Knowing When Your Limping Pet Requires Emergency Care
In most cases, your pet’s limping can be addressed during regular veterinary hours. However, there are specific situations in which immediate action is necessary, and you should head to the nearest emergency veterinary hospital without delay.
Signs of Lameness in Pets that Require Emergency Care
If your beloved furry companion displays any of the following signs, it’s crucial to seek emergency care:
- Dragging a limb
- Inability to bear weight on a limb
- Extreme lethargy
- Uncontrollable bleeding
- Excessive swelling
- Excessive vocalization
- Sudden worsening of a limp
When your pet experiences mild lameness alongside concerning symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea, they may require emergency treatment for the underlying issue rather than solely addressing the limp.
Causes of Lameness in Pets that Require Emergency Care
Lameness can stem from various reasons, some of which demand immediate attention. While a muscle sprain or strain may be a cause for concern, rushing to the nearest emergency hospital is not necessary. However, certain conditions do require urgent care, including:
- A fractured limb
- Paresis or paralysis of one or more limbs
- A deep or large wound that won’t stop bleeding
- A bite from a venomous insect or snake
- Involvement in a car accident
- Engaging in a dog fight
Even if some of these situations appear to result in minor injuries, internal issues can arise that require treatment. For example, if your pet has been hit by a car and only displays road rash and a minor limp, a comprehensive examination may uncover damage to vital organs such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, or bladder, necessitating intensive hospitalization.
Pet bites are another common scenario that calls for emergency treatment. Although puncture wounds may seem insignificant, they can quickly become infected. Additionally, if another pet has shaken your pet aggressively, it can cause extensive damage to underlying tissues that can rapidly escalate into a serious problem.
Determining whether your four-legged friend, who has become a three-legged pet, requires emergency care can be challenging. Feel free to contact our team to discuss your pet’s condition, and we can provide guidance on whether they need immediate treatment.