Call the vet promptly if you think pet needs to be seen

Published in the Oct. 1-14, 2014 issue of Morgan Hill Life

By Dr. Jeanne Haggerty-Arcay

Dr. Jeanne Haggerty-Arcay

Dr. Jeanne Haggerty-Arcay

Since our pets cannot tell us what is wrong with them, it is often difficult to determine when the pet should be checked out by the veterinarian or taken to the emergency clinic. If you notice something abnormal in your pet during business hours, it is always best to call your veterinarian and speak with one of the receptionists or technicians. They can give you advice on whether this is something that can be watched, should be seen on a non-urgent basis or is an emergency.

Here are a few guidelines on some of the more common conditions:

• Vomiting: A single episode of vomit may or may not need to be evaluated. In many cases, the pet has eaten something that disagrees with them and the symptoms may pass without treatment. However, if there are repeated episodes of vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy or a history of eating something non-digestible (socks, underwear, rocks, etc) your pet should be examined. Single episodes or mild conditions that occur after hours can often wait until the following morning.

• Diarrhea: Diarrhea is very common in dogs and cats and is usually not an emergency but often needs to be evaluated on a non-emergency basis. If your pet has diarrhea in conjunction with vomit, is not eating, has persisted more than a couple days, has blood in the stool or seems lethargic he/she should be seen.

• Toxin Ingestion: Any time your pet ingests a known toxin he/she should be taken immediately to your veterinarian or emergency clinic with the packaging from what they have eaten. Time is of the essence in many cases and there is a small window (20-30 minutes) to successfully induce vomiting and limit toxin absorption.

• Weight Loss: Unwanted weight loss should always be evaluated but is not an emergency unless your pet also has other symptoms.

• Limping: Sudden limping after a known trauma should be evaluated by your veterinarian to check for fractures. Do not give your pet any pain medication as it may mask important symptoms.

• Eye Problems: It is often difficult to determine when eye problems are an emergency. All eye problems should be evaluated. Your veterinarian or the emergency clinic can help you determine over the phone whether it is an emergency or not.

• Difficulty Breathing: Difficulty breathing should always be evaluated by your veterinarian or at the emergency clinic.

• Seizures: Patients who has not previously seizured should be evaluated on an emergency basis. Seizures can be caused by epilepsy, toxins and other diseases. If your pet has a history of seizures, talk with your veterinarian ahead of time to plan for potential seizures. You may be asked to keep medication at home in the case of future seizures.

Call your veterinarian promptly if you think your pet may need to be seen so the condition can be addressed during business hours. Calls late in the day may need to be referred to the emergency clinic for diagnostics and treatment.

Dr. Jeanne Haggerty-Arcay received her undergraduate degrees in biology, biochemistry and Spanish from the College of Notre Dame, Belmont. She graduated from U.C. Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three young children, running, cycling and plans to return to her equestrian pastime in the near future.