Veterinary Urgent and Emergency Care

When your pet has a sudden medical issue, it’s vital to act fast to ensure the best possible health outcome. It’s also important to know what options are available near you in case your dog or cat needs immediate care.

Because we have a board-certified specialist in veterinary emergency and critical care as our Medical Director, the team at Animal Hospital at Thorndale is trained to handle a wide range of urgent and emergent medical conditions.

Here’s a closer look:

Urgent Care for Pets

Urgent care is for medical situations that require prompt attention for non-life-threatening injuries or illnesses that, if left untreated, could escalate into more serious conditions. It’s the ideal option if your pet is in stable condition but can’t wait for the next available appointment.

Issues that are appropriate for urgent care include:

  • Blood in urine or feces
  • Cuts and abrasions
  • Ear infections
  • Eye redness, discharge, squinting
  • Lameness, difficulty walking
  • Minor wounds or injuries 
  • Pain or limping
  • Persistent cough
  • Recurrent vomiting or diarrhea 
  • Skin irritation or broken toenail

While these issues may not be life-threatening emergencies, they still demand timely evaluation and treatment to relieve your pet’s discomfort and prevent any complications. You can count on us to provide walk-in urgent care at any time during our regular business hours. We also offer same- or next-day urgent care appointments which are preferred if possible.

Emergency Care for Pets

Emergency veterinary care is for more critical and/or life-threatening conditions that require immediate medical attention. Fast intervention during an emergency can mean the difference between life and death.

Some examples of a true emergency include:

  • Accident (trauma, hit by car)
  • Allergic reactions
  • Bloat (tender, distended abdomen, unproductive heaving)
  • Broken bone/fracture
  • Difficulty breathing/choking
  • Excessive bleeding
  • Frostbite
  • Heatstroke
  • Paralysis
  • Penetrating wounds
  • Severe or persistent diarrhea or vomiting
  • Seizures
  • Straining or inability to urinate or defecate
  • Toxin ingestion (i.e. toys, plastic, chocolate, uncooked dough, xylitol, birch bark, onions, garlic, lilies, human medications, anti-freeze)
  • Unconsciousness, collapse
  • Unproductive labor/inability to deliver kittens or puppies

We’re equipped to handle most emergency situations during regular business hours. If your pet is admitted to the hospital, they will be monitored by our clinical team overnight. If medically necessary, however, we will refer you to a nearby 24/7 veterinary specialty center.

Questions about when it’s an emergency?

If you’re unsure whether your pet needs urgent or emergency care, please call us at 610-873-4091. Even if it’s outside regular business hours, a member of our clinical staff is always on call and can help you decide the best course of action.
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