This expert response comes from Molly Racette, clinical assistant professor, emergency and critical care.
Question: How do I know if or when I should take my pet to an emergency hospital or just wait to see my primary care veterinarian?
Answer: As a pet owner, knowing when and how to seek emergency care is important to ensure your pet has the best chance of recovery should an unexpected illness or injury occur. Prior to experiencing an emergency, you should find out where the closest emergency animal hospital is located to where you live or to where you might be traveling.
Emergency hospitals are different from your primary care veterinarian where you go for preventative care and wellness. Emergency hospitals have the experience, equipment and advanced diagnostic capabilities to care for pets who are experiencing life-threatening illness or injuries.
Dedicated emergency hospitals may also have veterinarians, called criticalists, who specialize in providing emergency care for pets. Emergency hospitals also typically have extended hours or are open when primary care veterinarians are closed.
If your pet is actively seizing, having trouble breathing, has collapsed, is unconscious, has uncontrolled bleeding, has experienced major trauma, has ingested a known toxin, is having trouble giving birth or is straining to urinate, immediately seek veterinary care at the closest emergency veterinary hospital. If possible, call ahead while you are on your way so the emergency team can be prepared for your pet’s arrival.
Other conditions that may require emergent veterinary attention include severe vomiting/diarrhea, pale gums, a distended abdomen, severe lethargy or crying out in pain.
We know it can be very stressful to bring your pet to an emergency hospital. Similar to a human ER, pets that are the sickest are treated by doctors first. While waiting at the emergency hospital can be difficult and frustrating, it usually means that your pet’s condition is not as life-threatening. And remember, the entire emergency team is doing their very best to help you and your pet.
This response was featured in the Winter 2023-24 issue of On Call.