Emergency medicine goals are to alleviate pain, prevent suffering, and save lives.

Animals feel pain just like we do, but they don’t always show it. Since their #1 goal in life is to love, they will often hide their discomfort and illness from their human family. That means that if you have any reason to believe that your pet may be in pain or not feeling well, it is extremely important to seek medical attention; as it is very possible there has been something wrong for longer than they were showing you.

We want nothing more than to help your pet, and to get them home and feeling better as soon as possible.

 

Our Emergency Team:

Our 24/7 emergency team of veterinarians and veterinary technicians are always prepared to help your pet in their time of need. Our emergency department is fully staffed 24/7 and 365, including Holidays, to ensure your pet will get the most compassionate, professional, and state-of-the-art veterinary care possible.  Call or come in any time if you are concerned something is wrong with your pet.

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT VETERINARY EMERGENCIES:

 What is considered an emergency and cannot wait for an appointment the next day?

1) Toxin ingestion (please see our toxin list below)

2) Weakness/lethargy (resists or hesitant to walk around normally)

3) Frequent vomiting or trying to vomit

4) Distended/bloated abdomen

5) Severe limping/not using one of the limbs/legs

6) Swollen face

7) Skin hives and increased itchiness

8) Large volume diarrhea more than 3 times in a day

9) Vomit or diarrhea with blood

10) Seizures

11) Straining to urinate with no urine production, or only a few drops of urine

12) Pale gums

13) Coughing and breathing heavy at rest

14) Having difficulty breathing (neck extended out, nasal flaring, abdominal movement when trying to breath)

15) Pain (crying out in pain or wound that is painful)

16) After being hit by a car (to assess for internal damage that cannot be seen on the outside)

17) After being attacked by another animal (to address wounds, pain and start antibiotics)

 

What is considered toxic for my dog or cat?

Here is a list of toxins which can be life threatening if treatment is not initiated:

DOGS:

1) Ethylene glycol (antifreeze)

2) Dark chocolate or bakers chocolate

3) Xylitol (sugar substitute)

4) Grapes or Raisins

5) Ibuprofen, Aleve (Naproxen), Tylenol

6) Sago palm tree (decorative mini palm tree)

7) Green/blue algea

8) Marijuana- particulary edibles

9) Onions and garlic

10) Moldy food or composting material

11) Hops (brewing)

12) Macadamia nuts

13) Yeast dough

14) Caffeine

15) Mouse/Rat bait

 

CATS:

1) Oriental lily (lily with star shape flower)

2) Ethylene glycol

3) Ibuprofen, Aleve, Tylenol

4) Moldy food or composting material

5) Mouse/Rat bait

6) Potpourri

7) Essential oils

 

If you would like more information on these toxins and other potential toxins, please visit: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

 

If you are concerned your pet may have ingested a toxin, call:

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435

Pet Poison Hotline: (855) 764-7661

 

 

 

What happens with my pet when I come in on an emergency basis?

-Every pet is triaged right away by a veterinary technician

-Pets that may have initial signs of shock or critical illness will be brought to our triage center for immediate veterinary assessment and stabilization

-If you pet is taken to our triage center, the veterinarian will be up to update you on your pet’s condition as soon as possible and is typically within 15-20minutes.

-If your pet is assessed as stable then you and your pet are placed in an exam room where the veterinary technician obtains vitals and information about your pet.

-After vitals and information is gathered, the veterinary technician will inform the emergency veterinarian about your pet.

-The veterinarian will then evaluate your pet and discuss recommendations for testing and/or treatment.

-A financial estimate will be provided for approval of any services recommended

 

NOTE: Please know that our triage center is a calm/comfortable environment where pets can be quickly assessed by a veterinarian and stabilized right away if emergency care is needed. Oxygen, pain medication and IV fluids can all be initiated right away to help your pet remain comfortable and stable while the veterinarian discusses concerns and recommendations with you.

 

 

 

What tests can be performed on my pet on an emergency basis?

1) Full in-house blood work (results in 30-40minutes)

-CBC: To assess white cells (infection/inflammation), red cells (anemia) and platelets (clotting)

-Chemistry: To assess organ function including the kidneys, liver and electrolytes/blood sugar

-PT/PTT: Clotting ability (assess for internal bleeding)

-Urinalysis: To assess for infection and/or kidney disease

2) Digital X-rays

-Immediate results to help assess for internal abnormalities such as: bone trauma/fracture, GI obstruction, bloat (GDV), heart failure, pneumonia and cancer

3) Triage ultrasound

-To assess for internal bleeding, fluid build up, ruptured urinary bladder and infection

4) Specialty ultrasound of chest or abdomen:

-A thorough assessment for organ disease/abnormalities, GI obstruction, infection and cancer.

5) MRI:

-To assess for spinal fracture, head trauma/skull fractures, slipped disc in the back, stroke, brain tumor and meningitis

 

 

What critical care treatments are available for my pet if needed?

1) Oxygen therapy

2) Intravenous pain control

3) Blood transfusion

4) IV fluids

5) Antidotes for several toxins

6) Intravenous medications for organ disease, GI disease and infection

7) Nutritional support