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WHAT IS AN EMERGENCY?

CONDITIONS NEEDING TO BE SEEN AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
Most poisonings
More than 2 seizures in an hour
Bloated abdomen especially in large dogs
Male animals that cannot urinate
Birth difficulties
Most road trauma especially with difficult breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, non weight bearing lameness i.e. possible fractures, loss of consciousness or inability to stand unaided.
Severe blood stained diarrhoea.
Heat-stroke (uncontrolled panting esp. on hot nights)

CONDITIONS THAT CAN WAIT A FEW HOURS OR OVERNIGHT
Skin disorders & scratching
Ear disorders and head shaking
Most vomiting & diarrhoea cases
Depression, lethargy and loss of appetite
Lameness with no known trauma
Torn nails or dewclaws
A one-off seizure episode
Sudden loss of balance & head-tilt in very old dogs
If your pet needs emergency veterinary treatment it is best to phone ahead