The Integrative Veterinary Center of Richmond can see emergency and urgent care cases during our regular hours. Like people, pets can sustain injuries and accidents that require immediate medical attention. However, it can be challenging to determine whether your pet is suffering from a trauma that requires an urgent care visit or if its symptoms are those of something less serious.
Here is a short list of common reasons that a pet might need emergency care:
Respiratory Problems
It can be terrifying for both you and your pet if they are struggling to breathe. Breathing problems can stem from a variety of factors, including heart failure, an allergic reaction, a lung blockage, and a variety of other serious issues. In this case, you should seek emergency pet services immediately.
Seizures
If your pet has had seizures in the past or is having their first, you should seek emergency veterinary services as soon as possible. Seizures are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. They can occur alone or in groups, but in either case, several things can cause your pet to have seizures, so it’s critical that you seek medical attention for them as soon as you can.
Trauma
Pets can suffer from various types of traumatic injuries. If your pet has been injured by a strike or blow, such as being hit by a car, they should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. If you are unsure how to transport your pet to the animal hospital after trauma or have questions about what to do during transportation, such as covering a wound or bracing a broken bone, please contact us immediately.
If you notice your pet acting strangely or withdrawing from you, it is critical to seek veterinary help as soon as possible. Many injuries and illnesses do not show symptoms immediately, such as if your pet ate something toxic, so it is best to take them in for an exam at the first sign of anything unusual in their behavior.
GI Foreign Body
Sometimes, our pets can eat some strange things. Unfortunately, these things can frequently cause obstructions (blockages) in the gastrointestinal tract. GI obstructions are a life-threatening situation that require immediate medical attention. Common symptoms include (but are not limited to) acute vomiting, diarrhea, straining to defecate, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
Urinary Emergencies
If your pet is straining to urinate and producing little to no urine, then they must be seen by a veterinarian immediately. Other clinical signs include blood in the urine, vomiting, loss of appetite, and lethargy. Urethral obstruction tends to be most common in male cats.
This list is by no means comprehensive or complete— if you’re concerned, then we are too! If you suspect your pet might need emergency or urgent care, please call us immediately at (804) 325-1600