When your pet is sick, how do you know if you should call your veterinarian? We are happy to make an appointment to see your pet if he or she is not well. However, here are some signs to look for and some advice to help you determine how urgent the problem may be.
Abdominal Distention
If your pet's abdomen is enlarged and/or your pet seems restless and/or is exhibiting gagging or retching, please call. THESE COULD BE SIGNS OF A LIFE-THREATENING PROBLEM.
Allergic reaction
If your pet experiences facial swelling, hives and/or has difficulty breathing he/she may be having an allergic reaction. Please call immediately.
Bleeding
If your pet is bleeding, please call. Excessive blood loss may be A LIFE- THREATENING PROBLEM.
Change in appetite
Does your pet usually dive right in to his/her meals? Is your pet eating treats but not the regular diet? If your pet refuses his/her normal diet for >24 hours, please call.
Coughing
If your pet is coughing for >12 hours and/or is having trouble breathing, please call.
Dental problems
If your pet has red gums, tartar buildup or bad breath it may be time for a dental cleaning. Dental problems are not typically an emergency except if your pet is not eating due to a dental problem.
Diarrhea
If your pet has diarrhea for greater than 24 hours, has blood in the stool and/or is refusing to eat or vomiting, please call. In some cases, severe bloody diarrhea can be a LIFE-THREATENING PROBLEM.
Ear problems
If you notice ear odor, head shaking or scratching please call. Ear infections require prompt attention but may not necessitate an emergency exam. Please call for advice on scheduling.
Excessive thirst
If you notice your pet drinking more than usual, please call for an appointment for an evaluation. Excessive thirst is a sign associated with a wide array of problems, some of which are serious.
Eye problems
If your pet's eye is protruding, if your pet seems suddenly blind, is squinting, has green or yellow eye discharge, has swelling around the eye or if you notice redness in the white part of the eye (the sclera) please call. These symptoms may warrant an emergency visit.
Foreign body ingestion
If your pet has eaten an object other than food, please call. Many household objects ingested by dogs and cats have the potential to cause an obstruction. Some commonly ingested foreign bodies that pets ingest that have a very high chance of causing an obstruction are: corn cobs, socks, rocks, underwear, children's toys, rubber balls, string, pantyhose. In addition, some objects can cause poisoning. An example is zinc toxicity from penny ingestion.
Inability to walk or loss of use of one or more limbs
Many causes of paralysis require prompt attention to provide the best prognosis.
Lethargy
If your pet is reluctant to move, has no energy or seems weak, please call. This sign, although non-specific, requires us to take a closer look.
Lumps/Bumps/Swellings
Any unusual lumps, bumps, or swellings should be evaluated by a veterinarian. Please call for an appointment. Swellings that develop quickly and/or are draining may warrant emergency evaluation.
Pain
If your pet acts painful or is crying or reluctant to move, please call.
Poisoning
If your pet has ingested human medications, rat poison (rodenticide), an overdose of an animal medication, or other household chemicals, please call the ASPCA poison control (888-426-4435) immediately. Have the name of the poison and any information about the amount ingested available as well as a credit card for payment. They will advise you if you need to come in for an emergency evaluation and work with us to help your pet.
Seizures
If your pet has a seizure for the first time, please call. If your pet has had seizures in the past and has >1 seizure in a 24 hour period, please call.
Skin problems
If your pet is itching or has a rash, please call. Many skin problems do not constitute an emergency but should be addressed within 24-48 hours. One notable exception is a hot-spot. A hot-spot is an area of intense itching and moist dermatitis that may begin looking quite innocent. However, this problem requires fairly immediate attention because left untreated the problem may become much worse over a short amount of time.
Trauma
If your pet has been hit by a vehicle or has fallen from a height, please call for an evaluation. Often internal injuries may not be immediately obvious to you. Careful examination by a veterinarian, and possibly diagnostic tests, are indicated.
Trouble breathing
If your pet's breathing is labored or your pet's gums appear blue, please call. BREATHING PROBLEMS MAY BE LIFE-THREATENING.
Urinary Problems
If your pet is urinating more than usual, urinating in abnormal locations, urinating more frequently than usual, urinating blood or unable to urinate, please call. Inability to urinate can be a LIFE-THREATENING PROBLEM.
Vomiting
If your pet vomits 2 or more times in a 24 hour period or more than 3 times within a week, please call. There are numerous causes of vomiting ranging from simple, self-limiting problems to LIFE-THREATENING PROBLEMS.
Weight loss
If your pet has lost weight but is not on a reducing diet, please call for an evaluation. In the absence of other signs, this problem does not usually require emergency attention but an appointment should be scheduled.
Worms
If your pet vomits a worm or you notice worms near the anus, please call. This problem does not warrant an emergency visit but you should make an appointment at your earliest convenience.
Wounds
If your pet suffers a wound, call as soon as you note the problem. Depending on the source the wound may be vulnerable to infection. In addition, sutures may be indicated depending on the size of the wound.
