What to do in an emergency:
1. Stay calm, think and also calm the animal down. Animals can sense your panic. Be careful as a fearful or painful animal can bite, especially after trauma.
2. If there is a lot of haemorrhage, apply some pressure with a towel. Allow for breathing.
3. It is always good to call ahead (021-6740034) and warn us that you are on the way with a serious emergency. Drive carefully.
4. In case of seizures, never put your hand into the animal’s mouth. If it is on a hard surface move a cushion underneath. Time the event. If it lasts longer than about 3 minutes, seek veterinary help.
5. If heat exhaustion is suspected, cool the animal down with water. Cooling down is of utmost importance. Seek urgent veterinary care.
6. If poisoning is suspected bring the poison container along to allow the emergency clinician to identify the toxin and correct treatment.
7. Snake bites: Cobra bites are the most serious and need urgent veterinary attention as it will paralyse breathing. Puffadder bites are serious but treatment urgency is less. Do not kill the snake for identification. The CAMC usually has snake antivenom available.
8. Cats are best transported in cat baskets.
Prepare for and prevent emergencies
1. Make sure your pet cannot escape from your premises, especially during periods where fireworks may be heard or during thunderstorms.
2. Always ensure your pet has a microchip and an identification collar. The microchip cannot be lost and is a reliable means of identification to help us reunite you.
3. Have our telephone number as well as the number of your regular veterinarian near your phone and programmed on your mobile phone.
4. Consider pet medical aid insurance. Emergencies and illness can be costly and unexpected. Medical insurance can go a very long way towards carrying these costs on your behalf. Contact us for details of pet health insurance companies. Remember that many home-owners’ insurance policies will also include cover of accidental injuries of pets. Check your policy documentation.
5. Avoid the use of poisons around the house or make sure they are absolutely not accessible to pets, e.g. rat poison or snail pellets.
Conditions that should be considered emergencies
Trauma (car accidents, falling, fractures, etc.)
Haemorrhage
Respiratory difficulties
Collapse, paralysis or unconsciousness
Seizures
Marked lethargy or lack of appetite
Vomiting or diarrhoea
Coughing
Snake bites
Allergic reactions
Bloat or distension of the abdomen
Ingestion of tablets or poisons
Heat exhaustion
Bite wounds
Pale or blue tongue or gums
Coughing or open mouthed breathing especially in cats
Acute severe limping or lameness
Pain