Don’t Hesitate To Seek Treatment for an Emergency
You know your pet better than anyone else. Unusual behavior may be a sign of something serious. Don’t hesitate to seek emergency treatment at Animal ER Care in Colorado Springs, Colorado. You’re never wrong to get help if you’re concerned about your pet. From an animal attack to a car accident, our veterinarians and staff are prepared for all kinds of emergencies.
Definite Emergencies
We understand how challenging it is to try and determine whether something is wrong with your pet. Seek emergency care immediately if you notice any of the following problems:
- Abdomen Is Swollen and Hard To the Touch
- Accidental Poisoning Such As Ingested Antifreeze, Rat Poison, Medication, Household Cleaners, and House Plants
- Bleeding From Eyes, Nose, Or Mouth
- Blood In Urine Or Feces
- Breathing Problems, Signs Of Which Are Extended Head, Reluctance To Lay Down, Short Shallow Breaths, and Anxiety
- Broken Bones
- Can’t Stand Up Or Collapses
- Disoriented and Bumps Into Things
- Gagging, Trying To Vomit
- In Labor and the Pet Goes More Than Three To Four Hours Between Delivering Puppies Or Kittens
- Irritation Or Injury To Eye Or Suddenly Becomes Blind
- Object Stuck In Throat
- Seizure
- Signs Of Heat Stroke
- Signs Of Pain Like Whining, Shaking, Refusing To Socialize, and Aggression
- Straining Or Unable To Urinate, Particularly Male Cats
- Traumatic Injury Like Being Hit By Car Or Blunt Object, an Animal Attack, Or a Significant Fall
- Unconscious, Won’t Wake Up
- Vomiting and Diarrhea for Over 24 Hours
What To Do
If you notice any of the signs listed above or think there is a serious problem, contact our office immediately. Do not leave a voicemail, send an email, or use the Internet. Make sure you know where you’re going and how to get your pet there safely. If you have any questions about how to move your ill or injured pet, don’t hesitate to call.
Prepare for an Emergency
In the event of an emergency, be sure you are prepared. Keep your veterinarian’s name and number near the phone, next to other important phone numbers. This way when an emergency catches you off-guard, you don’t have to rifle through drawers or folders looking for a business card. We have magnets for your refrigerator with our contact info and can mail one to you if you want one. The most important thing to remember is to trust your instincts. You know and love your pet and have the right to be worried if something seems wrong.
What To Expect When Receiving Medical Care From Us
At Animal ER Care in Colorado Springs, Colorado, your pet’s health and happiness are our number-one concerns. We strive to ensure every patient is comfortable during their stay in our facility. Our staff provides superior services and is compassionate and professional. Enjoy peace of mind knowing your pet is in good hands when you come to us for all of your dog, cat, exotic animal, or bird emergency needs.
Phone Call
Our friendly staff member will obtain a brief explanation of the situation during the initial call to determine if your pet needs immediate care. For accidental poisoning, we may refer you to animal poison control first. Be sure to record the case number and give it to us so we can refer back to poison control.
Arrival
A member of our staff will greet you upon arrival. You will then fill out paperwork and provide a brief history of your pet’s condition so we can determine the urgency of the situation. You will return the completed paperwork to us so we can enter your pet in our database.
Triage
Your pet will be triaged, or prioritized, depending on the seriousness of their condition. Critical cases are immediately taken to the treatment area while others must wait until an exam room is available. You will be escorted to an exam room when it’s your turn so the veterinarian can assess your pet.
Exam Room
Our client advocate will take your pet’s vital signs and obtain additional medical history upon your arrival in the exam room. All information is relayed to the veterinarian; however, the doctor will ask for a more detailed history prior to performing an examination. The examination consists of the following:
- • Assessment Of Weight and Pain
• Auscultating (Listening To) the Heart and Lungs
• Palpation Of the Abdomen and Limbs
• Inspecting the Eyes, Ears, Teeth, and Gums
Medical Care Plan
After finishing the examination, our veterinarian will leave to create a medical care plan. This plan outlines the recommended medical treatment of your pet and all costs associated with services. Our client advocate will review the plan with you and answer any questions. Once you are satisfied with the intended course of care, you will sign the medical care plan stating you approve of all or partial care for your pet. You will be asked if we should perform CPR in the event your pet goes into cardiac arrest.
Diagnostics
Diagnostic testing and imaging is an essential component of your pet’s medical care. We use laboratory test, x-ray, and ultrasound results to diagnose conditions and determine treatment. They are also used to evaluate treatment progress.
Admission
After all paperwork is signed, we will escort your pet to the treatment area or ICU if they’re not already there. If you would like to see these areas, just ask. Please stop at the front desk to leave a deposit for medical expenses.
ICU
The ICU is a place of rest and recovery. All cages are heated and your pet will be given blankets, towels, pillows, and stuffed animals to make them as comfortable as possible.
Hours and Payment
Our office is open unique hours during the week, every weekend, and all major holidays. We accept cash, checks, credit cards, and CareCredit patient plans as payment methods. Tours of our facility are welcome.
