When it is an emergency
If your pet is showing any of the following symptoms, do not stress the animal and seek immediate medical attention.
Sign/Symptom |
Possible Causes |
| Seizures | Toxin ingestion, trauma, epilepsy, hypoglycemia. |
| Straining to urinate | Urinary tract infection, obstruction of the urethra which can lead to bladder rupture. |
| Excessive sneezing or nose bleeds | Foxtail or other foreign object in nasal cavity, polyp, tumor, fungal infection. |
| Respiratory distress | Blocked airway, pneumonia, congestive heart failure, collapsing trachea. |
| Problems with the eyes | Foreign object in the eye, corneal abrasion, glaucoma, eyelid laceration. |
| Abnormal vaginal discharge | Pyometra, metritis (uterine infections). |
| Abnormal swellings under skin | Abscess, tumor. |
| Pale gums | Hemorrhage, immune mediated disease, shock. |
| Vomiting and/or diarrhea | Toxin ingestion, pancreatitis, liver or kidney disease, Parvo or Distemper infection, GI foreign object, non-specific gastroenteritis. |
| Severely distended abdomen | Bloat, torsion, abnormal fluid accumulation |
| Prolonged anorexia | Liver or kidney disease, metabolic disease, cancer. |
| Paralysis | Spinal cord or brain disease/trauma. |
| Facial swelling | Insect bite reaction, snake bite, abscess. |
Commonly asked questions and answers:
Q. My dog was just hit by a car, how should I move him?
A. Move the whole body at the same time, supporting it from underneath. Transport it on a piece of wood or stiff cardboard. Be careful - an injured animal may hurt or be disorientated enough to bite! Keep pet warm and dry during transport.
Q. What can be done to stop a dogfight? Or a catfight?
A. Slip a rope around the heads and pull the animals apart. Don't get too close as you may be bitten as well. Also scare one away with a water jet or loud noise by banging garbage can lids, etc.
Q. What is the cause and treatment for Aural (ear) hematoma?
A. Cause: Head-shaking due to infection or foreign objects in ears.
Treatment: Surgically lancing, draining and stitching affected ear along with treatment of cause.
Q. What would cause a dog or cat to become in-coordinated, tilt its head and tend to circle to one side?
A. Stroke, ear infection or foreign body or other neurological disorders. Should be seen by a vet.
Q. What should I do if my dog has a seizure?
A. Prevent your dog from injuring itself or any bystanders (remove sharp or hard objects that may be nearby). Confinement in a blanket may help. Do not put your fingers in their mouth because they may (and usually will) bite.
Q. What are some common houseplants/yard plants that are considered toxic if ingested?
A. Daffodils, poinsettia, philodendron, foxglove, iris, lily of the valley, oleander, hemlock, lupine, some types of mushrooms.
Q. What are some common household products that are toxic if ingested?
A. Rodenticides, insecticides, chocolate, prescription or non-prescription medication, recreational drugs.
Q. What should I do if my pet ingests a toxin?
A. Call your veterinarian first. Do not try to induce vomiting without speaking with a veterinarian, as some substances are extremely caustic and may cause further damage to the esophagus. If your pet is alert and conscious, offering milk or water may help to dilute the toxin.
Q. What should I do if my pet is bleeding profusely from a wound?
A. Apply pressure over the area with a towel, and if possible, apply a pressure wrap until your pet can be treated by a veterinarian.
Q. I live in an area where there are rattlesnakes. Are there any preventative measures I can take to protect my pet?
A. Yes, there is a rattlesnake vaccine available for your dog that may help to decrease the severity of the signs associated with a rattlesnake bite.
Q. Why might my veterinarian refer me to a 24 hour emergency facility?
A. We may refer you to a 24 hour facility if your pet is in critical condition and needs constant monitoring throughout the night or weekend, or if it is a weekend and your pet will need extensive diagnostic tests that we are unable to perform during our limited weekend hours.
Q. What sort of diagnostic tests might my veterinarian perform on my pet?
A. Gather a thorough history, perform a physical exam, blood work, x-rays, ultrasound.
Q. What are the signs of heatstroke?
A. Panting, salivating, change in behavior, weakness or collapse, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures. Always make sure your pet has ample shade and access to fresh water.
Q. What happens if my dog is having trouble delivering her puppies?
A. Professional assistance should be sought if your dog is in active labor for more than 3 hours without delivering a puppy, or if more than ½ hour lapses between puppies.
| We refer all after-hours emergencies either of these places: | |
|
Animal Emergency and Urgent Care 4300 Easton Dr., Suite 1 (behind Mervyn's). Bakersfield, CA Phone: (661) 322 6019 Map This Location |
Bakersfield Veterinary Hospital 8610 Harris Road Bakersfield, CA Phone: (661) 327 4444 Map This Location |