In General:
- Any problem that persists longer than
24 hours.
- Any problem that worsens over
several hours.
- Any systemic problems such as lethargy, loss of appetite, weakness
and fever.
- Body temperature less than 99 degrees Fahrenheit or greater than 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Any indication that more than one
body system (GI, urinary, neurological) is affected.
Gastrointestinal Problems:
- Frequent bouts of vomiting or diarrhea resulting in loss of large volumes of fluid.
- Inability to drink or keep water down.
- Blood or black material (digested blood) in the vomit or stool.
- More than three to four episodes of vomiting or diarrhea in a 24 hour period.
- Vomiting following suspected ingestion of foreign material (toys, garbage, rocks, etc).
- Suspected poisoning.
- Suspected bloat.
Bleeding:
- Bleeding from nose, mouth or anus.
- Bleeding accompanied by bruising of the skin, especially on the abdomen.
- Bleeding that cannot be stopped by applying pressure.
- If blood loss is excessive.
- Weakness, difficulty breathing, or reluctance to move after a bleeding episode.
|
Lameness:
- Obvious fracture of a limb.
- Nonweight-bearing lameness persisting for more than 12 hours.
- Swollen, painful joints or a gait that appears as if "walking on eggshells."
- Paralysis of one or more limbs.
- Lameness that initially improves but does not resolve in 24-48 hours.
Other Emergencies:
- Trauma: auto accident, dog fight, falls
- Venomous snakebite
- Choking
- Seizures
- Swollen eyes or face
- Straining to urinate with no urine produced
- Laboring for over 45 minutes with
no birth
- Respiratory distress, pale, purple
or bluish gums
Avian and Exotic Emergencies:
- Birds who are unsuccessfully straining
to lay eggs.
- Reptiles that have not eaten in over
4 weeks.
- Rabbits, Guinea Pigs and Birds can be especially sensitive, any signs of lethargy, inappetance or inactivity should be considered a potential emergency.
- Acute death of a cage mate.
- Koi that are gulping for air at the surface.
|