Dr. Maro: Emergency vet visits: When to go to the ER
Emergency veterinary visits are never convenient, but in the past few years, all the veterinary clinics in the area have had a high demand for sick and same-day appointments.
This has put an extra burden on daytime clinics. When those clinics have reached their capacity for patient care, referrals have been made to veterinary emergency hospitals, which are often staffed overnight and through holidays and weekends.
Many of those 24-hour hospitals can reach capacity for patient care, and have sent alerts regarding instructions for referrals to share with clients:
In the event your pet has an emergency, contact your nearest ER clinic, before going there to assure they can care for your pet. You may be referred to another facility.
Keep a list of all area emergency clinics on your phone, to expedite your calls.
Keep your pet’s records in your phone or in the vehicle.
Only go to the ER for a real emergency.
Not certain if your pet has a true ER? Call the facility and describe the situation. Many times the reception staff can guide your decision.
There are mini-emergencies that can be handled at home until your veterinarian is open. Cases of broken toenails or a minor cut can be handled by using basic first aid, cleaning the area and applying a cold compress or light bandage. (This does not apply to areas of continual hemorrhage and significant blood loss).
A torn toenail with bleeding can be controlled by applying styptic powder, flour or cinnamon to the end of the nail. Then hold continuous pressure for 5 minutes. Often bleeding will stop and you can see your vet the following day.
A good “pet first aid” kit can be custom-tailored for your pet’s needs with the help of your vet.
If your pet has a seizure disorder, ask your vet for medications to control breakthrough seizures, which can often be given in suppository form.
For my patients with serious allergic reactions, like bee sting allergies, I provide clients with emergency medication and teach them to inject drugs to stop anaphylactic and life-threatening reactions.
In cases of pets with extreme thunderstorms and fireworks anxiety, home administered medications can prevent pets from self-trauma. Animals may jump through windows, chew through walls or run into traffic. For these pets, solutions, including a medication called Sileo, a drug combo, “chill formula,” or mild sedatives can aid the biggest scaredy cats and dogs out there.
For pets that get frequent infections, such as ear or bladder infections, I have dispensed antibiotics for clients to keep on hand. When a pet shows early signs of frequent urination (it always happens on a Saturday evening, after the office has closed), the client can start the medication and prevent the need for an ER visit.
And for the dog or cat that suffers from pancreatitis or stress colitis, there are medications that can help prevent repeated vomiting and diarrhea, keeping pets from getting dehydrated.
Having simple solutions from your vet can save you money, time and lots of anxiety, so be sure to ask your vet how to keep your pet out of the ER, if they suffer from chronic health problems.
Because not all emergencies can be foreseen and prevented, you will need to know what to do when an ER trip cannot be avoided. For guidance on handling some common types of ERs, read on.
Toxin ingestion
For possible poisoning or medication ingestion, immediately contact the ASPCA Poison Hotline at 888-426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 800-213-6680. Have your credit card and a pen and paper ready to write recommendations. In some cases, you will be instructed to induce vomiting. Keep hydrogen peroxide on hand (and a syringe) to administer the dose of 3% peroxide to your pet. Be sure to record the case number provided by the veterinary staff, so that any ongoing care at the ER can be referenced by the attending veterinarian.
Seizures/collapse events
If a seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, or if 3 or more short seizures occur over a 90-minute period, head to the ER. If a pet collapses, check the heart rate, by feeling the chest, and note tongue/gum color. Head to the ER and don’t delay. You can rub and squeeze the toes to stimulate circulation.
Acute abdominal distress
Repeated vomiting and or diarrhea, with or without cramping and signs of pain, can be very serious. Emergency care is indicated.
Hit by car
When a pet has been hit by a vehicle, take them to the vet for evaluation. Some internal injuries are not evident for up to 48 hours after they occur. A thorough exam and observation are needed. If there is obvious bleeding, hold pressure and head to the ER.
Bite wounds from other animals
Puncture wounds, bites and punctures need immediate care. Starting antibiotics and assessing the depth of wounds should occur within hours. Hold pressure on wounds, on the way to the vet.
Veterinary emergency clinics fulfill an important role in safeguarding pets and their families. Keep in mind that staff will triage and prioritize cases, relative to their severity. Please be patient and respectful of the staff, who often go through 12-hour shifts without breaks to care for your fur babies. Answer their questions as thoroughly as possible and they will do their best to lovingly care for your companion.
Dr. Cynthia Maro is a veterinarian at the Ellwood Animal Hospital in Ellwood City and the Chippewa Animal Hospital in Chippewa Township. She writes a biweekly column on pet care and health issues. If you have a topic you’d like to have addressed, email ellwoodvet@msn.com.
This article originally appeared on Beaver County Times: Maro: Emergency vet visits: When to go to the ER
