At Indy’s Place Pet Hospital, we understand that illnesses and injuries do not always happen at a convenient time. When your pet suddenly becomes sick, is injured, or begins displaying concerning symptoms, our urgent care services allow our veterinary team to evaluate the situation and help determine the appropriate course of action.
We provide a wide range of urgent care services that fall within the scope of veterinary general practice. Our veterinarian can evaluate and triage urgent cases, provide treatment when appropriate, and guide families through the next steps in their pet’s care.
If you are concerned about your pet and believe they may need urgent veterinary attention, please call us at (650) 437-2339. Our team can provide guidance and help determine whether your pet should be seen as soon as possible.
When Does My Pet Need Urgent Care?
It is not always easy to determine whether a change in your pet’s health requires immediate attention or can safely wait for a regularly scheduled appointment. If something seems unusual or your pet’s condition changes suddenly, we encourage you to contact us.
Urgent veterinary care may be appropriate for symptoms or conditions such as:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Sudden lethargy or weakness
- Minor wounds or injuries
- Limping or sudden difficulty walking
- Eye irritation or injury
- Ear pain or irritation
- Persistent coughing or respiratory symptoms
- Allergic reactions or swelling
- Changes in urination
- Sudden changes in behavior
- Pain or obvious discomfort
- Ingestion of something potentially harmful
- Other sudden or concerning changes in your pet’s health
This list is not exhaustive. If you are unsure whether your pet needs urgent care, please call our office and describe what you are seeing.
Urgent Care Evaluation & Triage
When a pet arrives with an urgent medical concern, one of our first priorities is determining the severity of the situation.
Triage allows our veterinary team to assess your pet’s immediate condition and identify problems that may require prompt attention. Depending on the circumstances, this may include evaluating your pet’s breathing, circulation, level of consciousness, pain, mobility, and other important indicators of their overall condition.
Once your pet has been assessed, our veterinarian can discuss the findings with you and recommend the appropriate next steps.
Diagnostic Testing
Urgent medical conditions sometimes require diagnostic testing to help us understand what is causing your pet’s symptoms.
Depending on your pet’s condition, examination findings, and medical history, our veterinarian may recommend testing such as:
- Blood testing
- Urinalysis
- Fecal or parasite testing
- Testing for infectious diseases
- Diagnostic imaging when appropriate
- Other laboratory testing based on your pet’s symptoms
Not every urgent care visit requires extensive testing. Our recommendations will depend on your pet’s individual situation and the information needed to make appropriate treatment decisions.
Treatment & Supportive Care
Once we have evaluated your pet and gathered the necessary information, treatment can begin when appropriate.
The type of treatment your pet receives will depend on the underlying problem and severity of their condition. Urgent care may involve medications, wound care, pain management, supportive care, fluid therapy, monitoring, or other treatments within the scope of our general veterinary practice.
Our veterinarian will explain the recommended treatment plan and discuss what you should expect as your pet recovers.
Urgent Care vs. Emergency Care
Urgent care can address many illnesses and injuries that require prompt veterinary attention, but some medical emergencies require the resources of a dedicated veterinary emergency or specialty hospital.
Certain conditions may require advanced diagnostic equipment, intensive monitoring, hospitalization, specialized surgery, or other resources beyond what is available in a general veterinary practice.
If we determine that your pet requires a level of care we cannot appropriately provide, we will recommend transfer to an emergency or specialty veterinary facility. Our priority is helping your pet receive the care that gives them the best opportunity for a successful outcome.
Signs of a Potential Veterinary Emergency
Some symptoms may indicate a potentially life-threatening emergency. These can include:
- Severe difficulty breathing
- Collapse or loss of consciousness
- Uncontrolled or significant bleeding
- Seizures, particularly repeated or prolonged seizures
- Severe trauma, including being struck by a vehicle
- Suspected poisoning or ingestion of a toxic substance
- Severe abdominal swelling or distention
- Inability to urinate
- Severe weakness or inability to stand
- Other rapidly worsening or life-threatening symptoms
If your pet appears to be experiencing a life-threatening emergency, seek veterinary attention immediately. Depending on the situation, your pet may need to be treated at a dedicated emergency veterinary hospital.
What to Do When Your Pet Needs Urgent Care
If your pet is experiencing an urgent medical problem, call Indy’s Place Pet Hospital at (650) 437-2339.
Providing our team with information about your pet’s symptoms, when they began, and any possible injuries, medications, foods, substances, or other circumstances involved can help us better understand the situation.
If possible, please call before arriving so our team can provide guidance and prepare appropriately for your pet’s needs.
Compassionate Care When Your Pet Needs Us
We know that unexpected illnesses and injuries can be stressful for both pets and their families. Our goal is to provide calm, compassionate care while helping you understand what is happening and what options are available.
We have helped many pets and their families by keeping our doors and arms open to patients who need us. Whether your pet can be treated at our hospital or requires a higher level of emergency or specialty care, we will do our best to guide you toward the appropriate course of action.
Contact Us for Urgent Veterinary Care
If you are concerned about your pet’s condition or believe they need urgent veterinary attention, please contact Indy’s Place Pet Hospital as soon as possible.
Call us at (650) 437-2339 and our team will provide you with the appropriate guidance for your pet’s situation.