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A cesarean section is a surgery to remove kittens from the uterus and is most commonly performed as an emergency procedure when there is difficulty with natural birth. During the immediate recovery period, the mother and kittens must be closely monitored and begin eating/nursing within a few hours. If you have any concerns about their health, you should immediately have your veterinarian examine the kittens and their mother.
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Urticaria, or hives, is a skin condition characterized by raised red skin welts caused by direct contact with a substance that causes an allergic reaction. These substances include insect bites, food, pollens, molds, vaccinations, and medications. If the swelling progresses to the throat, breathing can be compromised and result in a medical emergency called anaphylaxis. Injectable antihistamines and corticosteroids usually bring about a dramatic improvement, sometimes in as little as a few minutes.
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Insect stings or bites can cause mild signs of swelling, pain, and itching or can be more severe causing hives, anaphylactic reactions, difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, or seizures. In more severe cases emergency veterinary attention is required to stabilize the dog, screen for organ dysfunction, and provide supportive care.
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Insect stings or bites can cause mild signs of swelling, pain, and itching or can be more severe, causing hives, anaphylactic reactions, difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, or seizures. In more severe cases, emergency veterinary attention is required to stabilize the cat, screen for organ dysfunction, and provide supportive care.
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Pyometra is a serious and life-threatening infection in the uterus, occurring in female dogs who have not been spayed. The condition must be treated quickly and aggressively. The preferred treatment is to surgically remove the uterus and ovaries by performing an ovariohysterectomy. There is a medical approach to treating pyometra, although the success rate is highly variable and not without considerable risk and potential long-term complications.
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Birds of all species are innately designed to hide symptoms of illness until later stages of a disease process. Any signs of a change in appetite or behavior should be brought to the attention of an avian veterinarian. If an avian patient stops eating, this becomes a life-threatening situation quickly.
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Penetrating wounds can look minor on the surface but may cause severe injury below the skin. A thorough assessment requires sedation or anesthesia and surgery may be required to address the extent of the injury. This handout outlines first aid steps a pet owner can take while transporting their injured pet to the veterinary hospital.
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A blood feather or pin feather is a new feather growing on a bird. Blood feathers are a normal part of feather maturation. When feathers first erupt from the skin, they contain blood. Injury to the feather as it grows may cause the blood feather to become broken, causing blood loss that may require emergency treatment.
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There are many types of emergencies, but initial care is similar: stay calm, keep your dog warm and quiet, contact your veterinarian, and get help to transport your pet to a veterinarian. Common emergencies are described including gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), acute hemorrhagic diarrhea, anaphylaxis, automobile injury, seizures, respiratory distress, eye injury, eclampsia, heatstroke, heart failure, toxin ingestion and collapse.
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Emergencies arise unexpectedly, and it is important to stay calm. After realizing what has occurred, it is important to contact your veterinarian to provide the best chance for a successful outcome. Once you have received initial instructions, it is important to transport your cat to your veterinarian for a complete examination as soon as possible.
