Some injuries, illnesses need immediate attention
Emergency medicine has always been a large part of veterinary work. Perhaps this is because animals live a more hazardous lifestyle. This was especially true when there were no leash laws. One’s pet could show up at the house looking close to death and you would have no idea why. Was it hit by a car? Was it bitten by a snake?
Things are a good bit tamer now, but we still deal with a lot of emergencies. In today’s economy, most pet owners want to avoid an extra visit to the veterinarian if at all possible because of the high costs associated, but some things really need to be seen.
Eye injuries fit in this category. Just as in people, eye injuries in pets can result in blindness if left untreated. The most common symptom of an eye injury is squinting. Squinting is a sign of pain. The white of the eye (the sclera) may become inflamed and have a reddish tint or prominent blood vessels. It may be difficult to see the iris or the pupil if the cornea is damaged. The cornea will take on a bluish haze when injured. An eye can go bad in hours, so it really must be seen by your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Another condition that warrants immediate attention is a urinary tract infection in a male dog or cat. Males have a long, narrow urethra, which makes it more likely that they may develop a blockage that will not allow urine to pass out of the bladder. If urine backs up in the bladder, the subsequent pressure on the kidneys can cause long-term kidney damage. If the pressure is not relieved, the bladder can rupture or the pet can become toxic and die. Immediate treatment with antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medicine and possibly catheterization is necessary to prevent dire complications.
Sometimes lameness can be an emergency. Foremost in my mind is the dislocation of the hip joint. Occasionally a pet may injure its hip and cause luxation of the hip joint. If the hip is dislocated, it can sometimes be popped back into place while the pet is sedated. The longer the hip is dislocated, the more damage there is to the ligaments and cartilage of the joint. The chances of successfully reducing the joint improve if it is treated soon after the injury.
Paleness of the gums is another cause for immediate evaluation of your pet. Paleness of the gums can be a sign of shock, lack of oxygen or anemia. All three of these conditions are serious. Shock could be caused by an internal injury or illness. Lack of oxygen could be due to heart failure or severe lung disease such as pneumonia. Anemia could be caused by internal bleeding or parasites. If you lift your dog or cat’s lip and notice the gum is not pink, visit your veterinarian as soon as possible.
You know your pet better than anyone else. If you are concerned that you are seeing a problem, don’t try to wait until your pet’s next scheduled yearly appointment; make an appointment and get in sooner. Early treatment can make all the difference in the outcome.