Knowing When Your Limping Pet Requires Emergency Care
Dealing with a limping pet can often be addressed during regular veterinary hours. However, there are specific situations in which immediate action is necessary, especially when accompanied by other concerning signs. In such cases, it is crucial to promptly head to the nearest emergency veterinary hospital.
Signs of lameness in pets that warrant emergency care:
1. Dragging a limb
2. Inability to bear weight on a limb
3. Extreme lethargy
4. Excessive vocalization
5. Sudden worsening of a limp
6. Uncontrollable bleeding
7. Excessive swelling
If your pet displays minor lameness alongside worrisome symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea, it is possible that emergency treatment is needed to address the underlying cause rather than solely focusing on the limp.
Causes of lameness in pets requiring emergency care:
Pets may experience lameness for various reasons, but certain conditions demand immediate attention. While muscle sprains or strains are concerning, rushing to the closest emergency hospital may not be necessary. However, the following situations do call for urgent care:
1. A fractured limb
2. Involvement in a car accident
3. Injuries resulting from a dog fight
4. Paresis or paralysis of one or more limbs
5. Deep or large wounds that do not stop bleeding
6. Bites from venomous insects or snakes
Some of these scenarios may not appear overly severe, but hidden internal issues could develop that require prompt treatment. For example, if your pet is hit by a car and shows only minor road rash and a slight limp, a comprehensive examination may uncover damage to vital organs such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, or bladder, necessitating intensive hospitalization.
Another common circumstance that demands immediate attention is when a pet is bitten by another animal. Puncture marks may seem small, but these wounds quickly become infected. Moreover, aggressive shaking by another pet can cause extensive damage to underlying tissues, escalating into a serious problem rapidly.
Determining whether your furry companion, now a three-legged pet, requires emergency care can be challenging. In such situations, we recommend reaching out to our team to discuss your pet’s condition. We can provide guidance on whether immediate treatment is necessary.