Recognizing the Need for Emergency Care in Limping Pets
While most cases of pet lameness can wait until regular veterinary hours, certain situations require immediate attention at an emergency veterinary hospital.
Signs of Lameness in Pets Requiring Emergency Care
If your furry companion displays any of the following signs, it’s crucial to head to the emergency room:
– Dragging a limb
– Inability to bear weight on a limb
– Extreme lethargy
– Uncontrollable bleeding
– Excessive swelling
– Excessive vocalization
– Sudden worsening of a limp
In cases where your pet exhibits minor lameness alongside concerning symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea, emergency treatment may be necessary to address the underlying cause rather than the limp alone.
Causes of Lameness in Pets Requiring Emergency Care
Pets can experience lameness due to various reasons, but certain conditions demand urgent medical attention. These include:
– Fractured limb
– Paresis or paralysis in one or more limbs
– Deep or profusely bleeding wounds
– Venomous insect or snake bites
– Car accidents
– Dog fights
While some of these incidents may not appear severe externally, internal injuries may be present and require treatment. For instance, a seemingly minor limp from a car accident could reveal underlying damage to vital organs such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, or bladder, necessitating intensive hospitalization.
Another common scenario requiring emergency treatment is a pet bitten by another animal. Although puncture wounds may seem small, they can quickly become infected, and aggressive shaking can cause significant tissue damage.
Determining whether your three-legged pet warrants emergency care can be challenging. Contact our team to discuss your pet’s condition, and we can provide guidance on whether emergency treatment is necessary.