Looks can be deceiving. Your pet can’t tell you when they’re sick, and they may even try to hide it. While they seem healthy on the outside, we need to see what’s happening on the inside to be sure. Problems start small and catching them early allows for quicker treatment.
Plus, seeing your pet regularly means we can address your concerns quickly. You can also expect more opportunities to learn about your pet’s primary needs, and have a stronger partnership with us.
What is an Emergency?
The signs that show a pet is having an emergency are not always obvious. Consider these symptoms/situations below.
- Shortness of breath/laboured breathing
- Coughing, wheezing, or gagging
- Unusually high or low body temperature
- Unable to walk or stand
- Pale gums
- Difficulty giving birth
- Collapse
- Bleeding heavily
- Bleeding from the nose and ears
- Yelps or cries when touched
- Is having trouble urinating/passing stool
- Seizures
- Walking with a head tilt
- Refusing to eat or drink (for more than 24 hours)
- Vomiting/diarrhoea (more than 24 hours)
- Ingested a toxin or choking hazard
- Took a serious fall, got hit by a car, or got attacked by another animal
If you notice anything unusual about your pet, whether it’s their appearance, their behaviour, or something else, don’t hesitate to contact one of our Merrylands veterinarians for help. Even a seemingly harmless issue could be hiding something more serious.
The Emergency Process
Upon arrival at Merrylands Vet, patients are triaged so cases are seen in order of importance, not necessarily in order of arrival. You will be asked to fill in paperwork with information about yourself and your pet. An experienced emergency and critical care (ECC) veterinarian will discuss your pet’s history and outline your treatment options and approximate costs for procedures.
If your pet is admitted to hospital for treatment you will be asked to sign a consent form and leave a minimum deposit of 50% of the estimated costs, in order for treatment to proceed.
Your ECC veterinarian will keep in touch with you during the course of your pet’s stay in hospital. If ongoing care is necessary following emergency treatment after hours, your pet will typically be sent to a 24/7 hospital. We will work closely with the emergency veterinarian to ensure a coordinated approach to your pet’s care.
Call Merrylands Vet IMMEDIATELY
If Closed, Call Animal Referral Hospital on 9758 8666
250 Parramatta Road, Homebush
