WHAT IS AN EMERGENCY?
What is an Emergency? By Lee Wilwerding, DVM
here are many different degrees of the same problem that could look very similar. Vomiting could be a simple upset stomach or a gastric foreign body. One is an emergency, one might not be. So, what is an emergency is a simple question without a simple answer. Here are some tips and generalities to help determine that answer.
u Notice how your pet acts when they are healthy. Be concerned if they
are more quiet than normal or they don’t respond to you as normal. Vomiting once from a puppy that continues to be very happy and excited, may not be an emergency. BUT if he vomits and acts uncomfortable, then that is an emergency. Sometimes these things are subtle so you really need to know your pet. u Toxins should always be taken seriously. Any ingestion of a chemical or medication that was not prescribed by a veterinarian warrants a call to the ER. Many household medications can cause problems for pets—Tylenol and even ibuprofen if not given as directed by a veterinarian. Pets are often getting into human medications. If they do, you need to call the ER. u Garage chemicals, specifically antifreeze, are always an emergency. This will damage your pet’s kidneys very quickly. There is treatment for it, but it is must be started soon. u Rat poison, or any pesticide or rodenticide if ingested means they should be seen right away even if they seem ok. When rat poison is eaten by your pet, they will act perfectly fine for many days, but then the problems show up and by this time they are in far worse condition than if they had been seen immediately. u Seizures occur often with pets A single seizure that comes and goes quickly, may not be an emergency. Seizures that repeat or get more severe are emergency and your pet should receive medications to stop the seizures before their cumulative effects cause harm. u Lacerations also have different degrees of seriousness. There are the simple ones and there are the deep ones where blood vessels and tendons can be cut. Any deep laceration should be seen quickly, especially if there is profuse bleeding. Lacerated tendons can be fixed if they are treated immediately. But any laceration will benefit from early treatment. Infection can be headed off by quick cleaning of the wounds and appropriate medications if indicated. In this case there is one good piece of advise I can give, remove your metal lawn edging from your yard. This is notorious for causing the worst and deepest paw lacerations. 8
2012 PETACULAR PET DIRECTORY
www.PETacularUSA.com