Sick Visit
What Is Pet Urgent Care?
Pet urgent care ensures animals receive prompt attention for sudden veterinary problems. Respiratory infections, eye and ear infections, minor wounds, and gastrointestinal disturbances can be distressing for both animals and their parents. For severe trauma, bleeding, breathing problems, or other issues that occur after our normal hours, we can also refer you to an emergency veterinary clinic in the area for prompt treatment.
To help you better recognize vet emergencies, here's a list of symptoms that more than likely constitute an emergency situation:
VOMITING AND DIARRHEA
While isolated incidents are not typically an emergency, if these have happened multiple times in succession, are accompanied by blood, you should make an appointment with us.
OPEN BLEEDING, SPRAINS, STRAINS, BROKEN BONES, DISLOCATIONS AND CONCUSSIONS
Also known as acute injuries, these should be treated immediately. Any information you can give us on how these occurred is very helpful.
DIFFICULTY/NOT BREATHING
Do not wait, please take your pet to the nearest animal hospital, prompt treatment is essential. This is the case for both rapid and shallow breathing patterns, this requires immediate care. When you arrive please let the staff know your pet is having issues with its breathing.
If they are not breathing, you may choose to perform CPR.
INGESTION OF POISON AND TOXIC SUBSTANCES
If your pet has ingested any cleaners, chocolate, poisonous plants, or chemicals, please take them to an emergency hospital immediately. Do not wait to see what happens. The ASPCA Poison Control hotline is available 24/7 at 1-888-426-4435 for immediate guidance.
FIRST OR SEVERE SEIZURE
If your pet has had their first seizure, please contact your veterinarian for an appointment to discuss the underlying cause, thankfully a single seizure is not often harmful. However, if a seizure lasts more than a few minutes, or if your pet has multiple seizures within a few minutes, please take them to us, or a nearby emergency veterinary clinic if after-hours.
BITES AND ALLERGIC REACTIONS
If your pet has been bitten by a snake or insect, please look out for signs of anaphylactic shock. These symptoms include swelling at the bite site, skin rash, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and shock. Do not wait to go to an animal hospital if you notice even one symptom.
INGESTION OF FOREIGN BODIES: TOYS, CHEWS, TOWELS, ETC.
If your pet swallows a piece of cloth, towel, rope, plastic, etc. this indeed qualifies as an emergency. Even if the piece is small and you believe it will pass through their system, only an x-ray can determine this for certain. Please call your veterinarian immediately!
Common Urgent Care Conditions
Author: Dr. Corinne Majeska
Heatstroke is one of the most common pet urgent care situations veterinarians encounter in their practice. It occurs when pets become overheated in hot weather, causing symptoms like drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, uncoordinated movement and unconsciousness. Minor cuts and other types of soft tissue damage can also be treated as urgent care. If your pet has a severe respiratory infection or eye infection, the vet should see the animal as soon as possible. Severe diarrhea or constipation should be seen by the vet. Problems with urination should also receive diagnosis and treatment. Seizures or other unusual behavior should be seen by the vet. If your pet experiences any of these problems, contact us immediately, to bring the animal in for treatment or to be referred to an emergency vet clinic in your area.
We will examine your pet as quickly as possible, providing a thorough examination and laboratory testing to determine the animal’s condition. If needed, x-rays and ultrasound will be done to provide a view of internal organs. Immediate treatment can then begin. If further procedures are needed, we will discuss any options with you.
Make Companion Pet Hospital Your Veterinarian In Philadelphia
Dr. Majeska and the staff at Companion Pet Hospital are dedicated to providing quality care for all their patients in Philadelphia, PA and surrounding areas.
We offer many veterinary services to ensure health, including exams, vaccinations, dental care, microchipping, diagnostics, surgery, boarding and grooming.
