Whether your pet has suffered trauma, seems to have ingested a poisonous or a foreign object, or has developed a serious illness, our Animal Emergency Hospital is able to accommodate these unexpected occurrences. As a pet owner, you know when your pet isn’t feeling well or is in danger. We are here to assess and treat any problem when you are concerned about the health of your pet. Because of the seriousness and the sensitive nature of emergency and critical care veterinary medicine, Animal Emergency Hospital of St. Johns does not give medical diagnoses or advice over the phone or through e-mail. We believe that in order to give you and your pet the highest level of care, we must see your animal before we can accurately give a diagnosis or advice. Pets are seen on a triage basis, with the most injured or ill animals being tended to first. If you feel your pet is facing a critical situation that needs immediate attention, please call ahead so we may anticipate your arrival.

Assessing Pet Emergencies: In the event of an emergency or accident, acting quickly and decisively may be critical in saving your pet’s life. Any recent medical records or medications that your pet is currently taking should be brought in to the hospital with you as well, if possible. The following conditions are strong indicators that your pet may be in need of emergency medical attention:

BLEEDING
• Bleeding from any part of the body
• Bloody urine
• Bloody stool or diarrhea
• Bloody discharge from any orifice

TRAUMA
• Acute swelling anywhere on the body
• Wounds or lacerations
• Any bite wounds (snake, dog, cat, insect, wild animal etc.)
• Hit by a car

VOMITING OR DIARRHEA
• Repeated episodes of vomiting/diarrhea over a short time period
• Chronic vomiting/diarrhea over days or weeks
• Gagging repeatedly or inability to productively vomit

DIETARY INDISCRETION
• Consumption of toxins (rodent bait, snail bait, insect baits, anti-freeze, household cleaners, illicit drugs, alcohol etc.)
Sugar-free chewing gum is also a serious toxin as it contains xylitol. As little as one piece can be toxic to a ten pound dog or cat.
• Human over-the-counter medications (Items can include: Tylenol, ibuprofen, diet pills, and vitamins)
• Prescription human medications or overdoses of prescribed pet medications
• Ingestion of foreign objects (toys, clothing, garbage, string, rubber bands)
• Chocolate, macadamia nuts, grapes/raisins, bones, onions, garlic

CONVULSIONS
• Uncontrolled spasms, tremors, or seizures
• Violently shaking his/her head

LETHARGY
• Loss of interest in food, water or activities that he/she normally enjoys
• Exercise intolerance or tiring easily
• Abrupt change in behavior

PAIN
• Crying, whining, or shivering
• Limping or favoring a leg
• Inability to walk, difficulty getting up
• Acting painful when touched
• Swollen, hard, or distended abdomen

EYE PROBLEMS
• Swelling, discharge, squinting
• Difficulty seeing, a film over the eye
• Foreign object in the eye
• Eye problems can become progressively worse very rapidly. Early intervention may save your pet’s eye.

DISORIENTATION
• Acute collapse
• Inability to stand
• Confusion or bumping into things
• Head tilted to one side, walking in circles

CHANGES IN THIRST OR URINATION
• Drinking and urinating more often or unusual volume can indicate serious metabolic issues
• Straining to urinate (especially male cats)
• Not urinating at all

COUGHING OR RESPIRATORY DISTRESS
• Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing
• Panting (in cats)
• Choking
• Blue or white gums/tongue