Is It A Medical Emergency?

Some emergencies such as seizures, heavy bleeding, gaping wounds, collapse, and paralysis are easily identified as requiring immediate attention. Other kinds of emergencies are not so easy to recognize but may be just as life-threatening to your pet. Because there are many different kinds of emergencies, it is important that you be able to recognize the symptoms and seek assistance immediately.

Clinical symptoms may develop slowly with some illnesses or injuries, and it is often difficult to recognize them or judge their severity on your own. If, for any reason, you feel that your animal is not acting "right" or normal, please call us during our normal office hours or an emergency clinic after-hours. If you decide to take your pet to an emergency hospital, please call ahead to alert their staff of your emergency.

Because your pet's health and safety are our primary concern, it may be necessary for your veterinarian to examine your pet and then transfer the case to an emergency clinic for overnight observation or critical care, or refer you directly to the emergency clinic with your pet.

Thankfully, most of your pet's medical problems will not be emergencies and can be addressed in a regular office visit with your primary veterinarian.

So... how do you decide whether or not you have an emergency? Bottom line: if you have any doubts, please don't hesitate to call.