Understanding Pet Emergencies: A Veterinarian's Perspective
As veterinarians, we've seen our fair share of pet emergencies. While every pet owner hopes their friend stays healthy and safe, accidents and illnesses can happen unexpectedly. Knowing the most common reasons pets end up needing emergency veterinary care can help you be better prepared to handle such situations. We are here when you need us, because we know comfort can't wait. Here are the top reasons you should seek urgent veterinary attention.
Trauma: Whether it's a car accident, a fall, or a fight with another animal, trauma is a frequent cause of emergency visits. Pets can suffer from broken bones, wounds, and internal injuries that require immediate attention.
Gastrointestinal Issues: Vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain are common reasons pets are rushed to the emergency vet. These symptoms can indicate anything from dietary indiscretion (eating something they shouldn't have) to more serious issues like gastrointestinal obstruction with a toy or other foreign material or pancreatitis.
Difficulty Breathing: Respiratory distress is a serious emergency in pets and can be caused by various factors such as allergic reactions, heart disease, or respiratory infections. Rapid breathing, coughing, or open-mouth breathing are signs that your pet needs immediate veterinary care.
Toxin Ingestion: Pets are curious creatures, and they may ingest substances that are toxic to them. Common things we see pets ingest are chocolate, sugar free gum containing xylitol, medications, household cleaners, and certain plants. Ingestion of toxins can lead to a range of symptoms from mild gastrointestinal upset to seizures or even organ failure.
Allergic Reactions: Just like humans, pets can have allergic reactions to things like insect bites, vaccinations, or some medications. These reactions can range from mild symptoms like facial swelling, hives, and itching to life-threatening anaphylaxis, requiring immediate medical intervention.
Urinary Issues: Straining to urinate, blood in the urine, or inability to urinate are signs of urinary tract problems in pets. Conditions like urinary blockages can quickly become life-threatening if not addressed promptly.
Seizures: Seizures can be caused by various underlying conditions such as epilepsy, toxins, or metabolic disorders. Witnessing your pet have a seizure can be terrifying, and it's crucial to seek veterinary care to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
Heatstroke: Pets can easily overheat in the summer months, even while just on a walk around the block. Heatstroke can rapidly progress and lead to organ failure if not treated promptly with cooling measures and supportive care.
Our emergency animal hospital is conveniently located on Johns Island. We have the capability to triage any of these issues and stabilize your pet. Almost all of our diagnostics are performed on site including urine tests, blood screening, radiographs (x-rays), and FAST ultrasound scans. We can also provide fluids and pain and other medications for treatment. When you’re in an urgent situation, you can trust our team to know what is needed and act quickly.
Being aware of these common reasons for pet emergencies can help you act quickly and decisively if your pet ever needs urgent veterinary care. Remember, if you're ever unsure whether your pet's symptoms warrant a trip to the emergency vet, it's always better to err on the side of caution and seek professional advice.
Sincerely,
Jill and Laura
