Emergencies

What is considered an emergency?

• • Vehicle accidents- Always bring in, adrenaline can mask symptoms for hours. It's better to be seen immediately rather than waiting, ie dislocated hips are easier to get back in place and are more likely to stay in place if attended to the same day rather than waiting several days.

  • Eye Injuries

  • Vomiting and/or diarrhea- anything more than two or three times within an hour

  • Non-productive labor (birthing)- straining for more than 1 hour to pass a puppy or kitten

  • Bloating or distended abdomen

  • Inability to urinate or defecate

  • Prolapse

  • Difficulty Breathing

  • Heat Stroke

  • Loss of consciousness or balance or seizures

  • Pain- take care not to get bitten

  • Broken bones or bleeding

  • Ingested poison including antifreeze, rodent or snail bait, or

  • Ingestion of human medication. Cats are especially sensitive to insecticides and NSAIDS like acetaminophen aka Tylenol ® and ibuprofen aka Motrin or Advil ®.

  • flea-control medication for dogs) or any petroleum-based product. Certain

  • human foods should also be avoided by dogs such as chocolate, raisins, grapes, onion, garlic and macadamia nuts

  • Snake or venomous spider bites

  • Deep penetrating or laceration wounds

  • Lameness or inability to bear weight on a limb

  • Allergic reactions, such as swelling around the face, severe itching or hives

  • Not eating for 24 hours in adult animals, 12 hours for puppies, kittens and small breed dogs

  • Colic in Horses- signs you may see- kicking at belly & rolling (you may want to call Dr. Krull at Medicine Valley Veterinary Hospital at (308) 367-8688). It's not that we don't do horses (we do) its just that they are better equipped to handle serious colic's.

Normal temperatures

Normal temperatures for dogs & cats should be between 100.5-102.5. Anything above or below should be seen. Cattle temperatures over 103 should be seen. Temperatures are taken rectally, don’t use a thermometer you would use yourself.