A veterinary emergency is any situation where a pet's life or well-being is immediately at risk and requires prompt veterinary attention. Examples include severe breathing difficulties, uncontrolled bleeding, traumatic injuries, seizures, poisoning, and inability to urinate or defecate.
If you have an EMERGENCY during normal practice opening hours, that needs urgent attenion please contact our reception straight away on 01442 485 862 and one of the team will advise you and book you straight in to see a Vet.
If you have an EMERGENCY and are not registered with us we can register you and your animal when you come into the practice.
For out of hours EMERGENCIES we have teamed up with Donaldson's Vets 131 Somerset Road, Huddersfield, HD5 8HN that can be contacted on 01484 421 512 outside our normal practice hours.
See below for a more detailed breakdown of what may be classed as an EMERGENCY:
Severe Bleeding: Any uncontrolled bleeding, especially spurting blood or bleeding that doesn't stop within five minutes, is a serious emergency.
Traumatic Injuries: Injuries from accidents (like being hit by a car or falling from a height) often involve internal injuries, broken bones, or open wounds. Signs include limping, difficulty moving, bleeding, and visible injuries.
Seizures: Seizures, especially if they are prolonged, frequent, or followed by difficulty breathing, require immediate veterinary attention.
Poisoning/Ingestion of Foreign Objects: If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic substance or a foreign object that could cause an obstruction, seek immediate veterinary care.
Inability to Urinate or Defecate: Especially concerning in male cats, straining to urinate or defecate, or the inability to pass any urine or feces, can indicate a blockage and requires immediate veterinary attention.
Collapse or Loss of Consciousness: If your pet collapses or loses consciousness, it's a critical emergency.
Allergic Reactions: Anaphylactic shock or severe allergic reactions can cause breathing difficulties and other life-threatening symptoms.
Difficulties in Labor: Pregnant animals experiencing prolonged labor or complications during birth require immediate veterinary care.
Eye Injuries: Any injury to the eye should be treated as an emergency, as it can lead to permanent vision loss.
Heatstroke: Excessive panting, drooling, and lethargy can indicate heatstroke, which is a serious condition.
Severe Pain: If your pet is exhibiting signs of severe pain, such as excessive vocalization, limping, or hiding, it's important to seek veterinary care.
Gastrointestinal Issues: Repeated vomiting or diarrhea, especially if accompanied by lethargy or other signs of illness, can be an emergency, particularly in young or elderly animals.
Changes in Behavior: Sudden changes in your pet's normal behavior, eating habits, or elimination habits can indicate an underlying medical problem that may require veterinary attention.
Know your pet: Being familiar with your pet's normal behavior and vital signs (heart rate, respiratory rate, etc.) can help you identify when something is wrong.
Act quickly: If you suspect a veterinary emergency, don't hesitate to contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary clinic immediately.
Stabilize your pet: If possible and safe, try to stabilize your pet before transporting them to the vet. For example, if your pet has a wound, apply a clean bandage to control the bleeding.
If possiable call ahead to the clinic or practice and inform them your on your way, so Veterinary team can prepare for your arrival.