There are guidelines to consider for some common conditions

Published on Page 10 of the August 7, 2013 issue of Morgan Hill Life:

By Jeanne Haggerty-Arcay

Jeanne Haggerty-Arcay

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 for 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, 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: This 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 to 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 whether or not it is an emergency over the phone.

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

Seizures: Patients who have not previously experienced a seizure 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.

On-staff veterinarians include Dr. Loreen Clark, DVM; Jeanne Haggerty-Arcay, DVM; and Mike Switzer, DVM, who have a combined experience of more than 50 years in the local area. Live Oak is a full service hospital. Professional grooming services are provided and boarding is available for dogs and cats. The hospital also services small mammals including rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, rats and hamsters. The hospital is located on the corner of Vineyard Boulevard and Tennant Avenue and is open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

Dr. Jeanne Haggerty-Arcay received her undergraduate degrees in Biology, Biochemistry and Spanish from the College of Notre Dame in Belmont. She then graduated from U.C. Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 2002 with an emphasis in Mixed Animal Medicine. She strives to provide her patients with individualized care in order to improve compliance and treatment outcomes. She enjoys spending time with her husband and three young children. She also enjoys running, cycling and plans to return to her equestrian pastime in the near future.