Dealing with an emergency involving your pet can be a stressful and emotional experience. Emergency veterinary services exist to provide immediate medical attention to needy pets, but the process can be overwhelming and confusing. 

It may help better understand what happens in one of these emergency vet facilities. You may find the faculty so engrossed in handling all the cases that they have little time to sit with you. When you know what to expect, you will be in a better position to handle all the emotional turmoil.

What Is a Veterinary Emergency?

A veterinary emergency is a situation that poses an immediate risk to the life or well-being of an animal. These situations require immediate medical attention and typically cannot wait for a scheduled appointment. 
 

Many emergency veterinary clinics remain open 24/7 and are equipped to handle a wide range of emergencies. Time is essential when it comes to emergency cases, so the faster you act, the better the chances of recovery for your pet.

Types of Veterinary Emergencies

• Trauma, such as a car accident or a fall

• Difficulty breathing or loss of consciousness

• Severe bleeding

• Ingestion of a toxic substance

• Heatstroke or hypothermia

• Seizures or unexplained neurological symptoms

• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea

• Swelling or severe pain in the abdomen

• Injuries to the eyes or severe eye discharge

• Any signs of extreme distress or discomfort

What to Expect in Veterinary Emergency Services

• You Should Call Ahead

In a veterinary emergency, one of the first things you should do is call the emergency veterinary clinic ahead of time. It will allow the clinic staff to prepare for your arrival and provide you with any necessary and specific instructions.

When you call, you must provide the clinic staff with a description of your pet's condition and symptoms. They may direct you to bring your pet in immediately or give further instructions. 

• Check-in and Vitals

When you arrive at the emergency veterinary clinic, you will be asked to check in with the receptionist. They will ask for your contact information and relevant information about your pet's medical history. You will be asked to sign a consent form allowing the clinic to treat your pet.

After check-in, a veterinarian or a technician will assess your pet's condition and take their vital signs. They will check the temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure. They will also examine your pet's eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and other body parts to assess the pet’s overall condition.

• Tests and Diagnosis

The veterinarian at the emergency clinic may perform various tests to diagnose the underlying condition. It is necessary to determine the best course of treatment. Some of the tests that they may perform include:

• Blood work

• X-rays

• Ultrasound

• An electrocardiogram (EKG)

• CT scan or MRI

• Waiting

Waiting is an inevitable part of visiting an emergency veterinary clinic. Due to the nature of emergencies, it is common for the clinic to be busy and dealing with multiple cases simultaneously. This can result in longer wait times for pet owners. It is essential to be prepared for the wait and understand that the clinic staff works as fast as possible to provide the best care.

For more about emergency veterinary services, call South Willamette Veterinary Clinic at (541) 895-5665 to reach our office in Creswell, Oregon.