Veterinary Emergency
Pet owners love their pets. And when their pets get sick, it can be hard to understand what options are available for their pets in terms of medicine, surgery, and other procedures.
Vaccinations are the first line of defense against illness. Veterinary emergencies can be prevented if pet owners arm themselves with information about the specific needs of their pets. Simple measures such as vaccinations and checkups can prevent most veterinary emergencies.
Viruses
Viruses like canine parvovirus, canine distemper and feline panleukopenia are easily preventable with vaccinations. Puppies are especially susceptible to canine parvovirus. The virus is transmitted through direct and indirect contact with feces. Adult dogs are also at risk for contracting this virus and it is highly contagious. Some signs of a dog having this virus are vomiting, excessive tiredness, fever and bloody stool or diarrhea.
Canine distemper is another virus that affects dogs. Viruses can cause neurological problems, gastrointestinal problems, and can lead to long hospital visits.
Feline panleukopenia is similar to canine parvovirus with the exception that it attacks cats. Getting pets vaccinated is the most important thing that can be done to prevent dogs and cats from contracting viruses.
Parasites
Common parasites in pets are ticks, flees and mites. Parasites can be picked up in a pet's coat, especially if they run through tall grass. Flees reproduce to the point where a dog or cat will be constantly scratching to relieve themselves. Simple medicines and sprays may be enough to prevent or get rid of flees.
Ticks are nature's vampires. They attach to a pet and feed on its blood. Ticks can spread diseases such as lime disease in pets and humans. Ticks should be pulled out immediately. If the head of the tick remains, contact the veterinarian for further advice.
Mites are small and cause irritations in the ear canal. All of these parasites can be treated and prevented with simple measures that a veterinarian can implement. A pet with mites should be taken to the veterinarian.
Feline lower urinary tract disease
Feline lower urinary tract disease is a general term to describe cat urinary problems. The symptoms can be similar to a urinary tract infection in humans and includes pain and crying out when urinating, straining, blood into the urine, and frequent urination.
Surgery, dietary changes, access to fresh water and a clean litter box can treat and prevent future occurrences. Bring a pet to the veterinarian immediately if the cat can't pass urine or is passing very little at all.
Heart worm
Heart worm larvae are transferred from a mosquito bite. Over a few months the larvae grow and move to the heart. They can grow to as much as 14 inches in length. The bigger they are, the more damage they can do. Treatments are available for dogs if heart worms are contracted. Cats are harder to treat and in severe cases must undergo surgery. Heart worm is easily preventable with a vaccination.
Not all pet clinics and veterinarians offer emergency services after hours. If you veterinarian doesn't offer emergency services, get a referral for a reliable veterinary pet hospital or other 24 hour emergency pet clinic.