What is a pet emergency?

Symptoms include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Bleeding that does not stop from any part of the body
• Bloated, distended, swollen or painful abdomen
• Major trauma – falls, hit-by-cars, large wounds, broken bones
• Lacerations, bite wounds and penetrating wounds anywhere (but especially in the chest or abdomen)
• Collapse/Loss of Consciousness
• Ingestion of poison or foreign material
• Prolonged vomiting or diarrhea
• Seizure activity
• Staggering, stumbling, head-tilted, sudden blindness
• Lameness or non-weight bearing on any limb
• Inflammation, swelling or other irritation to the Eye(s)
• Severe hives or severe itching
• Inability to urinate or defecate
• Inability to deliver puppies or kittens
• Loss of balance or consciousness
• Pain
• Rapid heartbeat or breathing rate
• Dilated pupils
• Vomiting or diarrhea with blood or violent episodes

Emergencies include:

• Hit by a car
• Heavy bleeding
• Gaping wounds
• Collapse
• Paralysis
• Other conditions easily identified as requiring immediate attention

Description of some of the symptoms listed above:

BREATHING DIFFICULTY
Labored breathing and/or pale or blue gums or tongue may indicate heart failure, lung disease, internal bleeding, or major chemical imbalances.

SERIOUS BLEEDING
For heavy bleeding, apply direct pressure to the wound, seek help immediately.

MAJOR TRAUMA
If your pet has fallen, been hit by a car, or has suffered multiple wounds from an unknown source, you should seek professional help immediately, even if your pet is acting ok.

LACERATIONS AND BITE WOUNDS
Wounds that break the skin are contaminated and can become infected. Many wounds that seem minor to the naked eye – a small puncture or bite wound – can often have deeper, more serious injuries below the skin’s surface.

COLLAPSE / LOSS OF CONSCIOUSNESS
Illness or injury may make a pet too weak to stand. Neurological problems can prevent normal movement and lead to greater injury if your pet tries to walk.

POISONING
If you know or suspect this, call our office immediately for professional direction to deal with this very serious problem quickly!

PROLONGED VOMITING OR DIARRHEA
Many serious illnesses begin with vomiting and/or diarrhea. Multiple episodes of vomiting and/or diarrhea can lead to severe dehydration and shock.

INFECTIONS
If your pet develops an infected wound or abscess, or if he/she suddenly gets worse while on medication for an infection, seek professional help immediately. Infection can spread rapidly and lead to death if not treated properly.

DIFFICULTY URINATING
Your pet may appear to be straining due to constipation, but it could be more serious. Frequent attempts to urinate that don’t produce a normal urine flow could indicate infection or obstruction – especially in male cats! This can lead to uremic poisoning and death.

EYE PROBLEMS
Redness, excessive tearing, pain, pawing at the eyes, squinting or eyelid spasms suggest an acute problem. The symptoms can intensify if not treated.

Animal Emergency & Specialty Center emergency room is open 24 hours, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. If your pet has experienced a trauma, or needs immediate emergency veterinary care, please come directly to our facility at 6425 S. Virginia St., Reno, NV 89511