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| Several years ago after work one day, I found a slick of what appeared to be chocolate pudding on the kitchen floor. A little later, I noticed a tote bag upended in the corner of my bedroom, as well as little pieces of foil and paper in tiny shreds. Finally, it dawned on me: My little dog had eaten a fairly large chocolate bar. At this point, it was after 10 in the evening and I knew my veterinarian’s office was closed. In a panic, I called anyway. Fortunately, their answering machine directed me to a local 24-hour clinic. I realized that I should have been more prepared for an accident like this, however. The ASPCA (www.aspca.org) says, “It’s crucial to have an emergency plan in place—before you need it.” Along with cats, birds, and any other pet, they add, “Your dog may need emergency care because of severe trauma—caused by an accident or fall—choking, heatstroke, an insect sting, household poisoning, or other life-threatening situation.” Whether your dog ingests a large quantity of chocolate or is hit by a car, the American Veterinary Medical Association (www.avma.org) advises that your pet has an urgent need for veterinary care. If on the other hand, you have not witnessed a traumatic event or behavior, there are still signs that your pet needs emergency care. The ASPCA lists several symptoms, such as pale gums, rapid breathing, a weak or rapid pulse, change in body temperature, difficulty standing, apparent paralysis, loss of consciousness, and excessive bleeding. Any of these should prompt you to quickly seek veterinary care. Not all veterinarians offer emergency care, but if your pet is in crisis during normal working hours, your first call should be to their office. Even better, have a friend or family member call your veterinarian so you can be on your way and they can expect you. Often, your local veterinarian can help to provide basic care and assess the condition of your pet. Most offices have the basic capabilities to take x-rays, set a broken limb, do blood work, and provide supportive care. They can also refer you to a larger animal hospital or clinic as needed. Of course, emergencies often happen after office hours, so plan ahead by asking your veterinarian if they have someone on-call around-the-clock or if they maintain a relationship with a 24-hour emergency clinic or animal hospital. Most communities have at least one of these practices, so when an unexpected accident happens at 1 in the morning you will know where to turn. Aside from veterinary clinics and animal hospitals, teaching hospitals and some colleges that offer veterinary medicine may also offer emergency care for pets. Often these facilities offer procedures and care options that may not be available in other veterinary offices since the purpose is to teach students. They may also have access to cutting-edge technologies and research. From ultrasound and echocardiography to dedicated intensive care units, almost any care provided for humans is often available for pets at teaching hospitals. Most of these facilities are open seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Again, many veterinarians have working relationships with these schools, and they may suggest them as options for emergency care. When your pet has an emergency, you want to make sure that they have the best care possible. With all of the advances and new options in veterinary care, there is often a hefty price tag, however. Emergency vets will usually tell you upfront about the costs that will be involved, and these costs can be staggering. One option that is becoming more popular is pet insurance. According to the ASPCA, “Pet insurance typically protects pets in case of accident or illnesses.” Additional or extended coverage may pay for wellness or basic care, but generally speaking, basic policies are intended to make sure you do not have to deny your pet emergency care. For this reason, many veterinarians recommend having pet insurance. Keep in mind that most plans will reimburse you for your costs rather than pay for them upfront, so be sure to do your research before purchasing a policy. Another way you can prepare for a pet emergency is to keep a first aid kit available for your animals. FEMA advises through its Web site at www.listo.gov, “Talk to your veterinarian about what is most appropriate for your pet’s emergency medical needs. Most kits should include cotton bandage rolls; bandage tape and scissors; antibiotic ointment; flea and tick prevention; latex gloves; and isopropyl alcohol and saline solution. Include a pet first aid reference book.” You may also want to keep the number for the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center handy: 888-426-4435. It is open 24 hours a day, and the staff can make a recommendation for treatment. This may include visiting an emergency room, and is based on the pet’s age, health, and what and how much of a substance was ingested. Keep in mind that your pet may become aggressive if it is in pain, so take precautions when handling an injured animal. Cats, birds, and other small animals often mask illness well, so act quickly once you notice any troubling symptoms. There are some things you can do to stabilize your pet before you transport them to an emergency or veterinary clinic. The ASPCA advises, for example, that if your dog is suffering from external bleeding, try elevating the area and applying pressure to the wound. If your pet is choking, you can attempt to remove the object from the pet’s throat with your fingers or by “performing a modified Heimlich maneuver by giving a sharp rap” to his chest. “Always remember that any first aid administered to your pet should be followed by immediate veterinary care. First aid care is not a substitute for veterinary care, but it may save your pet’s life until it receives veterinary treatment,” advises the AVMA. In the end, my dog fully recovered after spending the night at the emergency care clinic, followed by a checkup with our veterinarian. She still has a sweet tooth, but if she ever gets into trouble again I will know what to do. |
Pet Emergency Care |
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