Is It An Emergency
Allergic reactions can be itchy and uncomfortable but can also lead to more life-threatening situations such as difficulty breathing or collapse. Consult a veterinarian if you feel your pet may be having an allergic reaction.
Any bleeding that cannot be stopped by applying gentle pressure for 5 minutes with no peeking needs medical attention.
A hard, distended, or bloated abdomen can be a sign of a life threatening condition. If you observe bloating have your pet assessed by a veterinarian immediately – some conditions leading to bloat can become life-threatening within a short period of time.
If your pet has any difficulty breathing then urgent medical attention is indicated. Some signs to look for are noisy respirations, gasping for breath, fast or labored breathing, breathing with the head and neck extended, or a blue tongue.
If you suspect your pet may have heatstroke you may cool your pet with ROOM TEMPERATURE water and come into the emergency clinic immediately. If possible, obtain a rectal temperature prior to beginning the cooling process but do not overly delay the cooling process in order to obtain a temperature. Heat stroke is a critical and life-threatening condition.
Prolonged labor can be critical for both your pet as well as the puppies or kittens. Please call (803) 561-0015 if you feel your pet is not progressing normally through the labor and delivery. Medical or surgical intervention may be indicated depending on the elapsed time between deliveries or the health condition of your pet.
Penetrating wounds of any sort should be evaluated by a veterinarian. Even small bite wounds can be deceiving and more severe than they appear from the outside and should always be assessed by a veterinarian.
Consult a veterinarian immediately if you believe your pet may have ingested a toxic substance such as rat poison, medications, antifreeze, or chocolate. Bring a sample of the poison and its package if possible.
If your pet has a seizure for the first time, has a seizure that lasts for more than one minute, or has multiple seizures in a short period of time medical attention is necessary. Some other concerning neurological signs may include tremors, coma, staggering, sudden blindness, tilting of the head, biting at imaginary objects, or sudden changes in the disposition.
A bite from a venomous snake has the potential to be life-threatening. Pets bitten by a venomous snake can develop organ failure and clotting disorders that may be life-threatening.
Uncontrolled vomiting or diarrhea can lead to dehydration and electrolyte derangements.
Internal injuries can be life threatening. Even if your pet seems fine after a fall, heavy blow, or being hit by a car, internal injuries can be life threatening and not immediately apparent.
General weakness may be the first sign noted in a pet developing a variety of illnesses. Weakness is not normal for your pet and indicates an illness that should be assessed by a veterinarian.
