What To Do In An Emergency
The process will be easier for both you and your pet if you know what to expect at our emergency veterinary clinic. Here are the steps you should follow:
STEP 1
Provide First Aid & Prepare for Safe Transport
Depending on your animal's temperament and circumstances, you may be able to calmly approach them and provide first aid before transporting them.
Fashion a makeshift stretcher for your dog. Cats can be placed in an open-topped carrier or box. Once you feel comfortable and safe transporting your pet, immediately bring him to an emergency care facility.
STEP 2
Get To Our Office Right Away
When you arrive, our front desk person will start the triage process. Describe your pet's symptoms to them. They will also note your pet's appearance.
If your pet is stable, your information will be taken at the front desk and then you and your pet will be escorted to a private exam room. A veterinary technician will triage your pet, then a veterinarian will perform a full exam.
STEP 3
Determine Treatment
Once your pet has been assessed, our highly trained veterinarians will develop a treatment plan so your pet will receive the best possible treatment.
We will keep your primary care veterinarian updated with your pet's medical history to ensure seamless, integrated care that meets your pet's needs.
Animal Emergency FAQs
Emergency veterinary care involves the treatment of animals in situations which require immediate medical attention, or could potentially be life-threatening.
- What is considered an emergency?
These situations are considered emergencies and will require immediate care.
If your pet has had an accident, or is experiencing any of the symptoms below outside of regular vet operating hours, they are experiencing an after hours vet emergency. Bring them to our emergency office straight away.
- Obvious signs of extreme anxiety or pain
- Bleeding that hasn't stopped, or severe bleeding
- Choking, difficulty breathing or continuous coughing/gagging
- Injuries to the eye(s)
- Pain associated with passing feces or urinating, or inability to pass feces or urinate
- Bleeding from nose, mouth, rectum, or blood in urine
- Staggering and/or seizures
- Severe lameness, fractured bones or inability to move legs
- You know or suspect your pet has ingested something poisonous (such as antifreeze, xylitol, chocolate, rodent poison, etc.)
- Refusal to drink for 24 hours or more
- Severe vomiting or diarrhea; more than two episodes in 24-hours
- Heatstroke or heat stress
- Unconsciousness
- What emergency services do you offer?
At our after-hours emergency vet clinic in Blountville, we offer state-of-the-art emergency care for your four-legged family members. We are equipped to provide specialized diagnostics, a complete range of surgical services, and hospitalization.
- Should I come straight to the clinic?
Emergency situations tend to develop very quickly. If you suspect your pet is in distress, please follow the instructions in Step 1 of What to Do in an Emergency to provide basic first aid to your pet, and come straight to the emergency clinic for immediate veterinary medical attention.
We operate on a walk-in basis.
- When is your emergency clinic open?
Our after-hours emergency vet hospital in Blountville is open during the following times:
Monday to Thursday: 5:30 pm - 8:00 am (overnight)
Friday: open at 5:30 pm
Saturday: 24 Hours
Sunday: 24 Hours
(close on Monday at 8:00 am)Open 24 hrs on all Major Holidays
- What types of animals do you treat?
We primarily treat cats and dogs experiencing emergency health issues or that have been injured.
We occasionally treat exotic pets including; birds, reptiles and amphibians and small mammals. If you suspect your pet is in distress, please come straight to the emergency clinic for immediate veterinary medical attention.
- How long will we have to wait to see the vet?
A veterinary emergency hospital is very similar to a human emergency department — the pace can be unpredictable and you may have to wait.
We are not able to predict which cases we will see and when they will arrive, but we will prioritize cases based on medical need.
You'll find a comfortable area for waiting and we will do our best to keep you updated about wait times and the status of your pet.
- Will you keep in touch with our primary care veterinarian?
Yes, we will keep your primary care veterinarian updated with your pet's medical history and files to ensure your pet receives seamless, integrated care.
Our Emergency Veterinarians
Our after hours emergency veterinarians are equipped and qualified to provide attentive emergency care when most primary care vets are closed.
Monday to Thursday: 5:30 pm - 8:00 am (overnight)
Friday: open at 5:30 pm
Saturday: 24 Hours
Sunday: 24 Hours
(close on Monday at 8:00 am)