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This section discusses a number of illnesses your pet may contract that should be seen quickly by a veterinarian. If your pet is in distress or is unresponsive, immediately take them to the nearest veterinarian.
Ingested Toxins Nationwide Animal Poison Control Hotline: 888-426-4435 ($50 charge)
Generally, dogs and cats don't have very good sense when it comes to what they eat. Many items, which are perfectly safe for the rest of the family, may cause problems with the family pets.
Hit By Car
Pets being hit by cars are one of the most common trauma-related injuries treated in our practice. Even traveling slowly, cars
can cause damage to pets including broken bones, internal bleeding and external trauma. A veterinarian should see any pet
that has been hit by a car, even if they were only grazed or seem to be acting normally afterwards.
Male Cats with Difficulty Urinating
One of the most common problems we see in cats is the male cat having difficulty urinating. The issue is generally a buildup of
mucous and grit in the urethra that blocks the ability for urine to be passed from the body. Common symptoms include a
crying meow, constant trips to the litter box, and squatting without producing urine. This is an emergency situation and you
should immediately bring your pet to a veterinary facility. With the buildup of pressure, the urine will begin to backup into the
kidneys causing kidney failure, and in severe cases may cause rupture of the bladder or death.
Seizures
Seizures are caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. This can be brought on by infection, trauma, toxicity, environmental
condition (excessive heat, etc.) or by a metabolic disorder, including epilepsy or diabetes. If you notice your
pet having a seizure for the first time, contact a veterinarian immediately. Based on how your pet recovers from the seizure and
their history, the veterinarian may or may not wish for you to immediately have the pet checked out. Seizures usually last
between thirty seconds and five minutes, and it is helpful to track any seizure for time and frequency to help the veterinarian
with a diagnosis. If your pet stays in a seizure for more than five minutes or is having multiple seizures (called clustering),
seek veterinary help immediately.
Fights
Animal fights can be started and over in an instant. But in that time, serious damage can occur. Cuts, puncture wounds, and
crushing damage are all injuries to consider in a dog or cat fight. Wounds should be explored and cleaned, and antibiotics are
usually dispensed.
Bloat - Gastric Distension Volvulus (GDV)
Bloat is one of the most serious emergencies that strikes dogs, not only for the potential for serious damange, but also because
of how quickly the disorder progresses. Bloat is caused by the stomach twisting on itself (volvulus) and then becoming filled with
gas (distension). The twisting causes blood vessels that supply the stomach and spleen to be knotted, and to restrict blood
flow to the organs. If not corrected, this leads to necrosis and organ death. Symptoms of bloat include visible enlargement of
the abdomen, non-productive retching, repetitive stretching, and restless discomfort, and usually strikes deep-chested dogs like
German Shepherds or Great Danes. Surgery is generally recommended to correct the problem. Bloat is a time-sensitive disorder; if
you feel your dog has bloat, contact a veterinarian immediately.
Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions in pets are very familiar to allergic reactions in people. Generally, they present with facial swelling, hives, and
redness around the eyes or itching. Causes can be from medication, insect bites, vaccinations, or other allergens. Treatment is
usually very straightforward, but the condition should be taken seriously due to the possibility of swelling, causing breathing
difficulties.
Collapse/Down in Rear
Loss of motor control can have many possible causes. Some may be tied to aging or arthritis, but causes can also be
life-threatening situations. Spinal injury, stroke or localized blood closts (thromboses) can all cause loss of motor function. These
are all serious conditions which rquire veterinary intervention. If your pet is experiencing a sudden difficulty with walking or standing
or a loss of motor control, call a veterinarian immediately.
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4000 Montgomery Blvd. NE; Albuquerque, NM
(Vet Specialists): 883-8387 (Emergency Clinic): 884-3433