Pet Emergencies: How To Spot Them, Where To Go

When in doubt, call the vet, better safe than sorry

Until we humans learn to speak Great Danish, Pekinese, Guinea Pig Latin or the Siamese dialect of a cat, we must rely on our powers of observation to determine when our pets are in pain or otherwise having a medical crisis. That can be difficult at times, says veterinarian Lisa Monte, a partner in Viscaya-Prado Veterinary Hospital in Cape Coral. Prey animals such as birds and rabbits often instinctively hide their symptoms in order not to show weakness.

Since we’re human, not animal, we may not recognize serious symptoms that we don’t share. And just like the person who goes to the emergency room with chest pains and finds out she has heartburn, we may be reluctant to go to the expense of seeking emergency care only to find out the situation was not an emergency. However, the woman with heartburn knows that in spite of the cost and perhaps embarrassment, it’s still better to be safe than sorry―and the same goes for our pets.

Fortunately, emergency care has become somewhat easier to obtain in Southwest Florida in recent years. Many veterinarians are offering extended hours and even 24-hour service. And among other options, there are full-service hospitals now in the area. No matter what the outcome, seeking emergency pet care can be emotionally as well as financially trying.

About two years ago, North Fort Myers resident Tanya Soholt noticed one of her cats exhibiting a danger sign: the inability to urinate. She took the feline to an emergency veterinarian and learned he needed surgery. She was required to make a $2,500 deposit toward treatment and her cat didn’t survive the operation. About $1,000 was refunded, she says, “But it really made me think about the whole process.”

Soholt’s regular veterinary office, Viscaya-Prado Veterinary Hospital in Cape Coral, has since extended its hours and become available for emergency care. She’s happy about that development, she says, since she has a relationship with its doctors and feels more secure about seeking emergency care there.

To be prepared in case of emergency, check with your regular veterinarian for a recommendation if something happens to your pet after hours. If you will need to visit a clinic for the first

Mia (top left) and Kerry Spillane (top right holding friend, Piggy) await a visit at the Viscaya-Prado Veterinary Hospital in Cape Coral. Docile pets can hide illness symptoms, says Dr. Lisa Monte (pictured), a clinic partner and the day's attending physician—so watch for clues. time, find out what personnel are on-site or on call at various times and what initial charges will be.

So when is it an emergency? Monte of ViscayaPrado outlines indications that your pet might be in an emergency situation:

• A cat that is unable to urinate or straining to do so.

• A large dog that is bloated and belching.

• Any animal that collapses or is weak and pale.

• Any animal having trouble breathing, profusely vomiting, has bloody diarrhea or a broken limb.

• Any animal that in the owner’s opinion is “just not acting right.” This may include more subtle changes in birds, rabbits or other prey animals. Monte stressed that these are just general guidelines. Owners know their pets best. When in doubt, call the vet. Dayna Harpster is a writer, editor and accredited public relations professional living in Southwest Florida.