Common Preventable Emergencies We See in the ER
By Dr. Dondi Dahlgaard, Southpaws Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Center
Everyone dreads it: having to make a late night trip to the Emergency Room. Not only are you often paralyzed with fear for the wellbeing of your pet, you are also often worried about what will be coming when you get the bill. There are several emergencies that we commonly see in the ER that can be prevented with minimal effort which will save your pet a lot of pain, your heart a lot of ache, and your wallet a lot of money! For example, walking your dog on a leash and making sure that your yard is escape proof can prevent your dog from being hit by a car. If you own a kitty, keeping it indoors can also prevent similar accidents as well as limit exposure to fights, Feline Leukemia and FIV.
Toxicities are also an unfortunately familiar scenario in the ER. A lot of pets get into dangerous substances when their owners aren’t looking. Some of our more common drug exposures/toxicities include chocolate (causes GI and neurologic signs), Rimadyl and Advil (cause kidney and liver failure), glucosamine (causes GI and liver problems), mushroom ingestion (causes neurologic signs and liver problems), marijuana (causes dilated pupils, dull mentation, fever and urine leakage), and antifreeze (causes vomiting, dull mentation then kidney failure). Being aware of these common toxins and keeping them away from your pet is such an easy thing to do. Keep all potential toxins off the floor – and reachable counters. Walk your dog on a leash so they can’t scrounge through garbage on the street. Watch them closely at dog parks or at your neighbor’s homes. Of course, some accidents do happen. So, if your pet should ingest any of the following, please contact either your veterinarian, the closest emergency clinic, Georgetown Poison Control (202-625-3333 - consultation is free), or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435 - $65 charge for consultation).
Toxins aren’t the only potential ingestible problem. Dogs and cats like to eat things that they shouldn’t. Know your pet and puppy or kitty proof your house. We commonly have to take pets to surgery to remove socks, diapers, bathroom trash contents, dental floss, small toys, panty hose, underwear and carpet. If your pet has a tendency to get into things or chew on your stuff, you need to be really vigilant. Utilize closets, cabinets or cans with closed lids to contain things, and crate or confine your pet when you're not able to supervise them closely – both when you’re not home or when you’re asleep.
Just remember, a little bit of effort can go a long way towards keeping your pet safe and avoiding a very expensive trip the emergency room.