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EMERGENCIES:
We
all hope that an emergency medical situation will never
happen to our pet, but it is always wise to be prepared.
Even though we operate by appointments, we will
always be here for you and your pet if there is a medical
emergency. With Dr. Bredehoeft’s
5 years of experience in emergency medicine, he is prepared
like few others to handle your pet’s needs.
If
you have an emergency after hours, please call our pager
– 949-2862 and leave a phone number where we
can reach you. If you have not heard
back from us within 15 minutes, please call the Clay Duval
Pet Emergency Clinic in Orange Park at 904-264-8281 or
the Animal E.R. on Southside Boulevard at 904-642-4357.
THESE ARE SOME EMERGENCIES THAT WARRANT IMMEDIATE MEDICAL
ATTENTION:
Hit by car. If your pet is not able to get up
or stand, spinal injuries might have occurred. In this
case try to secure your pet on a wooden board, similar
to a stretcher. Keep him or her warm. especially when
shock is suspected.
Heat stroke. (105'F-110'F). especially when your
pet is not responsive. Try to cool down his or body temperature
to 104'F, before seeking medical attention.
Injury to the eye.
Allergic Reactions. Especially when generalized
swelling is present, or your pet has difficulty breathing
or swallowing. Sudden onset of cough in a geriatric patient
(heart failure).
Snakebite
A male cat that is not able to urinate
or has difficulty doing so (urinary blockage).
A pet that is trying to give birth, has contractions
and who has not produced a puppy or kitten after 2 hours
(dystocia).
Cluster seizures (multiple seizures in a row)
or continuous seizures (status epilepticus). Singular
seizures are quite common, especially in dogs. If it does
not last longer than 1 or 2 minutes, a medical work up
can probably wait until the next day.
Any obvious fracture or wound with exposure of muscle
or bone tissue.
Any inability of your pet to get up or stand without assistance.
He or she may have experienced an injury to the
spine, similar to a protruding disc in a person.
Any fever in excess of 104' F.
Occasional vomiting (once a month or less) is
not unusual in some pets, especially those with a sensitive
stomach. A cat might vomit (signs resemble retching) to
produce a hairball. Profuse vomiting (2-3 times daily)
and diarrhea mixed with blood and mucous should be reasons
to be concerned. Dehydration can quickly set in and you
should seek immediate medical attention.
A hot spot is a bacterial infection of the skin
that is typically caused by excessive licking or scratching,
leading to moist and inflamed lesions. This reaction is
often brought on by insect bites or stings and other allergic
reactions. They can quickly progress, requiring cortisone
treatment as soon as possible.
If your pet was exposed to any chemicals or medications,
it is important to know the product name and
the amount. Try to gather that information and bring it
with you for your appointment. A single aspirin or Tylenol
in a 50-pound dog is relatively safe, but can be deadly
in a cat or a small dog.
THE FOLLOWING MEDICATIONS ARE RELATIVELY SAFE, WHEN USED
IN A NON-EMERGENCY SITUATION, WHERE YOUR VETERINARIAN
CAN NOT BE REACHED:
Pain:
Tylenol: Dog: 5mg/lb every 12 hours for a couple
of days. Cat: NEVER!
Aspirin: Cat: (approx. 10 lbs.) one baby aspirin. not
more than twice 56 hours apart.
Dog: 7.5 mg/lb every 12 hours for a couple of days.
Constipation: Pumpkin pie filling (canned,
Libby's e.g.) one tbs per 10 lbs. twice daily in food.
Diarrhea: Dog: Pepto Bismol 1/4 to 1/2
cc per lb. every 12 hours. Cat: NEVER!
Coughing: Robitussin DM 1 tbs per 10
Ibs. every 6 -8 hours.
Allergic reaction (excessive scratching
or licking): Benadryl 1mg/lb. every 8-12 hours.
HUMAN FOODS THAT CAN BE TOXIC TO ANIMALS:
Onions. (Thiosulfates)
Dark chocolate (Theobromine)
Fruit pits and seeds (cyanide)
Potato peelings and green potatoes (Oxalates)
Caffeine
Alcohol
Raw eggs (Salmonella)
Artificial sweetener (any that contain
Xylitol)
Switzerland Animal Hospital
1430 State Road 13 N. (at Roberts Road) | Jacksonville,
FL 32259
Phone: 287-2527 Fax: 287-2355
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