Do you own a pet? Are you concerned about what to do in case of a sudden emergency? Would you like additional information about emergency situations that could happen with your pet? If any of these descriptions fit you, keep reading.
In this article, you’ll learn about the five potential emergencies involving your pet that may require urgent medical attention and surgery. The more you know about the possible risks your pet encounters, the more you can take preventive measures.
Traumatic Injuries
Traumatic injuries such as those sustained from being struck by a car or falling from a height can be more severe than they initially look. Cuts, wounds, and broken bones are common in pets who have been in these types of incidents. Because various types of bone fractures and injuries can be accumulated, having your pet undergo veterinary surgery can help treat all of them simultaneously.
Foreign Body Ingestion
Your pet’s risk of ingesting something they shouldn’t is the same whether they’re playing inside your home or outside. Accidental ingestion of foreign items can cause digestive blockages in pets, necessitating emergency surgery. Chewing playthings, household items like shoe or shock fragments, sticks, rocks, and other potentially unsafe objects can all find their way into your pets’ mouths.
Thread or ribbon, which cats are especially prone to ingest while playing with, can end up being tangled in the digestive system and should be operatively removed. These conditions are often surgical emergencies calling for a vet’s expertise to detect and treat.
Internal Bleeding
Internal bleeding can be brought on by trauma, tumors, poisoning, or infections, and the symptoms include swollen abdominal, pale gums, sensitivity to touch, and exhaustion. Internal bleeding is not often immediately apparent without further diagnostic testing, but surgery can be effective in stopping the bleeding and locating the source by using X-rays and blood analysis.
So, If your pet is experiencing internal bleeding, your vet will suggest bringing it for diagnostic tests at a dog and cat laboratory specializing in this type of health problem.
Bloat
Bloat, also known as gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV), is a deadly illness in which gas accumulates in the abdominal region and twists itself, cutting off blood flow to vital organs and affecting the digestive system and breathing. Unable to vomit, firm abdomen, difficulty breathing, and fatigue are all signs and symptoms of bloat. Surgery is critical to deflate and untwist the stomach, which may then be affixed to the abdominal wall to prevent future swelling in the stomach.
Dystocia
Dystocia is the medical term used when a pet has trouble giving birth, resulting in prolonged labor. Electrolyte abnormalities, large fetuses relative to the delivery canal, and fetuses in an incorrect position are all possible root causes of dystocia. It’s risky for the mother’s life and stressful for the fetus when labor goes too long. In order to save the mother and its newborn pets, the veterinarian will conduct an emergency c-section.
How to Deal With Pet Emergencies
It’s not always easy to handle stress and anxiety in an emergency, but if you’re prepared, you’ll find it much easier to be calm and rational. Here’s some advice for staying composed in the event of an emergency situation with your beloved pet:
- Stay Calm
- Call your vet right away
- Have the contact number of a local veterinarian practice that is open 24 hours a day
- Prepare a pet stretcher and practice strapping in your pet before an emergency takes place
For more details on how to deal with pet emergencies, click here.
Conclusion
Nobody wants to think of their beloved pet going under the knife, but the reality is that most pet owners will have to deal with an unexpected emergency at some point that will require surgery to save their pet’s life. You may not be an expert in animal care, but knowing when your pet is in danger and getting the help they need can mean the difference between losing them and having a long and happy relationship with each other.
