Some veterinary medical emergencies, such as injuries, excessive bleeding, choking and acute illnesses, are immediately obvious and you know, without question, you should call us right away.
You should also call right away if you know or suspect your animal has—
- Swallowed a foreign object or poison
- Broken a bone
- Been bitten by a snake or wild animal
Other medical emergencies develop over time, and it is harder to decide when or if you should call.
Signs of a developing emergency include:
- Lethargy or weakness
- Difficulty breathing
- Sudden lameness, difficulty moving or paralysis
- Loss of appetite
- Inability to drink or keep water down
- Sticky mucous membranes, dull eyes or other signs of dehydration
- Frequent bouts of vomiting or diarrhea
- Blood or black-colored digested blood in the vomit or stool
- Body temperature of less than 100°F or more than 104°F
- Severely swollen abdomen suggesting bloat
If your animal is showing one or more of these signs, we encourage you to call us sooner rather than later—especially if:
- Symptoms have lasted at least 24 hours
- Symptoms are getting worse over several hours
- The animal is relatively young, old or in fragile health
Call us at at (931) 596-3565 during office hours—weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. or on a Saturday between 8 a.m. and noon.
After-hours or on a holiday, call (931) 596-3645.
