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Swansea, MA

Veterinary Emergencies

The following signs and symptoms are “red flags” that may mean your pet is experiencing a serious health problem. If your pet is showing one or more of these symptoms, you should contact an emergency veterinarian as soon as possible:

  • Pale, white, or blue/grey gums, tongue, and skin
  • Struggling to breathe, or seeming to have difficulty breathing
  • Bloated or distended abdomen (“pot belly”)
  • Not able to urinate
  • Collapse, unable to walk, or unresponsive
  • Multiple seizures within 24 hours, or any seizure lasting longer than 5 minutes
  • Paralysis in one or more legs, or dragging the hind legs
  • Irregular heart rate (very fast or very slow)
  • Trying to vomit but nothing coming up
  • Severe wounds (bite wounds, puncture wounds, anything that bleeds heavily)
  • Trauma (hit by car, hit by blunt object, falls)
  • Pregnant animal struggling to give birth (greater than 2 hours in between deliveries or no delivery after 4 hours)
  • Fatal or dangerous toxin or object ingestion (e.g. antifreeze, batteries, sharp objects)
  • Vomiting and diarrhea for greater than 24 hours duration, especially if not eating
  • Nose bleeding
  • Swelling of the face or neck
  • Severe, sudden lethargy or loss of appetite
  • Severe pain (crying out, aggressive when touched, trembling or twitching)
  • Sudden changes in behavior (uncharacteristic aggression, hiding, anxiety, etc.)

Common Types of Emergencies When to Visit the ER