What can I do while getting veterinary help?
- Keep calm.
- Contact the veterinary hospital, appraise them of the situation and get
first aid advice.
- Keep your pet warm, as quiet as possible, and keep movement to a minimum
if there is possible trauma, broken limbs, etc.
- For specific aid refer to the following table.
- Cats - Obtain a suitable container such as a strong cardboard box. Drop a
blanket or thick towel over the patient. Tuck it in carefully or maneuver
the cat onto the blanket so it can be gently placed in the cardboard box
or directly into your car.
- Get to a veterinary hospital as soon as possible, but drive carefully!
Emergency Situation -- Action
Automobile injury - Make sure your pet has a clear airway, but do not
put your hand in its mouth if your pet is conscious. Cover wounds with the
material available. Handle your pet with care, supporting its body as much as
possible. Carry it in a basket, box, or cage to the veterinary hospital.
Bleeding (hemorrhage) - If hemorrhage is severe on a limb apply a
tourniquet above the wound just tight enough to significantly flow of blood; it
has to be loosened within 20 minutes. Apply a pad of cotton or wool over a gauze
dressing to the wound or bleeding point and bandage it firmly and/or simply
apply direct pressure.
Seizures - Prevent your pet from injuring itself. Do not put your hand
in its mouth. Keep your pet as quiet as possible and prevent it from falling.
Burns and scalds - Cool the burned area with cool water by running
water over it or cover it with wet towels. This also helps remove caustic
substances (acid or alkaline) if these are the cause. If loss of skin occurs,
cover the area with the cleanest material available.
Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis - Seek veterinary attention. This is a
serious condition (diarrhea with blood; with or without vomiting).
Bites, fight wounds - Clean with cool water and seek veterinary
attention.
Poisons - Of poisons have been ingested, contact
a veterinarian immediately. If corrosive or toxic material is on the skin,
wash it profusely. Bring a sample of the
suspected poison with its container to the veterinary hospital.
Eye injury - If the cornea is penetrated or perforated it will be very
painful. Prevent your pet from scratching at its eye and doing further damage.
If the eyeball is out of its socket keep it moist with saline solution (e.g.
contact lens solution) and protect it from direct injury. Seek veterinary help
immediately.
What is shock?
Shock has many definitions. It is a complex body reaction to a number of
situations. These include acute loss of blood volume such as hemorrhage, heart
failure and other causes of decreased circulation (e.g. severe and sudden
allergic reaction and heat stroke). If not treated quickly and effectively shock
may cause irreversible injury to body cells, and it can be rapidly fatal.
How do I recognize shock?
Signs include rapid breathing which may be noisy, rapid heart rate with a
weak pulse, pale (possible even white) mucous membranes (for instance gums,
lips, under eyelids) and severe depression (listlessness) and cool extremities
(limbs and ears).
What should I do?
Seek veterinary help immediately. Keep the pet warm and quiet.
