Hi, it's Liz here from Avoca Drive Animal Hospital. I just wanted to talk to you today about something we're seeing a lot of lately, and honestly, it's heartbreaking. We're encountering an extraordinary number of cases where pets' health issues have been put off until there's very little we can do to save a life. We are also hearing the same story from other nearby vet clinics.

We're seeing diseases and problems in their final stages, where options like amputations, palliative care, or even euthanasia are the only choices left. This often comes as a complete shock to owners who believed the problem would be treatable once they brought their pet in. Many, understandably, seek a second opinion, and while that's their right, getting the same difficult answer from multiple vets can cost precious time and money, ultimately leaving them with even fewer choices than before.

Because we're seeing so much heartbreak with conditions that are treatable if caught early, we thought it would be helpful to create a chart for our resources page. It's a handy reference for symptoms that simply can't wait and need immediate veterinary attention. To access this handy "vet emergency chart," head straight over to our Free Resources page here: https://www.avocadriveanimalhospital.com.au/Resources.aspx

As pet owners, we all want our furry, feathered, or scaled family members to be happy and healthy. But let's be real, it can be tough to know when a symptom is just a passing phase and when it's something serious enough to warrant a trip to the vet. At Avoca Drive Animal Hospital, we get these concerns, and we're here to help you make informed decisions about your pet's health.

The golden rule? When in doubt, just give us a call! It's always better to be safe than sorry. We'd much rather you call us with a question that turns out to be minor than for you to wait too long when something serious is happening.

To help guide your decision-making, here are some common signs and situations where immediate or prompt veterinary attention is absolutely crucial:

Emergency Situations (Seek Immediate Care):

These situations are urgent. Please call us on 4365 1086 or head straight to our clinic if you notice any of the following:

• Difficulty Breathing: This includes any laboured breathing, gasping, choking, blue-tinged gums, or excessive panting (especially in cats or if it's not related to exercise or heat).
• Trauma: If your pet has been hit by a car (even if they seem fine), fallen from a height, has animal fight wounds, deep cuts, or any suspected broken bones. These can hide serious internal injuries that aren't obvious.
• Collapse or Loss of Consciousness: Sudden weakness, inability to stand, or unresponsiveness.
• Severe Vomiting or Diarrhoea: Especially if it's severe, bloody, or your pet is also weak and lethargic. If your dog has been vomiting for more than 24 hours, or if your cat has even a single episode of vomiting, it can be serious.
• Straining or Inability to Urinate or Defecate: If your pet is straining, crying out, or can't pass urine or faeces. This is incredibly urgent for male cats, as a urinary blockage can be fatal.
• Suspected Poisoning: If you think your pet has eaten rat bait, antifreeze, human medications, poisonous plants, chocolate, grapes/raisins, xylitol, or any other harmful substance. Please bring the packaging if you can. All toxins are potentially deadly if not treated quickly.
• Seizures: Any uncontrolled shaking, convulsing, or loss of awareness.
• Sudden Swelling or Hives: Especially around the face or neck. This could indicate a severe allergic reaction.
• Signs of Severe Pain: Crying, limping, reluctance to move, guarding a specific area of their body, or sudden aggression can all point to sudden and severe pain.
• Eye Problems: Squinting, redness, discharge, or sudden blindness. Many eye problems are reversible if treated promptly but can cause irreversible damage if left for even a few days. We find most pet parents understandably don’t know when their pet is experiencing eye pain or dental pain. The symptoms can be hard to interpret sometimes.
• Uncontrolled Bleeding: Any bleeding that doesn't stop after a few minutes of direct pressure.
• Heatstroke: Excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, vomiting, or collapse after being exposed to heat.

When to Schedule a Prompt Appointment (Within 24 Hours):

These signs might not be immediate emergencies, but they still need professional evaluation soon. Give us a call on 4365 1086 to discuss:

• Persistent Lethargy or Weakness: More than just a tired day. If your pet isn't acting like themselves, getting up from rest and wanting to go for walks or a run for more than a few hours.
• Loss of Appetite or Thirst: Not eating for more than 24 hours or drinking for more than 6 hours.
• Persistent Coughing or Sneezing: Especially if it comes with discharge or your pet seems lethargic.
• New Lumps or Bumps: Any new or rapidly growing lumps, or changes to existing ones.
• Changes in Urination or Thirst: Drinking or urinating significantly more or less than usual.
• Unexplained Weight Loss or Gain: Any noticeable changes in your pet's body condition.
• Skin or Coat Changes: Excessive scratching, redness, hair loss, or a foul odor.
• Changes in Behaviour: Sudden aggression, anxiety, hiding, or disorientation.
• Bad Breath or Dental Concerns: Dropping food, pawing at their mouth, or visible tartar.
• Persistent Lameness: Limping that doesn't get better within a day.

Prevention is Key:

Remember, regular preventative care like annual health checks, vaccinations, and parasite control are super important for catching potential issues early and keeping your pet healthy long-term. Don't wait for symptoms to appear to visit us!

At Avoca Drive Animal Hospital, your pet's health and well-being are our absolute top priority. If you're ever concerned, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to help you give your beloved companion the best possible care. Call us on 4365 1086 or visit us at 11 Avoca Drive, Erina, if you have any concerns.