Emergency Medical Care
We have a doctor and staff on premises during regular hours for any emergencies. If your pet is sick or having an problem after hours, Dr Jones recommends going to Eastern Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Center, 7042 Snowdrift Rd, Allentown PA 18106. Their phone number is 610-904-1776 and website is www.epvmc.com. Another option is Valley Central Emergency Hospital, located on Fullerton Avenue in Whitehall. Their phone number is (610) 435-5588 and their web address is www.valleycentraler.com. Yet another option is Berks Animal Emergency Center, 400 West Lancaster Avenue, Shillington, PA 19607; phone (610) 775-7535.
Valley Central is a fully staffed emergency hospital with specialists available during the daytime hours for those complicated health problems. Berks and Eastern PA Veterinary Mecial Center provides emergency care when primary veterinarians are unavailable. We cannot provide the quality and level of care that a fully staffed emergency hospital can provide when we are closed. The doctor is unable to take radiographs, check bloodwork, perform surgery and in many instances, examine your pet, by herself. Emergency hospitals have the ability to diagnose and treat any situation that could occur. If your pet is critically ill, round the clock monitoring provided by emergency clinics is necessary to ensure your pet's best chance of recovery.
What is a real emergency?
1- Breathing difficulty- If your pet is struggling to breath, gasping for air, coughing non stop, or has any color gums except pink, this is a serious problem. Do not hesitate to take your pet to the veterinarian immediately. If it is hot out, place your pet in a cool area and avoid stress. Don't walk your pet in extreme heat or humidity. If you have a cat with a congested nose, place the cat in the bathroom and run the shower to help humidify the environment.
2- Open wounds- many apparently small bites or punctures can become big infections! Early treatment helps your pet to heal more quickly. Cover the wound if you are able, and seek help immediately. The golden time for sutures, if needed, is within 12 hours.
3-Major trauma- ie hit by a car, gunshot, fall from a roof. Do not wait to see how your pet is doing- by the time a problem is apparent it may be too late! Proceed directly to the emergency clinic!
4- Bleeding- can be from a wound or a body opening. Apply pressure and keep the area elevated and clean ( if an extremity). A torn toenail will bleed heavily for a while- place a bandage covered by a sock over the bleeding toe. The bleeding from a toenail usually stops with pressure.
5- Seizures or sudden collapse- This may be as simple as epilepsy in dogs, or as serious as a metabolic problem, toxicity, organ system failure, or heart disease. Multiple seizures can be life threatening. Keep the area around your pet clear from obstructions. Do not attempt to put your hand near your pet's mouth, as he may bite you by mistake. If your pet has never seizured before or has a cluster of seizures, please obtain help immediately.
6- Poisoning- Call immediately!!!! Many toxins can be quickly and easily treated, the sooner we know how to help the better. Some common toxins include chocolate, Lily plants, rat poison, aspirin, tylenol, antifreeze, and various household products (bleach, pesticides, etc).
7- Non stop vomiting or diarrhea- Not only can this lead to dehydration, but it can be a sign of many serious problems. Large breed dogs can suffer from a twisted stomach and die within 12 hours if no help is obtained. Do not offer any further food or water until there is no vomiting for at least 6 hours.
8- Eye problems- A major concern if your pet is squinting or seems painful. If there is a foreign object in the eye, let it alone and seek help.
9-Inability to urinate- A blockage by a stone can lead to buildup of toxins and kidney damage. More common in males due to their narrow urethra. Very uncomfortable, and will cause death within 48 hours if no action is taken. If your pet is straining to urinate- this is an emergency!
10- Extreme lethargy or depression. Can indicate a variety of problems. The sooner we evaluate your pet for the cause, the quicker we can help.
Remember- if you have a pet emergency:
Remain calm, phone the veterinarian, do not give at home medications without checking with a veterinarian first, and take precautions to avoid being bit by scared or injured animals. Even the nicest pet may bite if he is in pain. Use a belt of piece of gauze to tie the muzzle shut if moving a painful dog. Use a large towel or blanket to handle a scared cat.
Normal vitals:
Temperature- rectal- 100 - 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit.
Respirations - 15-30 breaths per minute
Pulse rate- cats 120-160 bpm; small dogs 110-140, large dogs 80-120 bpm.
Gums should be pink and return to pink after compression with a finger within 2 seconds.
Other emergency clinics are also available:
Northeast Veterinary Referral and Emergency Clinic
Plains, PA
(570) 208-8877
Animal Emergency Clinic of Wyoming Valley, Avoca
(570)- 451-7448 Available evenings, weekends, holidays.
Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center, Langhorne
(215)- 750-7884 Available 24 hours, 365 days
Gwynedd Veterinary Hospital, Lansdale
(215) 699-9294
Metropolitan Emergency Services, Valley Forge
(610)- 666-0914; www.metro-vet.com
Available 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.
VRC Emergency Service, Malvern
(610) 647-2950 or 1-800-945-VETS; www.vetreferral.com
Available 24 hours a day 365 days per year.
