If you should encounter a problem with your pet after regular business hours, please call our office at 512-255-9725, or contact the Central Texas Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital at 512-961-5200.
Animal emergencies that should receive immediate veterinary consultation and/or care:
- Seizure, fainting or collapse
- Eye injury, no matter how mild
- Vomiting or diarrhea — anything more than two or three times within an hour or so. Also, a dog who’s trying to vomit (or may be vomiting foam, licking lips), has a drum-tight abdomen and a “roached-back” appearance indicative of abdominal pain
- Allergic reactions, such as swelling around the face, or hives, most easily seen on the belly
- Any suspected poisoning, including antifreeze, rodent or snail bait, or human medication. Cats are especially sensitive to insecticides (such as flea-control medication for dogs) or any petroleum-based product
- Snake or venomous spider bites
- Thermal stress — from being either too cold or too hot — even if the pet seems to have recovered. (The internal story could be quite different.)
- Any wound or laceration that’s open and bleeding, or any animal bite
- Trauma, such as being hit by a car, even if the pet seems fine. (Again, the situation could be quite different on the inside.)
- Any respiratory problem: chronic coughing, trouble breathing or near drowning
- Straining to urinate or defecate
Although some other problems may not be life-threatening, they may be causing your pet pain and should be taken care of without delay. Signs of pain can include panting, labored breathing, increased body temperature, lethargy, restlessness, crying out, aggression and loss of appetite. Some pets seek company when suffering, while others will withdraw.
Poisoning
If you suspect or know that your pet has eaten or been exposed to a toxic substance or product;
- Call our office at 512-255-9725, or
- call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 immediately (fee may apply)
Emergency Resources