Emergencies
How to Recognise a Veterinary Emergency
The signs that mean go now, the signs that mean call today, and how to prepare before it happens.
Go to a vet immediately
Do not wait to see whether these improve. Phone ahead so the clinic can prepare.
- Difficulty breathing, open-mouth breathing in a cat, or blue, grey or very pale gums
- Collapse, seizures lasting more than two minutes, or repeated seizures
- Unproductive retching with a swollen, hard abdomen — possible bloat in a deep-chested dog
- Straining to urinate and producing nothing, especially in a male cat
- Suspected poisoning of any kind
- Uncontrolled bleeding, road traffic accident, or a wound exposing tissue
- A rabbit or guinea pig that has not eaten or passed droppings for twelve hours
- Difficulty giving birth, or more than thirty minutes of strong straining without a birth
- Heatstroke signs after sun or exercise exposure
Call the same day
Repeated vomiting or diarrhoea, sudden lameness, a swollen or painful eye, a marked increase in thirst, sudden behaviour change, or a lump that has changed rapidly all warrant same-day advice even if the animal seems otherwise bright.
What to do on the way
Keep the animal warm, quiet and confined. Do not give food, water or any human medication. If you suspect poisoning, bring the packaging. For a seizure, protect the animal from hard edges and time the episode rather than restraining it.
Prepare now, not then
Save your regular practice's number and your nearest out-of-hours emergency hospital in your phone today, with the address and travel time. Know whether your practice provides its own overnight cover or refers elsewhere.