Lameness in your beloved pet is usually not an immediate cause for panic and can often be addressed during regular veterinary hours. However, there are certain circumstances where urgent action is required, especially when accompanied by specific symptoms. In such cases, it is crucial to head to the nearest emergency veterinary hospital without delay.
Signs of Lameness That Demand Emergency Care
If your furry companion displays any of the following signs, it is imperative to seek immediate medical attention:
1. Dragging a limb
2. Inability to bear weight on a limb
3. Extreme lethargy
4. Uncontrollable bleeding
5. Excessive swelling
6. Excessive vocalization
7. Sudden worsening of a limp
If your pet’s lameness is accompanied by additional worrisome symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea, emergency treatment may be necessary to address the underlying cause rather than just the limp itself.
Causes of Lameness Requiring Emergency Care
There are various reasons why a pet may experience lameness, some of which demand prompt treatment. While a muscle sprain or strain is concerning, it does not typically require an immediate trip to the emergency hospital. However, there are specific conditions that necessitate urgent care, including:
1. A fractured limb
2. Paresis or paralysis of one or more limbs
3. Deep or profuse wounds that won’t stop bleeding
4. Bites from venomous insects or snakes
5. Involvement in a car accident
6. Injuries from a dog fight
In certain instances, these situations may not initially appear to cause severe harm, but there could be internal injuries that require attention. For instance, if your pet was hit by a car and only has a minor road rash and a slight limp, a comprehensive examination may reveal damage to vital organs like the liver, spleen, kidneys, or bladder, which may necessitate intensive hospitalization.
Another common scenario that warrants emergency treatment is when a pet is bitten by another animal. Although puncture marks may seem small, these wounds can quickly become infected. Furthermore, if your pet has been grabbed and shaken aggressively, significant damage to underlying tissues can occur, leading to serious complications.
Determining whether your four-legged friend, now seemingly a three-legged pet, requires emergency care can be challenging. Therefore, we encourage you to reach out to our team to discuss your pet’s condition. We will provide guidance and help determine whether emergency treatment is necessary.
