who has not urinated, or is experiencing difficulty urinating constitutes immediate medical care.
  • Hives- usually a pet exhibits hives if they are bit by an insect, and experiencing a reaction.

Otherwise:

Watch the pet closely and call if symptoms persist
Any abnormal behavior or symptom should not be prolonged longer than 72 hours without care. Unfortunately, with some conditions, the longer care is delayed the worse the condition becomes-sometimes requiring more extensive treatment. Call the clinic if you notice any of the following changes in your pet:
  • Unusual behavior, including lethargy or aggression.
  • Unusual discharge from  the nose, eyes or other body openings.
  • An increase or decrease of appetite that lasts more than a few days.
  • Excessive head shaking, scratching or licking.
  • Swelling or abnormal lumps.
  • Limping or difficulty getting up or lying down.
  • Foul breath or excessive deposits on teeth.
  • Changes in urination or drinking habits,
  • Persistent vomiting or diarrhea.
  • Obvious injury or illness.
Your pets normal body temperature ranges from 100.5-102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Although not all conditions or diseases are accompanied by a fever, it is a good idea to keep a digital thermometer at home to monitor your pets temperature if you suspect a medical problem.

For further information, and a more complete list of medical issues in dogs and cats, visit our website for a printable version of "First Aid for Small Animals".
http://pleasantvalleypetclinic.com/pdf/First-Aid-for-Small-Animals.pdf

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