What to Do In a Pet Emergency
Knowing what to expect at our emergency animal hospital can help make the process easier for you and your beloved pet. Here are the steps you should follow when visiting Animal Medical Center for an emergency appointment:
STEP 1
Call Ahead If You Can
We understand that in an emergency, you may be unable to call us in advance, but it's always best if you can. If you have time, you can also complete our New Patient Form before you arrive.
STEP 2
Get To Our Office Right Away
One of our team members will show you to an exam room. If you have not already done so, you'll be asked to complete our New Patient Form. 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 services involves the treatment of companion animals in situations that require immediate medical attention or could potentially be life-threatening.
If you have never been to our Murfreesboro veterinary clinic before for emergency care, you are bound to have questions. Read through the answers to our most frequently asked questions below to learn more about coming to our animal hospital for emergency vet care.
- 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 these symptoms, 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 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 veterinary services do you offer?
At our emergency animal hospital, we offer state-of-the-art emergency care for your four-legged family members. We are equipped to provide urgent diagnostics, a complete range of surgical services, and hospitalization.
- Do I need to call ahead?
If you can, it's always best to call us ahead of your arrival, but we understand emergency situations can develop very quickly and that this is not always possible.
If your situation does not allow time for you to call, please do not hesitate to bring your pet to our clinic for immediate veterinary medical attention.
It is always best to call us ahead if you can, but we understand that in emergency situations that's not always possible.
- When is your emergency clinic open?
We are open 24 hours, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
- 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 needs.
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
At our Murfreesboro animal hospital, our emergency veterinarians are equipped and qualified to provide attentive emergency care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.