By: Dr. Lauren Simermeyer

Working the overnight emergency shift brings lots of phone calls from concerned clients. We are more than happy to answer any questions a caller may present about their pet’s health. If your pet’s behavior is “off” or different in a way that concerns you, it is best to go ahead and make a call to have a veterinary technician or veterinarian help you to determine if you are indeed experiencing an emergency. Obviously, if your pet was a victim of a trauma, such as being hit by a car, he/she should be brought in for examination as soon as possible.

There are some guidelines that are good to be aware of to help in determining if your pet has a condition that is emergent. If your dog or cat seems suddenly lethargic and weak, it would be a good idea to check the color of the gums. This can be done by lifting the lip. If the gums are extremely white, you need to seek veterinary attention immediately. If they are pale pink and/or dry to the touch, you should further evaluate your pet. Taking a heart rate, which is the number of heartbeats that occur in a minute, and a respiratory rate, which is the number of breaths in a minute, will help determine the severity of the condition. A rectal temperature would also be helpful. Now is a good time to mention that when pets are stressed, they may not tolerate manipulation as they normally do. If your pet growls at you or seems to threaten you while examining him/her, then it would be best to bring them to your veterinarian for further examination.

If your pet is breathing rapidly and with more effort than usual, this would be a situation in which an examination would be recommended. If your pet’s gums are blue in color, this indicates that he/she is not receiving enough oxygen and should be taken to the veterinarian as soon as possible. Also, any cat that is breathing with its mouth open should be taken immediately to the veterinarian for exam.

Conditions affecting the digestive tract that indicate an emergency include vomiting multiple times, retching, apparent abdominal discomfort, being unwilling to lie down, and/or seeming very anxious or pacing. Also, if your dog/cat has diarrhea that has progressed to blood, they should be examined as soon as possible. If your pet has eaten chocolate, sugarless gum, and rodent poisons you should contact your veterinarian to determine if the object eaten is hazardous to your pet.

There are a few conditions affecting the urinary tract that can be very dangerous. Any male cat that is frequently visiting the litterbox, seeming to strain to urinate/defecate, and is vocalizing while trying to use the bathroom needs to be examined as soon as possible. These cats can have a blockage of their urinary tract and this can become rapidly fatal. Male dogs can also have similar blockages, and occasionally female dogs. If your pet is attempting to use the bathroom and seems uncomfortable, it is best to have them checked out to ensure their condition is not critical.

I would also recommend that any pet that is bleeding from a wound or even an unknown location, be examined as soon as possible.

The single most important thing to remember is to call for advice if there is any question or concern about the condition of your pet’s health.

Dr. Lauren Simermeyer is one of the overnight emergency veterinarians at Windcrest Animal Hospital. She graduated from Iowa State University in May 2007. She has wanted to be a veterinarian for as long as she can remember. Dr. Simermeyer has a special interest in emergency medicine, and particularly loves the overnight shift. She feels that it is a special calling for her to be able to assist animals and owners in times of critical need. Dr. Simermeyer has many pets of her own including a herd of corgis, three cats (one of whom is a munchkin), a flock of miniature sheep, and chickens. Dr. Simermeyer is particularly fond of all creatures with stubby legs. Dr. Simermeyer spends a lot of her free time caring for her pets, reading, and is currently learning how to spin wool. She is also a member of Paws for People, which is a Delaware based therapy dog program, and she and her dog, Noni, make several visits a month to libraries and elementary schools.

New Location!
Centreville Veterinary Hospital
302-655-3315
5804 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, DE
(next to Buckley’s Tavern)
www.centrevilleveterinary.com

WINDCREST ANIMAL HOSPITAL
3705 Lancaster Pike
Wilmington, Delaware 19805
(302) 998-2995
24 Hour Emergency
www.windcrestanimal.com

TALLEYVILLE VETERINARY HOSPITAL
3001 Concord Pike
Wilmington, Delaware 19803
(302) 478-0648
www.talleyvilleveterinary.com

HOCKESSIN ANIMAL HOSPITAL
643 Yorklyn Road
Hockessin, Delaware 19707
(302) 239-9464
www.hockessinanimal.com