Emergency Care

Our hospital offers emergency care. If you suspect your pet may be having a medical crisis, err on the side of caution and seek medical attention immediately. Our experienced team of veterinarians, technicians, and assistants are here to assist your pet when it is needed most.

Any of the following situations can be considered an emergency:

• Difficulty breathing
• Ingestion of a foreign object, drug, poison, or unknown substance*
• Bleeding or unexplained bruising
• Blood in vomit, feces, and/or urine
• Severe vomiting, retching, and/or diarrhea
• Swollen, hard, or painful abdomen or unproductive retching
• Serious wound
• Broken limb
• Any injury to the eyes
• Loss of consciousness
• Seizures
• Inability to move or sudden weakness
• Unusual or erratic behavior
• Signs of extreme pain
• Straining to urinate (especially a male cat)
• Labor that does not progress
• Prolonged heat exposure, overheating, or heat stroke
• Snakebite
• Trauma (hit by car, fall)
• Allergic reaction (facial swelling, difficulty breathing)
• Any signs of respiratory difficulty (increased respiratory effort, coughing, wheezing)

When en route to our hospital, it is very helpful to contact us while in transit with your estimated time of arrival (ETA). By calling ahead, the hospital's emergency team may also be able to give helpful advice for your pet, including techniques for controlling bleeding, covering and protecting wounds, slowly cooling a heatstroke victim, and safely transporting an injured animal.

*If your pet has ingested a possible or known toxin, please call the ASPCA Poison Control line at (888) 426-4435. There is a charge of $65.00 and you will receive a case number our doctors can access the report.