Sick Pet Consultations
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No one likes being sick! As pet parents, it is sometimes even harder when we realize our pets are the ones not feeling their best. Animals are adept at hiding sickness for very good reason. In the wild, it benefits the individual to hide weakness in order to prevent predation. However, most of our fur babies still have this evolutionary skill, and will hide illness even from us, their doting owners.
Some illnesses require lifestyle changes, some need short term medications, some require lifelong management with medications, some need surgery, and for some things, just like with people, we recommend specialists who are more familiar with a certain disease process or chronic problem. |
We are so lucky here in Central Ohio to have FOUR emergency facilities that take walk-ins, however at our facility we do require an appointment. While we do our best to accommodate all of our clients in a timely manner and with the highest standard of care, some situations are better suited for immediate emergency care.
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When Should You Seek Veterinary Care?
First, for Anything you are worried enough about
Vomiting and/or Diarrhea more than 2-3 times Coughing or Sneezing for more than a 24 hour period Inappetance for more than a 48 hour period Changes in urinations or water consumption Changes in the eyes or ears (swelling, discharge, redness) Skin conditions (itching, dryness, hair loss, bumps) Sudden or excessive weight loss/gain Pain (lameness, difficulty moving) Lethargy or behavioral changes Again, Anything you are worried enough about! At the very least, a phone call can either give you peace of mind or can assess the severity of your situation and just how soon your pet should be seen. |
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Some issues can wait a day or two to get in for an appointment, depending on severity. However, sometimes waiting can be detrimental to the outcome of your pet's care. Early intervention can be the difference between lifesaving and not. We have office hours listed at the bottom of this page. If our office is closed and you cannot reach us, and think emergency care is necessary, please call one of the 24/7 facilities listed at the bottom of this page for guidance.
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When Should You Seek Emergency Care?
Difficulty breathing, (look for blueish/purplish tinged gums, coughing of foamy, frothy liquid, panting constantly, or stretching the head and neck out while breathing) Constant coughing and inability to rest through the night A distended, “bloated” abdomen Non-productive retching Anxiety or restlessness with no environmental explanation Pale gums (often seen with internal bleeding or anemia) An elevated heart rate of > 160 beats per minute at home A respiratory rate of > 60 breaths per minute at home while resting Crying out in pain Jaundiced (yellow gums, sometimes ears, eyes, skin) Not being able to move or walk or dragging of the back legs Extreme lethargy Any significant amounts of bleeding Any trauma Any poisoning or toxin ingestion Collapse Tremors or seizures Anything that makes you worried enough |
Tips for Early Intervention
Because animals are excellent at hiding illness, we as owners have to be diligent about doing our own, at home "exams" daily to look for any changes in our pet's well being. Getting up close and personal on a daily basis will allow us to catch any problems just as they are beginning, rather than far down the road.
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Feed portions on a schedule (this allows you to notice appetite and water consumption trends, compared to free-feeding)
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Making a conscious effort to monitor your pet's health regularly, and early intervention when something isn't normal, is key to optimal care.