What is an Emergency | Metropolitan Animal Specialty Hospital

If You Think You Are Having an Emergency, Bring Your Pet In

If you feel your pet is having a veterinary medical emergency, please bring your pet to our 24/7 emergency hospital. Your pet should be brought in immediately if they are experiencing major bleeding, breathing problems, seizures, are unresponsive or limp, had severe trauma (dropped, kicked, crushed, or run over), or collapse. Other situations needing immediate attention include blood in the urine or straining of a male cat or dog, a bloated abdomen, a snake bite, fluid in the lungs or around the heart, and unproductive retching.

What Triage is in Emergency and How it Helps

Here at MASH, we use a triage system to quickly determine which pets need immediate attention, especially when times are busy. This system is color-coded to easily show what is prioritized. Lower urgency may mean wait times to be seen will be longer. We may ask questions about your pet's symptoms and injuries or illness to determine the level of urgency.

PRIORITY 1

Immediate

Immediate stabilization is required for best chance of survival.

Collapse
Blood in urine or straining of a male dog/cat
Major bleeding
Breathing problems
Non-responsive/limp
Actively seizing
Severe Trauma
- Dropped
- Kicked
- Crushed
- Run Over
Bloated abdomen
Snake bite
Unproductive retching
Fluid in the lungs/around the heart

PRIORITY 2

Emergency

Patient is currently stable but serious nature requires further evaluation.

Trouble during active labor
Cluster seizures (three or more seizures in a 24-hour period)
Diarrhea paired with appetite loss and vomiting
Toxin ingestion
Diabetic not doing well/lethargic
Open fracture (can see the bone)
Euthanasia
Acutely non-ambulatory

PRIORITY 3

Urgent

Urgent but does not require immediate attention. Wait times may be extended.

Vomiting (less than two times in a 24-hour period)
Straining to defecate
Blood in urine or straining of a female dog/cat
Small laceration/wound
Altered mentation
Non-productive cough with no breathing pattern changes

PRIORITY 4

Non-Urgent

Injury or illness is not life threatening. May be accommodated by being scheduled.

Itching
Chronic lameness
Dermatologic issues
A single seizure with full recovery
Hair loss
Chronic weight loss

Poisoning

If you think your pet has ingested poison or eaten something toxic contact the ASPCA pet poison hotline at (888) 426-4435. If they recommend you seek veterinary care for your pet, please call to inform us you are on your way and provide your case number. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center has good resources for any animal poison-related emergencies.

Evaluation and Visiting the Hospital

We know everything can feel like an emergency when our pets are in distress or pain. It is important to keep in mind that we want the best for your pet too. We will need to examine your pet to determine the level of urgency so we can provide the best care that they need.

Wait times for non-critical patients may vary. This is why we ask for patience as we care for and triage your furry friends. Wait times are usually increased by cases that would benefit more from being seen by a primary veterinarian rather than the emergency room. There is also currently an industry-wide veterinary technician shortage.

Please call to let us know why you are coming in, so we can prepare to care for your pet when you arrive.