Specific Examples of Emergencies

 

Hit-by-Car

Any animal hit by a car should be carefully examined by a veterinarian due to the possibility of internal injury. If your pet is conscious, be careful,  he may be in pain and try to bite.

Heat Stroke

Collapsed, labored breathing, mouth color is very dark pink, actual steam coming from the skin.

Convulsions

Uncontrollable, involuntary, excessive or reduced motor activity. "Paddling" of feet and "clamping" of mouth.

Poisoning or Toxicity

Garlic or rotten fish odor in breath. Rapid breathing, blood in vomit, depression, weakness and possibly convulsions or seizures. Keep these away from pet: Rodent poisons, pesticides, radiator fluids.

Difficulty Giving Birth

30-60 minutes of strong contractions without delivering a puppy. Greater than 4-6 hours between puppies. Constant licking the vulva area and whining.

Vaccine Reaction

Some pets can show signs of vaccine reaction immediately but can take up to 24 hours. Staggering, difficulty breathing, swelling of mouth and throat, hives, collapsing, weak pulse, vomiting, pale gums, shock.

Slipped Disks

Pain, weakness, loss of sensation and in severe cases paralysis. Extreme irritation and marked inflammation occurs where disc material has extruded.

Bloat

Bloated, large and taut abdomen along with gagging but not vomiting. Pacing, salivating, and at times labored breathing may occur.

"Blocked" Cat

Frequent trips to the litter box and cat cries when trying to urinate and litter box will be dry. Constant licking at the genitals. Very uncomfortable and clearly stressed.

Choking

Could be a foreign object lodged in throat. Allergic reaction or a trauma.