Every pet owner must understand what constitutes a veterinary emergency, because illnesses, injuries, and abnormalities can take a sudden turn for the worse. Knowing when to seek immediate veterinary attention can significantly affect your pet’s health and well-being, and the outcome of their malady. Our comprehensive list will help you identify common situations that warrant a visit to Bartow Animal Clinic or your nearest veterinary emergency hospital.
#1: Difficulty breathing in pets
While panting after a rousing game of fetch or chase the feather wand is normal, certain respiratory issues indicate immediate veterinary attention is needed, such as:
- Rapid or labored breathing — If your pet is breathing rapidly or struggling to breathe, they could be in respiratory distress, which can be caused by various issues, including heart problems, respiratory infections, or allergic reactions.
- Persistent coughing, gagging, or choking — Chronic coughing or choking signs may suggest respiratory or airway issues that require immediate attention.
- Bluish gums or tongue — Cyanosis, or a bluish discoloration of the gums or tongue, can signal an inadequate oxygen supply, which indicates a severe respiratory or circulatory problem.
#2: Trauma or injury in pets
Pets have a penchant for trouble and may become injured by their antics, or fall victim to a multitude of accidents. If your pet has suffered a traumatic event or injury, they will need veterinary care for the following issues:
- Accidents — Any accident, such as being hit by a car or falling from a significant height, can lead to internal injuries, fractures, or other serious problems.
- Open wounds, bleeding, or broken bones — Visible injuries, continuous bleeding, or fractures require immediate veterinary care to prevent further complications.
- Inability to stand or walk — If your pet cannot stand or walk, they could have neurological or musculoskeletal issues that need prompt attention.
#3: Seizures in pets
Pets having a seizure can be frightening, and you should always seek veterinary care for the following seizure-related issues:
- Frequent or prolonged seizures — Seizures that last more than a few minutes or occur in clusters can indicate a severe neurological problem.
- Cluster seizures — Multiple seizures in a short period without full recovery in between may require urgent intervention.
- Initial seizure in older pets — A sudden onset of seizures in older pets could signal underlying health issues and should be addressed promptly.
#4: Toxicity in pets
Toxin exposure can cause poisoning signs that may appear rapidly or develop several hours or days later. Toxicity issues that require urgent care include:
- Consuming household items — Pets who ingest medications, certain foods (e.g., chocolate or grapes), toxic plants, or household chemicals can be poisoned.
- Poisoning signs — Pets with vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, tremors, or seizures may be poisoned and require urgent veterinary care.
#5: Difficulty urinating in pets
Urinary issues are frustrating for pet owners and can become life-threatening emergencies for pets. Never ignore the following urinary problems in your pet:
- Straining or inability to urinate — Difficulty urinating or an inability to urinate could signal a urinary blockage, which is a medical emergency.
- Blood in urine or changes in urinary habits — Blood in the urine or changes in urinary habits may indicate urinary tract infections, stones, or other urinary issues.
#6: Eye issues in pets
Ocular conditions can rapidly worsen in pets, who need immediate treatment if signs include:
- Swelling, redness, or discharge — These may indicate eye infections, injuries, or foreign objects lodged in the eye.
- Sudden blindness or vision changes — Any sudden vision change requires immediate attention to identify and address the underlying cause.
- Eye injuries or foreign objects — If the eye is visibly injured or a foreign object is lodged in the eye, prompt examination is necessary.
#7: Incessant vomiting or diarrhea in pets
A bout or two of vomiting or diarrhea is generally not cause for concern, but the following gastrointestinal (GI) problems need prompt attention:
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea — Vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours may lead to dehydration and other health issues, so prompt medical attention is required.
- Presence of blood — Blood in vomit or stool can indicate various GI issues or illnesses that need immediate diagnosis and treatment.
- Dehydration — Sunken eyes, lethargy, or dry gums suggest dehydration, which requires timely intervention.
- Unproductive retching — Unproductive gagging or retching can signal stomach bloat or gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV), which is a life-threatening emergency.
#8: Sudden behavior changes in pets
Abrupt changes in your pet’s normal behaviors and habits often indicate an underlying issue. Keep an eye out for the following:
- Drastic changes in appetite or water intake — A sudden loss of appetite or increased thirst may indicate underlying health issues.
- Aggression or extreme lethargy — Unexplained aggression or extreme lethargy can be signs of pain, discomfort, or illness.
- Any unusual behavior — Trust your instincts. If your pet’s behavior is significantly abnormal, the problem needs investigating.
If you observe any of these signs, do not hesitate to contact your Bartow Animal Clinic team or an emergency veterinary hospital. Early intervention can be critical in ensuring the best outcome for your pet.
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