It is important to remember that you know your pet better than anyone else.
If you suspect your pet is having an emergency, you are probably correct, and your pet should be seen immediately.
Signs of an emergency
- Excessive vomiting and/or diarrhea
- Bleeding from any site that won’t stop
- Sudden weakness
- Collapse
- Seizure
- Toxin ingestion (for example, antifreeze, household cleaners, rat poison, prescription medications). If possible, bring in any packaging from the toxin.
- Any unproductive vomiting or retching, especially in medium- to large-breed dogs
- A belly that has suddenly gotten large and tense
- Inability or difficulty passing urine or defecating (especially male cats)
- Breathing difficulty
- Wounds that are deep or large
- Puppies, kittens and toy breed dogs that aren’t eating or drinking
- Significant trauma, including being hit by a car, jumping from a moving car, excessive bite wounds and punctures, any bite wound to the abdomen, projectile (e.g., bullet, arrow) injury, being stepped on or kicked by a large animal such as a horse
In the event of an emergency: Please have your pet seen by your veterinarian or bring them to the Veterinary Health Center as soon as possible.
It is a good idea to call your veterinarian’s clinic or the VHC prior to departing or on your way so we can be prepared for your arrival. The VHC does not require that you call in the case of medical emergencies.
Regular Hours
8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
573-882-7821
After Hours
573-882-4589
What to expect when you arrive at the VHC
- Enter through the emergency entrance.
- Check in with the receptionist, or call on the emergency telephone at the entrance if no receptionist is present.
- A veterinary professional will come to assess your pet to identify whether it is stable. Any animal that is unstable will be taken to the emergency veterinarian immediately. Similar to an emergency room for people, we see the most critical patients first and do not make appointments.
- After your pet has been assessed, a member of the veterinary team will talk with you and examine your pet in a private location.
- The veterinarian on duty will discuss with you a testing and treatment plan for your pet and provide a financial estimate for your approval.
- We try our best to provide rapid service, but because emergencies are unpredictable, sometimes the emergency service can be busy.
Our Fees
- There is an emergency examination fee for the veterinarian to do a physical examination on your pet and provide a plan for any testing or treatment. The veterinarian will provide a written estimate for any additional services needed.
- The estimate varies depending on what the veterinarian finds during the physical examination, what kind of tests are recommended to make a diagnosis, what treatment is prescribed and whether your pet needs to be hospitalized or can be treated as an outpatient.
