Responding to calls from clients regarding emergency situations requires considerable education and experience. The following information is designed to familiarize veterinary professionals, client service specialists, and receptionists with symptoms that are compatible with emergencies, descriptions of specific emergencies, and a flow chart of questions for veterinary professionals to ask in determining the severity of a given situation. This valuable information is used in training all of our new staff members and is regularly reviewed with all employees. In the event of an emergency for your pet, please contact us immediately. Try to stay calm and think clearly. When speaking with Airpark personnel provide us with your name, address and phone number so we can pull up your pet’s medical history. Also provide us with the name, age, breed and sex of your pet.
Situations that can indicate an emergency situation include:
1. Difficulty breathing (dyspnea)
2. Excessive bleeding (hemorrhage)
3. Loss of consciousness (coma)
4. Straining or inability to urinate (urinary obstruction)
5. Profuse diarrhea or vomiting
6. Seizures, excessive salivation or exposure to poisons
7. Abnormalities in giving birth (dystocia)
8. Large open wounds
9. Burns
10. Bloated abdomen (GDV – gastric dilation volvulus)
11. Eye problems
12. Inability to stand or walk (paralysis, paresis)
Examples of emergency situations
Hit by a car
Due to the possibility of internal injury, any animal that has been hit by a car should be carefully examined by a veterinarian. If the pet is conscious, be aware that the animal may be in pain and may try to bite.
Heat Stroke
A pet left out in the sun or locked in a car may quickly develop heat stroke. Signs of heat stroke include loud panting, bright red gums, and a frightened or staring expression. Owners should bring their pet’s temperature down by soaking them with cold water and
covering them with towels soaked in cold water, if possible, before rushing to the hospital. Fatality frequently occurs if body temperature rises above 106 degrees F.
Convulsions
Convulsions or seizures are uncontrolled body tremors that may involve specific regions of the body or the animal’s entire body. Any pet convulsing for the first time should be seen immediately, as this could be a sign of poisoning. Any pet convulsing for more than five minutes or a pregnant or nursing female animal that begins convulsing should be seen immediately. Keep your hands out of the pet’s mouth; pets will not swallow their own tongues.
Poisoning or toxicity
The types of toxins pets are most likely to consume include rat poison, snail bait, insecticides, antifreeze and certain poisonous plants. Please note the type of toxin, if known, and how long the pet ingested it. If you are within a twenty minute drive of the
hospital, bring the pet and the toxin container, if available, to the hospital immediately. If you are not in the proximity of the hospital, call and speak with a veterinarian for immediate instructions.
Difficulty giving birth
Difficulties giving birth include straining for more than four hours before the first newborn is delivered or more than two hours between each newborn, red or green tinged vaginal discharge for twelve hours after delivery, or a mother who is vomiting, weak or trembling. If any of these signs occur, call and speak with a veterinarian immediately.
Vaccine Reaction
Reactions to vaccinations include any signs of illness within a few minutes to twenty-four hours after the vaccination. It is common for pets to be more quiet than usual following a vaccination. However, if pets have difficulty breathing, begin to vomit or have diarrhea after vaccinations, they should be brought to the hospital immediately.
Slipped disks or intervertebral disk prolapse
Animals that stumble, fall, yelp in pain when picked up, or are unable to stand, may have neurological problems. Slipped disks are common in small dogs such as Dachshunds. It is important to emphasize that animals exhibiting these symptoms should be examined immediately.
Bloated abdomen or Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV)
This is a serious, life-threatening condition of the gastrointestinal system. There is a greater incidence in large, deep-chested dogs (e.g. Great Danes, Labrador Retrievers, Irish Setters, Huskies, Shepherds, etc.). The condition involves a swelling of the stomach
with gas and fluids, creating a bloated abdomen. Signs of bloat include excessive salivation, extreme restlessness, attempts to vomit with production of thick, rope-like saliva, or abdominal pain or distention. Dogs exhibiting signs of bloat should be seen immediately.
Cats straining to urinate or Feline Urological Syndrome (FUS)
This is a disease of cats characterized by the formation of crystals or stones in the bladder which can cause obstruction of the urinary tract. Both males and females can develop problems, although males are more commonly affected. Signs of FUS include urination in places other than the litter box, increased licking of the genital area, straining to urinate, frequent attempts to urinate, crying, “yowling” or blood in the urine. These cats should be seen immediately.
Choking
Animals could be choking when they exhibit raspy, labored breathing. Check the pet’s gums or inner eyelids to see if they are pink (desirable color) or blue (a crisis). If it appears the pet is unable to breathe, attempt to open the pet’s mouth and look for an
obstructive object lodged in the throat. Tennis balls, golf balls, super balls, sticks, bones and food are most often the cause of sudden choking. Note: place the pet’s lips over their teeth when checking for obstructions to avoid being bitten. If the pet is small, you can hold the animal upside down and attempt to dislodge any obstruction in the throat. If it appears to be a crisis, please contact a veterinarian or rush the pet to the hospital. |
