5 Signs Your Pet Needs an Emergency Vet

There can be many causes of a bloated abdomen and whilst some of them may not necessarily be classed as an emergency only your veterinarian can diagnose the cause.  It could be anything from over-engorgement of food, gas build-up, fluid or the deadly GDV – Gastric Dilation Volvulus.  GDV is caused when gas and food is unable to exit the stomach and the increased pressure causes the stomach to twist and fold in on itself.  This condition is ALWAYS fatal without treatment and whilst it may not be your pet’s diagnosis, it’s always best to rule it out straight away.

You may not think there is anything serious about your pet being constipated however there are numerous illnesses that can present with this symptom.  Owners often mistake straining to urinate as constipation in male cats, this simple mistake can prove fatal.  Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is a serious condition that is common in neutered, male cats that involves a blockage in their urethra.  This causes a build up of toxins in their system which if left untreated can cause heart arrhythmias and failures. 

A common symptom for both dogs and cats is hypersalivation and increased panting.  This symptom could be a sign of many disease processes or illness.  Perhaps one of the most common amongst dogs in Queensland is toad toxicity.  The Queensland cane toad has a toxic substance that is secreted from its body after being disturbed by an animal.  Often the dog will mouth the toad which then allows the secretion to absorb through the mucus membranes on the gums.  One of the first signs of toad toxicity is excessive salivation and frothing, eventually, the dog will develop neurological signs such as wandering eyes, and become uncoordinated – often described as ‘drunk’.  It is important that you contact your vet immediately at the first sign of increased salivation to receive the correct treatment advice.

Have you noticed that your pet tripped a couple of times walking up the stairs?  Perhaps they usually hop onto the couch with you but tonight they are unable to.  Subtle changes such as this could be signs of a more severe, progressive disease and should be seen to by a veterinarian immediately.  There are many diseases and illnesses that could cause this symptom with the biggest one being tick paralysis caused by Ixodes Holocyclus (paralysis tick).  A toxin in the ticks saliva is introduced into your pets blood as it feeds – this toxin acts on the nerve endings and blocks the nerve from acting on muscle therefore causing paralysis.  It often starts in the hind limbs and progresses rapidly to the entire body including the respiratory system.  Removing the tick alone will not resolve the paralysis and your pet will require the tick anti-toxin from a veterinarian or there is a high risk of fatality. 

Most pet owners in Queensland are aware of the main symptoms of tick paralysis but did you know that this debilitating and progressive disease can be recognised with a change in your pet’s usual vocalisation.  Often this change is a reduction in the noise produced and can be one of the first recognisable signs of tick paralysis.  If you detect any change in your pet’s voice have them checked by a veterinarian who will perform a thorough examination and can look for other subtle signs that may be present if your pet is suffering from tick paralysis.