A veterinarian who treats emergencies treats an acute illness or injury that can pose an immediate risk to a pet’s life or long term health.

An emergency in veterinary medicine is anything that requires immediate attention due to an acute illness or injury or an acute exacerbation of a chronic illness or injury. An emergency is also anything that a pet owner is concerned about and would like to rule out any serious or potentially life threatening problem. If you are concerned enough it is an emergency. Even if for reassurance.

When we think of emergency medicine we think “hurry up”, stabilize patient, perform appropriate diagnostics, initiate therapy and wait for tests or response to therapy or possibly transfer to the ICU for critical care monitoring.

Examples of emergencies:

• Pet hit by car/other moving vechicle
• Trouble breathing
• Ingestion of poisons/toxins
• Seizures/concussions or other potential brain injury
• Bleeding due to trauma or internal problems
• Vomiting/bloody diarrhea