Common Emergencies

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What to Look for...

In General:

• Any problem that persists longer than 24 hours.

• Any problem that considerably worsens over several hours.

• Any systemic problems such as lethargy, loss of appetite, weakness, disorientation, unconsciousness, collapse and fever.

• Body temperature less than 99°F or greater than 104°F.

• Difficulty breathing and/or choking.

• Unable to hear/feel a heartbeat.

• Seizure unless pet is a known diabetic.

• Irritation or injury to the eye(s).

• Straining to urinate.

Gastrointestinal Problems:

• Frequent bouts of vomiting or diarrhea resulting in loss of large volumes of fluid.

• Inability to drink or keep water down.

• Blood or black material (digested blood) in the vomit or stool.

• More than three to four episodes of vomiting or diarrhea in a puppy or in a dog older than 8  years.

• Vomiting following suspected ingestion of foreign material (toys, garbage, rocks, etc).

• Suspected poisoning.

• Suspected bloat (dog has a distended abdomen and is retching).

Bleeding:

• Bleeding from nose, mouth or anus.

• Bleeding accompanied by bruising of the skin, especially on the abdomen.

• Bleeding that cannot be stopped by applying pressure.

• If blood loss is excessive.

• Weakness, difficulty breathing, or reluctance to move after a bleeding episode.

 Lameness:

• Suspected fracture of a limb.

• Non-weight-bearing lameness persisting  for more than 24 hours.

• Swollen, painful joints or a gait that appears as if "walking on eggshells."

• Paralysis of one or more limbs.

• Lameness that does not improve in 48-72 hours.

The below list is of other common emergencies.  This list is to serve as a general guide.

• Abscess

• Anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock

• Automobile injury

• Bee Stings/Insect Bites
  

• Bites, cuts, lacerations and fight wounds

• Burns and scalds

• Chemical Injuries

• Dehydration

• Drowning

• Dystocia (Troubled pregnancy-more than 3 to 4 hours between delivering puppies or kittens).

• Eclampsia

• Electrocution
  

• Eye injury

• Falls

• Heat stroke

• Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis

• Heart failure

• Hyperthermia

• Hypothermia

• Impalement

• Injuries

• Poisoning

• Snakebite

• Swollen face and/or limbs

• Sunburn
  

 

 For more information on "Common Emergencies" Click on the below links:

AVMA:  Pet First Aid-Basic Procedures.

HealthyPet.com:  Pet First Aid.

VeterinaryPartner.com:  First Aid and Emergency Care.