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First Aid
Sudden onset lameness can be caused by many things from minor injuries to serious problems. You can check for wounds or foreign bodies (often glass, wood or grass seeds) in between the toes or pads. Nails can tear which is very painful. Further advice should then be obtained from the vet or if you can’t find a reason for the lameness.
Wounds can vary from minor abrasions to deep lacerations. Minor wounds can be gently cleansed with warm water. Direct pressure should be placed on wounds that continue to bleed. If you are concerned about any wound then phone the vet for further advice. It is always best to get wounds checked to be on the safe side.
Acute vomiting and diarrhoea can be triggered by many different things and ranges in seriousness from mild, right through to rapidly life-threatening. It is best to phone us so we can advise you on the best course of action.
Male cats in particular are susceptible to having a urinary blockage. Signs can include straining or yowling on urination, repeatedly going to litter tray or passing only a small amount of urine. A total obstruction can lead to severe kidney damage and any animal with a suspected urinary obstruction MUST be seen as soon as possible by a vet as an emergency.
Any eye ulcer, trauma or injury can be extremely painful and treatment should be given as soon as possible. Signs include cloudy appearance on surface (corneal ulcer), discharge (either watery or thick white/yellow), redness or inability to open an eye.
Pets can be poisoned by many things from chocolate to anti-freeze. There are many signs of poisoning which include vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, inco-ordination and collapse. Any pet suspected of poisoning MUST be seen by a vet as soon as possible. We have access to a veterinary poison information service so we can get accurate information on a wide range of poisonous substances.
Most stings aren’t life threatening and usually result in a small swollen area. You can apply vinegar to wasp stings or bicarbonate of soda to bee stings to neutralise them. Occasionally a sting can cause a more serious (anaphylactic) reaction which can be life threatening especially if the sting is in the mouth or around the neck.
The animal should be gently cooled using fans and wet towels. You should phone the vet for further advice.
Keep as quiet and calm as possible and try to restrict movement. Contact a vet immediately for advice.
This is one of the most commonest emergencies. If an animal has to be initially moved then it is often easier to lift in onto a towel or a jacket which can be lifted by two people. Take care as injured and scared animals may bite so handle them carefully. Serious injuries obviously have to be seen by a vet as soon as possible but even if a pet appears to be uninjured they are best to be checked as sometimes they can have internal injuries which do not show up straight away.
A gastric dilation is when air builds up in the stomach causing it to enlarge until it twists (torsion). This is when it becomes life threatening condition and needs IMMEDIATE veterinary attention. Large deep chested dogs are more prone but it can affect any dog. Do not exercise dogs immediately after feeding. Signs can include – bloated abdomen, lethargy, attempting to vomit and collapse. If you suspect a gastric torsion phone the vet IMMEDIATELY.
An animal having a seizure (or fit) can be a frightening sight. Any stimulus can make the seizure worse. You should try to remove anything that may stimulate the animal such as noise, light or touch. Placing cushions around him/her will help prevent them from hurting themselves. The time, length and frequency of the seizure(s) should be noted as this will help the vet. A seizuring animal has no awareness of what they are doing and may bite so always be very careful. Once the seizure has stopped, phone the surgery to arrange to be seen.
Old Stoneywood Church • Bankhead Road • Bucksburn • Aberdeen • AB21 9HQ • Tel: 01224 716848
