Reasons to Call your Veterinarian Immediately!
Breathing Difficulties: Labored breathing coupled with pale or bluish mucous membranes of the mouth and gums. Honking, snorting and violent sneezing that does not stop on its own, or when the animal seems anxious associated with the above listed behavior.
Serious Bleeding: Apply direct pressure to the wound. Get help if the bleeding is not controlled in 10 to 15 minutes.
Major Trauma: If your pet has fallen, been struck by a moving vehicle, or suffers multiple wounds from an unseen accident, call your veterinarian or emergency clinic. Even if the pet initially appears unharmed, the pet may be in pain or suffering silently.
Lacerations and Bite Wounds: Wounds that penetrate the skin are contaminated and may become infected within several hours. Many wounds seem minor at first. They often hide more extensive injuries to vital tissues below and abscess a few days later. Any bite from a wild animal should be taken very seriously and reported.
Collapse, Loss of Consciousness or Seizures: Illness or injury can make your pet too weak to stand. Neurological problems can impair or prevent normal movement, and further attempts at walking may result in even greater injury. If you suspect your pet is having or has had a seizure, please call your veterinarian.
Poisoning: Were you aware that even some houseplants and flowers, like the lily, can be deadly to your pets? When you know or suspect that your pet has ingested a poisonous substance, we recommend you call the Pet Poison Helpline immediately to receive emergency instructions and to assess the need for additional medical treatment. 1-800-213- 6680. (Fee for services.) Pet Poison Helpline is a 24-hour animal poison control service available throughout the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean for pet owners and veterinary professionals.
Prolonged Vomiting, Drooling, Diarrhea, Blood in the Feces: Many diseases begin with vomiting and/or diarrhea. Regardless of the underlying cause, multiple episodes can lead to severe dehydration and shock. The smaller the animal, the sooner we must see it. Exposure to lawn pesticides and mushrooms are common veterinary emergencies.
Kitten with Cuterebrosis infection
Infections: If you discover an infected wound or abscess, or if your pet suddenly becomes worse while on medications for infection, the infection may have spread and be causing toxicity.
Difficulty Urinating, Blocking, Constipation: Be observant with regard to your pet’s “bathroom habits.” Attempting to urinate without normal urine flow may be an obstruction, which can lead to fatal uremic poisoning. Male cats under the age of eight are the most affected. Waiting 12-24 hours may be too late if he/she is having trouble urinating.
Eye Problems: Redness, tearing, pain and eyelid spasms usually suggest an acute problem in one or both eyes. Such symptoms can quickly go from bad to worse.