Emergency Vet Care for Your Pet’s Urgent Needs!
EmeRGencY VeTeRInARY SeRVICeS
Surgeries
Orthopedic, Soft-Tissues, ACL/CCL Repair, TPLO, Neuro and Knee Fracture
Diagnostics
OT Scanner, MRIs, Pet Endoscopy, CT Scanning, Ultrasound and X-Rays
Understanding Emergency and Trauma Care for Pets
Emergency and trauma situations are very stressful and confusing for pet owners. At AV Veterinary Center in Lancaster, we not only focus on the treatment of emergencies but also on educating the families about the early recognition of the signs of distress and the quick response. Understanding what an emergency is and how to deal with it can sometimes be the factor that saves your pet’s life.
Trauma refers to the injuries that result from various kinds of abrupt incidents, such as a fall, getting hit by a car, or an aggressive fight with another animal. What may seem like a small accident can sometimes be serious hidden damage to your pet’s body. That is why a veterinary examination by a trained professional and the identification of the causes through diagnostic testing should be done as soon as possible after an injury of any kind.
Our Veterinary Doctors
Robert
Hospital Manager and Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT)
MJ
Veterinary Assistant / Shift Lead
Leslie C
Veterinary Assistant / Shift Lead
Sarah
Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT)
Christina Parker
Veterinary Assistant
Amber
Front Staff Supervisor
Mimi
Receptionist
Rochelle
Receptionist
How to Recognize a Pet Emergency
As pets cannot talk, they are not able to tell us when they are ill. Thus, we have to be very attentive to any changes in their behavior or the appearance of symptoms. A few of the emergency signs are:
- Heavy and/or uncontrolled bleeding
- Difficulty in breathing or continuous coughing
- Not responding to stimuli or fainting
- Sudden inability to walk or very severe limping
- Signs of poisoning or exposure to toxins
- Heatstroke or extreme temperature distress
- Continuous vomiting or diarrhea with the presence of blood
If you see any of these symptoms, it is extremely important to get a vet’s help right away, especially one that is ready to handle a traumatic emergency. Fast intervention is what saves your pet from going through problems that cannot be reversed.
What to Do Before You Arrive
While you are waiting to get to the AV Veterinary Center in Lancaster/Palmdale or another vet hospital:
- Try to keep yourself composed and calm, and make sure your pet is as quiet as possible. Animals that hurt might behave in ways that are not expected; handling them with care can help reduce their anxiety.
- If the pet’s breathing is difficult due to the obstruction of the airway, first remove the object and stop the bleeding with the help of a clean cloth or gauze if you have it.
- If you think there might be injured bones or a spine, do not let the animal move. This stops the injuries from getting worse.
- Do not attempt to administer medicines without the guidance of a vet. Some drugs made for humans might be harmful to animals.
Also, phone ahead if that is an option, and inform the staff about your pet’s condition and when you will be there. This enables the center to get ready and make the treatment process quicker after your arrival.
The Role of Diagnostic in Trauma Care
Fast and correct identification of the problem is what leads the way for the rest of the treatment in emergency and trauma situations. In such cases, the use of imaging technology, like digital X-rays and ultrasonography, is highly recommended by the professionals at the AV Veterinary Center. These tools can help in revealing the issues that are not visible to the human eye, such as broken bones, internal bleeding, and organ damage.
Blood tests and other lab work allow doctors to see if the pet has any medical problems that make the situation more serious, like infection, anemia, or swallowing something poisonous. Well-rounded diagnostics give the vet the ability to shape treatment plans fast and efficiently, thus giving your pet a better chance to pull through.
Supportive and Follow-Up Care
Emergency veterinary care is usually only the beginning of the story. Pets that have been through trauma and are on their way to recovery generally have to: –
- Get intravenous fluids for hydration
- Have their pain managed, so they get well in comfort
- Be observed constantly to spot any changes in condition
- Receive wound care and maybe surgical repair
Such care, definitely, makes the process of your pets’ recuperation as seamless and secure as possible. Hospitalization is necessary in many personal injury cases to monitor the patient’s vital signs and response to treatment.
Preparation and Prevention
While we can never anticipate some emergencies, getting prepared ahead of time would certainly be a plus. Consider putting together a pet first-aid kit that includes bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, a digital thermometer, and emergency contact numbers.
Regularly checking the environment to see whether something that could harm your pet is accessible (for example, ensuring toxic substances are not within reach and supervising your pet if you are near busy roads) also contributes towards reducing the chances of an unwanted incident occurring.
Having a solid emergency plan for your pet makes all the difference and can ensure that you are ready to protect them when it counts.
Our Emergency Pet Care Services
Emergency surgeries
Immediate surgical interventions to save your pet’s life in critical situations.
Trauma care
Compassionate and specialized care for pets recovering from accidents or injuries.
Critical care monitoring
Urgent monitoring and intensive care for pets in critical condition.
Pain management
Effective pain relief solutions to keep your pet comfortable during recovery.
Diagnostic imaging
Advanced X-rays and ultrasounds for accurate and timely diagnosis.
General Emergency and Trauma Care
Emergency Kit Essentials
- Gauze and bandages
- Adhesive tape
- Antiseptic wipes
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Digital thermometer
- Hydrogen peroxide (to induce vomiting if advised)
- Muzzle (to prevent biting during treatment)
- Emergency contact numbers (vet, animal poison control)
Remember to stay calm and seek professional help as soon as possible.
Here is a list of emergency and trauma cases for pets that should be seen by a veterinary hospital immediately:
Life-Threatening Emergencies
- Severe trauma: Hit by a car, falling from a height, or any major blunt force injury.
- Severe bleeding: Uncontrolled bleeding from any part of the body.
- Difficulty breathing: Any respiratory distress or abnormal breathing patterns.
- Unconsciousness or unresponsiveness: Sudden collapse, fainting, or coma.
- Seizures: Continuous seizures or seizures lasting more than 5 minutes.
- Poisoning or toxin ingestion: Ingesting harmful substances (e.g., antifreeze, rodenticides, toxic plants).
- Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus): Swollen abdomen, unproductive retching, and signs of severe pain.
- Choking: Airway obstruction that is not relieved immediately.
Urgent Medical Conditions
- Fractures or severe lameness: Any suspected broken bones or inability to walk.
- Eye injuries: Any trauma or injury to the eye, including foreign objects.
- Heatstroke: Signs of overheating, excessive panting, drooling, and collapse.
- Severe vomiting or diarrhea: Especially if accompanied by blood or lasting more than 24 hours.
- Inability to urinate or defecate: Straining without producing urine or feces, which could indicate a blockage.
- Persistent coughing or gagging: This could indicate a respiratory or cardiac issue.
- Allergic reactions: Swelling, hives, or difficulty breathing.
- Prolapsed organs: Any visible internal organs, such as a prolapsed rectum or uterus.
Other Conditions Warranting Emergency Care
- Suspected poisoning or drug overdose: Ingesting medications or substances not meant for pets.
- Severe allergic reactions: Hives, facial swelling, and anaphylaxis.
- Sudden collapse or weakness: Sudden onset of lethargy or collapse without a clear cause.
- Severe dehydration: Persistent vomiting or diarrhea leading to dehydration.
- Exposure to extreme temperatures: Hypothermia or hyperthermia.
In any of these cases, it is crucial to contact a veterinary hospital immediately and seek professional care to ensure the best possible outcome for your pet.
Serious but Not Immediately Life-Threatening Conditions
- Wounds and lacerations: Deep cuts or wounds that may require stitches.
- Burns or scalds: Chemical, thermal, or electrical burns.
- Swelling or masses: Sudden onset of swelling or growths.
- Ingestion of foreign objects: Swallowed items that could cause a blockage.
- Severe pain: Any signs of acute pain, such as whining, limping, or guarding a body part.
- Neurological symptoms: Disorientation, loss of balance, or changes in behavior.
Reproductive and Neonatal Emergencies
- Dystocia (difficulty giving birth): Prolonged labor or visible distress during birthing.
