FLUTD is a major emergency for cats as it can cause death

FLUTD is a major emergency as it can cause death. The urethra is tube that connects the bladder and penis. If this becomes blocked, you cannot urinate. In some cases the bladder will burst.

If you cannot urinate, you body starts to build up toxins from the kidneys. These toxins can cause death by affecting the heart and other organs. FLUTD can be a common problem in male cats.

If you notice that your cat is unwell, licking his genital area more than normal and straining to go to the toilet, then they should be checked. Other common signs can include frequently using the litter tray and only urinating a couple of drops. Sometimes you may see blood in the urine.

There are many causes of FLUTD. Sometimes a special diet is required to reduce crystals forming in the urine.

Animal Accident & Emergency have two 24 hour Animal Hospitals in Melbourne, which are ideally located in Essendon and Point Cook and both with easy freeway access and amble parking.

Our emergency vet clinics operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year (including public holidays), and offer all the latest equipment and state of the art technology, as well as a 24 hour intensive care unit. Our dedicated team of emergency vets and nurses provide the highest standards of emergency vet care, critical care medicine and surgery, and are experienced in treating all emergencies from right across Melbourne, Geelong and Ballarat. So when you bring your pet to Animal Accident & Emergency you can rest assured that your pet will receive the best and most advanced vet care available.

If you believe your cat is FLUTD or for any other veterinarian emergency, please contact one of our 24-hour animal emergency centres:

Essendon Fields (03) 9379 0700
Point Cook (03) 8368 7400

 

www.animalemergency.com.au

36 degrees today & tomorrow – Keep your Pets Cool

Tips to avoid heat stress/stroke:

• Provide a cool  shaded area

• Provide plenty of clean fresh water and extra water sources in case of spillage.

• Bring animals indoors on hot, with the air-conditioning or fan on.

• Do not exercise animals in hot weather conditions. Walk your dog very early in the morning or very late in the afternoon and avoid the hottest part of the day.
• Do not leave your dog in a vehicle – even when the windows are down dogs can still overheat and die.

 

If you think your pet is suffering from heat stroke, please call Animal Accident & Emergency or contact your local vet without delay.

 

Essendon Fields: (03) 9379 0700

Point Cook: (03) 8368 7400

 

Veterinary Emergency: Paraphimosis (Prolapsed penis)

 

Alfred was admitted to our Pet Emergency Centre for Paraphimosis (Prolapsed penis). Paraphimosis is the inability to retract the erect penis back into a normal position – into the preputial sheath.

Alfred’s owners had attempted to manually  fix the problem but with no success.

When Alfred arrived at our Essendon Pet Emergency Centre his prolapsed penis was very swollen/inflamed that our emergency vets needed to place Alfred under a general anaesthetic.

Causes of this condition can be from excess licking, sexual excitement or foreign bodies getting up under the skin(hair) and trauma.

If the swelling does not resolve within 30 minutes then immediate veterinary treatment is required due to tissue damage and urethral obstruction. In some cases the tissue of the penis dies off due to lack of blood supply and the dog requires a partial penis amputation.

In Alfred’s case our emergency vets had been able to replace his penis back into it’s normal position. He is a very sweet 5 month old Basset Hound puppy and the staff at AAE wish Alfred a speedy recovery.

If you have a pet emergency please contact one of Animal Hospitals located in Melbourne:

Essendon Fields: (03) 9379 0700

Point Cook: (03) 8368 7400

www.animalemergency.com.au

 

Full Time Emergency & Critical Care Veterinarian

Animal Accident & Emergency is seeking applicants for a full time emergency and critical care veterinarian. Our hospitals are purpose-built 24-hour emergency, critical care and referral facilities, with the latest up-to-date equipment. We have everything you will need to provide the best standard of care including multi-parameter patient monitors, in-house laboratory, ultrasound, endoscopy, digital radiography, mechanical ventilation, CT and fluoroscopy. The position will involve shift work at both our Essendon and Point Cook centres and would suit applicants looking to further their career within emergency and critical care.

 

The ideal candidate will possess the following:

• A minimum of 2 years experience as a Veterinarian with a keen interest and/or background in emergency medicine
• Commitment to continuing education and willingness to learn
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skill
• Ability to work efficiently, independently and as part of the team
• Commitment for exceptional patient care

Our successful candidate will have access to the following:

• Ability for career advancement
• Structured internal training and clinical mentoring programs
• External continuing education
• Access to a great team of veterinarians and nurses
• Support from Registered Specialists, Registrars and Residents in Emergency and Critical Care
• Support from Registered Specialist in Internal Medicine.

Employment is shift based, with rotations involving day, night, weekend and public holiday shifts.

The standard working week is 37.5 hrs.If you are interested in working with a great team with plenty of support and challenging and rewarding cases, please send your application to jobs@animalemergency.com.au

www.animalemergency.com.au

How We Diagnose Snake Bite in Pets: Vet Emergency Melbourne

How We Diagnose Snake Bite in Pets

During summer we treat numerous pets with snake bite. It is a downside to living in Australia.  In the Melbourne region, the most common snakes are Tiger snakes.  Brown snake bites  also occur but are less frequent.  Tigers and Browns are very deadly.  Bites from these snakes may kill pets within minutes.  They have a mixture of toxins depending on the snake.  Toxins may include: Neuro Toxin (affects nervous system and causes paralysis);  Myotoxin (destroys muscles within the body); Coagulant Toxin (causes massive internal bleeding); Renal Toxin (affects kidney function).

To treat snake bite we use specific anti-venom therapy.  While some pets may survive without anti-venom, the length of recovery and complications including death is much greater for these pets.  Often these pets have had a minimal bite if they do survive.

Sometimes it is very easy to identify a snake bite – the pet was seen with a snake, starts vomiting and collapses.  Other times we need to run specific tests to identify a snake envenomation.

Within our 24Hr Pet Emergency Centres we keep a range of tests to identify snake bites.  We have specialised laboratory machines so that we can identify a snake bite quickly.  Sometimes there is not one test that we use, but a range of tests.

One of the most important tests is the Snake Venom Detection Kit (SVDK).  The SVDK was developed by CSL and is specific for all Australian venomous snakes.  The test looks for free venom in urine (or blood).  If you have been bitten, then within a short period of time, there will be free venom filtered into your urine by your kidneys.  The SVDK identifies this venom and tells us what type of snake has bitten the pet.  It means that we know that the pet has been bitten and what type of anti-venom should be used.

Some pets can play with a snake and not be envenomated.  The SVDK can be used to identify such pets and if the test is negative, we can avoid giving anti-venom which is very expensive.

We also use the SVDK to guide therapy.  If after receiving anti-venom, the test is still positive, it indicates that further anti-venom will benefit the pet.  If it is negative, then we know that giving further expensive anti-venom is not required.

We stock numerous vials of anti-venom as well as SVDK at both our Melbourne Animal Hospitals.  Vets now Open with immediate treatment for Snake Bite.  If you need further advice, please contact any of our 24Hr Pet Emergency Centres: 

Essendon 9379 0700

Point Cook 8368 7400

 

www.animalemergency.com.au

 

Pet CARE: Heat Stroke is a serious Pet Emergency

 

We do see heat related diseases at our 24 Hour Pet Emergency Centres in Melbourne.Heat stroke is serious and is commonly seen in dogs. Heat stroke, is when the body temperature reaches above > 39.5°C. Dogs may die if their body temperatur…e reaches > 41.7°C.As an emergency critical care specialist centre, we see heat stoke due to:

1. Locking a dog in a car, even if the car windows are open it is too dangerous.
2. Exercising with a dog when there is excessive heat and humidity
3. Leaving your outdoor dog in the sweltering heat without adequate water or shelter/shade.

Some signs of heat stroke:
-Constant panting
-Dry gums that feel sticky to the touch
-Dark red gums
-Vomiting
-Wobbly
-Seizures
-Dark coloured urine
-Diarrhoea
-Difficulty breathing
-Collapse

If your pet is suffering from a heat stroke, then we need to see your pet as soon as possible.
• Cool them down with fans and water
• Phone us
• Drive to our emergency centres as safe as possible.

Essendon Fields: (03) 9379 0700
Point Cook: (03) 8368 7400

www.animalemergency.com.au

 

Medicine Consults at Essendon Fields

Medicine Consults at Essendon Fields with Dr Linda Abraham

From Wednesday 9 July 2014 Dr Linda Abraham will be conducting specialist medicine consultations from our Essendon Fields 24hr Pet Emergency Centre. Dr Abraham will be consulting from Essendon Fields every Wednesday from 9 July 2014. To book a consultation with Dr Abraham please contact our Point Cook Centre on (03) 8368 7400 and specify the appointment is for Essendon.

Appointments are by referral from your veterinarian.

Animal Accident and Emergency (AAE) is a purpose-built animal emergency centre servicing Melbourne. It provides 24hr animal emergency services. There are two great locations – Essendon and Point Cook. The centres are located to provide direct and easy freeway access.

Always Open, We Always CARE

www.animalemergency.com.au

Animal Accident & Emergency is seeking a full time Veterinarian

Animal Accident & Emergency is seeking applications for a full time veterinarian. We are seeking applicants with experience in emergency and critical care. Animal Accident & Emergency operates 24/7 at two locations. The position will involve shift work at both emergency centres. Our centres are fully equipped and would suit applicants looking to further their career within emergency and critical care. You should be motivated, communicate well and have the ability to teamwork. You must also display a commitment to continuing education and willingness to learn.
We believe in a team approach with a supportive environment. Our Medical Director is a Registered Specialist in Emergency and Critical Care.
The ideal applicant would have Membership in emergency (ANZCVSc) or preparing to sit for membership within the next 12 months. Applicants with less experience will be considered. Employment is shift based, with rotations involving day, night, weekend and public holiday shifts. The average working week is 37.5 hrs.

Please send applications to jobs@animalemergency.com.au Applications will close on the 27th June 2014.

 

www.animalemergency.com.au

Mischka suffered a severe anaphylactic reaction

 

Mischka is a 9 month old  poodle cross that was referred to our Essendon 24 Hr Vet Emergency Hospital stabilization after being stung by a bee. 

Mischka was examined by Dr Eugene Ong one of our Emergency Vets and found to be displaying signs of a severe anaphylactic reaction (muddy coloured mucous membranes, poor blood pressure, weakness, altered mentation, bloody diarrhea , vomiting and excessively fast heart rate). It was also noticed during examination that Mischka had abnormal bruising under her skin suggesting that she had possibly developed a coagulopathy (bleeding disorder that occurs with life threatening anaphylactic reactions)

Given the severity of her condition, any delay in receiving emergency treatment would compromise her chances of survival. Mischka was admitted to our Pet ICU for intravenous fluid therapy as we attempted to correct her blood pressure and reduce the risk of her developing further organ damage. In addition, comprehensive blood tests were performed in-house to assess for changes in red and white cell levels, blood coagulation times and liver and kidney parameters.

Mischka’s blood results indicated that she had lost a significant amount of blood and protein from diarrhoea and bleeding into the gastrointestinal tract. More importantly however, her blood tests confirmed our earlier suspicions that Mischka had developed a coagulopathy (bleeding disorder) which would be fatal unless treated appropriately.

Fortunately, Mischka responded very well to our initial fluid treatment and we were soon able to restore her blood pressure to normal levels and commence the next stage of treatment for coagulopathy. A plasma transfusion was performed over the course of the next 4 hours to replace the coagulation factors that had been lost as a result of her anaphylactic episode. During this time, a dedicated nurse was on hand with specialized monitoring equipment (ECG, blood pressure monitor, pulse oximetry) to keep a close eye on Mischka for any signs of a transfusion reaction. Post-transfusion, another blood test was repeated and showed that her blood coagulation times had returned to normal.

Over the next 48 hours, Melbourne Animal Hospital kept a round the clock watch on Mischka as we continued to manage her symptoms of vomiting and bloody diarrhoea. Being the plucky little fighter that she was, Mischka bounced back remarkably and soon regained her appetite and zest for life. 48 hours after her near-death experience, Mischka was on her way home with her very relieved mom.

We wish Mischka a speedy recovery!

  

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an anaphylactic Reaction?

https://animalaccidentemergency.wordpress.com/2014/05/19/emergency-vet-treatment-for-anaphylaxis/

An anaphylactic reaction is a hypersensitivity reaction of the body to a foreign material or antigen. Common antigens in animals include insect stings, drugs and vaccines. Once developed, animals tend to show clinical signs within half an hour of the exposure. Clinical signs may vary in severity from mild itch or swelling and progress rapidly to life-threatening situations such as shock as seen with Mischka. As such, anaphylactic reactions should always be treated seriously and we recommend that your animal is seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible to determine if any medical treatment is required.

Repeat episodes and the use of EpiPen®

When an animal suffers a repeat exposure, clinical signs may be more severe than the first exposure and they should be seen urgently by a veterinarian should they develop any clinical signs.

In humans, EpiPen® (Adrenaline [Australia] / Epinephrine [North America] auto-injectors) are commonly carried by people at risk of suffering anaphylaxis so that they may be administered immediately once a reaction develops. Not surprisingly, there has been interest within the veterinary community regarding the benefits of such a practice in veterinary medicine and owners often query if they too should have an EpiPen® on standby so they too may administer it to their pets in the event of a repeat exposure.

At this juncture, we cannot recommend the use of EpiPen® for pets for several reasons. Firstly, adrenaline is used for the treatment of anaphylaxis in humans to stop and reverse bronchospasm (airway spams) and airway swelling due to the risk of death from asphyxiation. This is however an uncommon situation in small animals who instead tend to develop severe gastrointestinal signs and blood volume deficiencies. These effects cannot be corrected by the administration of adrenaline alone and require large volumes of intravenous fluids as given to Mischka when she first presented to us.

Secondly, animal requirements for adrenalin vary markedly from humans therefore attempting to administer an appropriate dose with an EpiPen® is challenging. Administering an inappropriate dose is risky and can be fatal.

Finally, precious treatment time may be wasted when trying to administer adrenaline and may put the person trying to administer it at risk of getting bitten by a highly distressed animal. EpiPen® needles are very short and therefore administration of adrenaline by owners under the skin to an animal with poor peripheral circulation is unlikely to be of any significant benefit.

Based on the above reasons, we cannot recommend the use of EpiPen® in animals at this point in time until there is evidence to justify its use in anaphylactic animals.

www.animalemergency.com.au

 

Animal Accident & Emergency Medicine Service – Dr Linda Abraham

For pets that are in need of specialised medicine treatment, Animal Accident & Emergency offers a Medicine Service at our Point Cook Pet Emergency Centre. Our Medicine Service accepts all forms of Internal Medicine consults and we are more than happy to provide advice on a wide range of medical conditions.

The Medicine Service is essential in the diagnosis, management and nonsurgical treatment of complicated and unusual medical diseases in animals. The types of diseases seen by our Medicine Service are wide and varied, including diseases of different organ systems. For example:

• Kidneys (nephrology)
• Liver (hepatology)
• Lungs (respiratory)
• Blood system (haematology)
• Central nervous system (neurology)
• Immune-system (immunology)

We also see diseases that may affect multiple body systems at the same time, such as infectious diseases or cancer. As part of cancer therapy, we now offer a chemotherapy service. Our Medicine Service is also complimented by our Intensive Care Service for seriously ill patients requiring ongoing 24 hour care.

The benefits of seeing an Internal Medicine Specialist in our Medicine Service is that they can offer diagnostic procedures and management of diseases that are often not available in general practice veterinary clinics, which may be due to limitations of equipment or the complexity of the disease. Like all veterinary specialists, Internal Medicine Specialists undergo advanced training in the form of a Residency program and are required to pass Fellowship exams through the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (ANZCVS) or the overseas equivalent (USA or European boards). This training means that Internal Medicine Specialists develop advanced technical skills that allow them to perform diagnostics and treatment at a specialist level in their area of expertise.

Diagnostic testing used by our Medicine Service may involve:

• Blood and urine tests
• Collection and analysis of body fluids
• Endoscopy
• Electrocardiography (ECG)
• Fine needle aspirate or biopsy
• Imaging (X-rays and ultrasound)
• Advanced imaging (CT and MRI)

 

Patients seen by our Medicine Service require a referral from their family veterinarian that they see for routine healthcare. We also require the patient’s medical history to be sent in advance of the consultation where possible. We will continue to update the referring veterinarian with summaries of our consultations and aim to work together with them to provide the most appropriate continuing care for your pet. Ongoing management may require periodic visits to our Medicine Service and/or ongoing communication with your veterinarian. As with any veterinary patient, drugs may only be prescribed for those directly under our care, which means that drugs may only be dispensed by our clinic for up to six months following a consultation with us. It is also important to note that our Medicine Service does not provide primary healthcare (such as vaccinations and desexing) as these types of vet care are performed by your family veterinarian.

Since early 2013, the development and management of the Medicine Service has been headed by Dr Linda Abraham, who is an Internal Medicine Specialist with many years of experience in referral/specialist veterinary practice. Prior to attending university, Dr Linda Abraham worked as a veterinary nurse in a mixed practice. In 1983, Linda passed her preliminary veterinary nursing examination and then her final veterinary nursing examination in 1985, for which she was awarded the BSAVA prize for the highest marks in that year.

Linda then went on to graduate from the Royal Veterinary College, London in 1994 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (BVetMed). She has also completed a Bachelor of Science (BSc) and a PhD from the University of London in 1991 and 1998 respectively. Following on from this, Linda then underwent specialist training, completing her Membership in Small Animal Medicine (MANZCVS) in 2000, and then completing her Fellowship in Canine Medicine (FANZCVS) in 2006. She has since acted as an examiner for the ANZCVS both at the Membership and Fellowship levels.

Linda’s residency program (specialist training) at the University of Melbourne was supervised by Dr Steven Holloway and after the program was completed, she continued to work at the University of Melbourne as a registrar initially and then became a member of faculty in 2002. Linda has lectured veterinary undergraduates for many years at the university and is currently involved in teaching veterinary post graduate continuing education programs.

Linda’s areas of interest include endocrine disease and, despite having specialised in canine medicine, she has a particular interest in feline endocrine disease, including feline hyperthyroidism. Linda has previously treated many cases of feline hyperthyroidism successfully with radio-iodine therapy (this treatment will soon be available at our Point Cook Clinic). Linda also has an interest in liver disease and the treatment of cancer.

Dr Linda Abraham is available for specialist medicine consultations during weekdays (excluding public holidays). Please contact our Point Cook Pet Emergency Centre on (03) 8368 7400 to book an appointment.

Appointments are by referral from your family veterinarian or AAE’s emergency veterinarians.

www.animalemergency.com.au

Emergency Vet Treatment for Anaphylaxis

An anaphylactic reaction (or anaphylaxis) occurs when pets become hypersensitive and react to foreign substances invading the body, such as toxins induced through insect bites. When pets have an anaphylactic reaction it is a highly serious animal emergency that requires immediate treatment at a 24 hour veterinary clinic, as it can progress to anaphylactic shock.

Anaphylactic reactions can be caused by a range of different foreign substances invading the pet’s body and requires previous (or excessive) exposure to that substance for anaphylactic reactions to occur. The pet develops hypersensitivity to the foreign substance causing their immune system to overreact to the stimulus when they next encounter the same substance. The immune system then produces immunoglobulin that reacts with cells in the body called mast cells which release histamine. Release of histamine results in the animal developing clinical signs including hives, swollen face, vomiting, etc. These cells are then sensitised and will have a more severe reaction the next time they are exposed to the same foreign substance.

The types of foreign substances that can result in anaphylactic reactions are:
• Insect bites
• Medications (e.g. antibiotics)
• Vaccines
• Toxins in the environment (e.g. cigarette smoke, perfume, air fresheners, etc)
• Chemicals and poisons
• Food (similar to humans, this can be any type of food that the animal is allergic to)

The clinical signs of anaphylactic reactions displayed by pets will depend on the type of exposure, the amount of foreign substance that has entered the pet’s body and the pet’s resistance to the foreign substance. As anaphylactic reactions worsen with each exposure, it is important that pet owners do everything possible in the future to prevent their pets from being exposed to the foreign substance again. Each time pets are exposed they will be at greater risk of having severe reactions and progressing to anaphylactic shock, which can result in death.

The main clinical signs or anaphylactic reactions that pet owners need to be aware of are:
• Itching
• Red swellings or hives
• Swollen/puffy face
• Cyanosis (bluish tinge to the tongue and gums)
• Excessive salivating and drooling
• Vomiting and diarrhoea
• High temperature
• Respiratory distress
• Collapse
• Anaphylactic shock

To diagnose anaphylaxis, 24hr emergency vets will look at the clinical signs presented as well as the pet’s medical history and previous exposure to the foreign substance. Knowledge of past exposure to the foreign substance is very helpful, so it is important that pet owners inform vets if this is the case. Blood and urine tests may also be performed by veterinarians to determine the best course of treatment.

Treatment for anaphylaxis will depend on the type of foreign substance that the pet is reacting to (i.e. insect bites, food, etc.). However, the first step that 24hr vets will always take if possible is to remove any objects that may be causing the reaction (e.g. bee stingers), and stabilise the pet, in particular, ensuring that the pet is able to breathe normally as anaphylaxis can cause respiratory distress. For mild cases of anaphylactic reactions, anti-histamines and anti-inflammatory medications will need to be administered to treat the clinical signs, followed by ongoing monitoring in a 24 hour pet hospital if needed. Pets experiencing mild reactions have an excellent chance of full recovery.

For more severe cases, when pets having an anaphylactic reaction progress to a state of anaphylactic shock, it becomes a highly critical and life threatening animal emergency. Pets in anaphylactic shock need to be hospitalised in a 24 hour pet hospital and given adrenalin, IV fluid therapy and oxygen therapy (via a breathing tube). They will also require further medical treatment and ongoing close monitoring by emergency vets and nurses. However, when treated quickly and with the appropriate ongoing pet care, cases of anaphylactic shock still have a reasonable chance of recovery.

Animal Accident & Emergency have two 24 hour pet emergency centres in Melbourne, which are ideally located in Essendon and Point Cook – both with easy freeway access and ample parking. Our animal hospitals are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year (including public holidays), and offer all the latest equipment and state of the art technology, as well as a 24 hour intensive care unit. Our dedicated team of emergency vets and nurses provide the highest standards of emergency vet care, critical care medicine and surgery, and are experienced in treating every vet emergency from right across Melbourne, Geelong and Ballarat. So when you bring your pet to Animal Accident & Emergency you can rest assured that they will receive the best and most advanced vet care available.

If you believe your pet may be having an anaphylactic reaction, or for any veterinarian emergency, please phone one of our 24 hour animal emergency centres:

Essendon Fields (03) 9379 0700
Point Cook (03) 8368 7400

 

Always Open, We Always Care

 

www.animalemergency.com.au

 

 

Melbourne Pet First Aid Course: Free to the public

Animal Accident & Emergency is running a 1 hour Introduction to Pet First Aid Courses in Melbourne.

This course is open to the general public and it’s free.

The course will cover common emergencies and first aid:

Bandaging

Toxins around the home

When you need to see a vet

CPR – basics

What is in a first aid kit and how to use it

 

Animal Accident & Emergency

Essendon Airport – 72 Hargrave Avenue, Essendon Fields

Wednesday 4th June 2014 – Essendon Fields

Wednesday 11th June 2014 – Essendon Fields

Wednesday 18th June 2014 Essendon Fields

Wednesday 25th June 2014 Essendon Fields

Wednesday 2nd July 2014 – Essendon Fields

 

Animal Accident & Emergency

6 Wallace Avenue , Point Cook

Wednesday 9th July 2014 – Point Cook

Wednesday 16th July 2014 – Point Cook

Wednesday 23rd July 2014 – Point Cook

 

Enrol online:

http://www.petemergencystore.com.au/pet-first-aid-courses-1.html

 

Pain Medication – What Pet Owners Need to Know

 Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) are often prescribed by veterinarians for the treatment of pain, fever and inflammation. They are incremental in improving the quality of pet care for cats and dogs, as they allow for pet owners to treat their animals with pain relief at home, which was not possible to do safely until recently. For cats and dogs that are recovering from a serious injury or dealing with ongoing highly painful conditions/diseases such as arthritis, NSAIDs are essential to ensure they stay as healthy and happy as possible.

While NSAIDs are safe and highly effective, they are still prone to side effects like all medications. When animals are prescribed with NSAIDs, it is important that pet owners understand the correct doses that should be administered and what complications may arise.

Common side effects of NSAIDs are:

• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting and diarrhoea
• Dark-coloured faeces
• Increased/decreased water consumption and urination
• Lethargy
• Itchiness
• Seizures

These side effects are more common when medications are given in large doses or long term, but they can also occur even within the first few days of treatment. If pet owners ever notice any of the above side effects when treating their pet’s with NSAIDs, they should cease administering any further doses and contact a 24 hour veterinary clinic immediately, as it could be an animal emergency.

When pets are given NSAIDs it is important for pet owners to note the following:

• Never increase the dosage or frequency of doses, unless instructed to by your vet
• Never dose your pet in combination with over-the-counter medications (such as herbal supplements), unless you have consulted with your veterinarian that it is safe to do so
• Never administer other animals with the NSAIDs without first consulting with your vet, even if you believe they have the same condition

Animal Accident & Emergency have two 24 hour pet emergency centres in Melbourne, which are ideally located in Essendon and Point Cook – both with easy freeway access and ample parking. Our animal hospitals are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year (including public holidays), and offer all the latest equipment and state of the art technology, as well as a 24 hour intensive care unit. Our dedicated team of emergency vets and nurses provide the highest standards of emergency vet care, critical care medicine and surgery, and are experienced in treating every vet emergency from right across Melbourne, Geelong and Ballarat. So when you bring your pet to Animal Accident & Emergency you can rest assured that they will receive the best and most advanced vet care available.

If you believe your pet may be having an adverse reaction to pain medications, or for any veterinarian emergency, please phone one of our 24 hour animal emergency centres:

Essendon Fields (03) 9379 0700

Point Cook (03) 8368 7400

Always Open, We Always Care

 

www.animalemergency.com.au

Bladders Stones Cause Substantial Pain in Dogs & Cats

Bladder stones are clumps of minerals that form hard pebble-like substances in the bladder, usually either becoming one large stone or a collection of smaller stones within a matter of weeks to a month. As is the case with humans, they are also not uncommon in cats and dogs, and are generally caused by diet, other bladder diseases or the body’s metabolism failing to dissolve the minerals in the urine. Luckily, they can be treated effectively and be prevented from occurring again with the right diet and appropriate vet care.

While bladder stones can cause substantial pain and distress to the affected animal, they are generally not considered life threatening. However, in some cases bladder stones can become so large that they obstruct the bladder, while other stones can be so tiny that they can pass into the urethra and also cause urinary obstruction. When either form of obstruction occurs, this becomes a serious pet emergency with the imminent potential to cause the bladder to rupture, and there is a high risk of death.

Pet owners will often see signs if their cat or dog does develop bladder stones, such as blood in the urine or straining to urinate. Animals will generally also display signs of distress and pain, especially when urinating. While these symptoms are similar to other more common bladder infections that may not be as serious, if pet owners ever see these clinical signs then they should visit a 24 hour vet clinic and consult a veterinarian immediately.

The tests needed to determine if your pet does have bladder stones will depend on the type and severity of the bladder stones present in the animal. In rare cases where the bladder stones are large enough, a 24hr emergency vet will occasionally be able to simply feel them through the abdominal wall. However, this is often not possible and therefore if the emergency vet still believes bladder stones may be the cause of the animal’s symptoms then x-rays or ultrasounds may be required.

In order to treat bladder stones, there are two main options – surgical removal of the stones or medically dissolving the stones. The method chosen by the emergency vet will firstly depend on whether the animal has a bladder obstruction, in which case surgery is usually required, otherwise the type of bladder stones found and the age and other health conditions of the affected pet will be key considerations. Dissolving a bladder stone is often not the preferred method, as it can take upwards of a month to dissolve the stones and requires very strict dietary conditions for pet owners to adhere to. Additionally, if medical treatment is undertaken then there is a risk of further urethral obstruction occurring as the stones become small enough to pass into the urethra.

If your pet does require surgery as part of their treatment, then they will also need to remain in an animal hospital for ongoing 24 hour monitoring while they recover. Once the cause of the bladder stones has been resolved, the veterinarian will be able to determine the best course of action (be that dietary or further medical treatment) to prevent bladder stones from occurring again.

Animal Accident & Emergency have two 24 hour pet emergency centres in Melbourne, which are ideally located in Essendon and Point Cook and both with easy freeway access and amble parking. Our emergency vet clinics operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year (including public holidays), and offer all the latest equipment and state of the art technology, as well as a 24 hour intensive care unit. Our dedicated team of emergency vets and nurses provide the highest standards of emergency vet care, critical care medicine and surgery, and are experienced in treating all emergencies from right across Melbourne, Geelong and Ballarat. So when you bring your pet to Animal Accident & Emergency you can rest assured that your pet will receive the best and most advanced vet care available.

If you believe your pet may have bladder stones or for any emergency, please phone one of our 24-hour Animal Accident & Emergency Centres:

 

Essendon Fields (03) 9379 0700

Point Cook (03) 8368 7400

 

Always Open, We Always Care

 

www.animalemergency.com.au

 

Happy Easter from Animal Accident & Emergency

 

Animal Accident & Emergency would like to wish everyone a safe and a very Happy Easter

Over the Easter Holidays our 24 Hr Animal Hospitals will be available to help you at anytime. Our Emergency Vet Hospitals have Veterinarians on shift at all times. Both our centres are located so that they can service Melbourne and surrounding suburbs. Our Point Cook 24Hr Pet Emergency Centre services Geelong and the surf Coast.

If you have concerns or you are looking for a vet that is now open, please phone our Essendon Pet Emergency Centre on 9379 0700 or our Point Cook 24 Hr Emergency Animal Hospital on 8368 7400.

Our Vet Clinics are Always Open, We always CARE

 

www.animalemergency.com.au

Vet Open Anzac Day

 

 

On Anzac Day our 24 Hr Animal Hospitals will be available to help you at anytime. Our Emergency Vet Hospitals have Veterinarians on shift at all times. Both our centres are located so that they can service Melbourne and surrounding suburbs. Our Point Cook 24Hr Pet Emergency Centre services Geelong and the surf Coast.

If you have concerns or you are looking for a vet that is now open, please phone our Essendon Pet Emergency Centre on 9379 0700 or our Point Cook 24 Hr Emergency Animal Hospital on 8368 7400.

Our Vet Clinics are Always Open, We always CARE

www.animalemergency.com.au

 

Vet Clinic open Easter Holidays

During the Easter break our 24 Hr Animal Hospitals will be available to help you at anytime. Our Emergency Vet Hospitals have Veterinarians on shift at all times. Both our centres are located so that they can service Melbourne and surrounding suburbs. Our Point Cook 24Hr Pet Emergency Centre services Geelong and the surf Coast. If you have concerns or you are looking for a vet that is now open, please phone our Essendon Pet Emergency Centre on 9379 0700 or our Point Cook 24 Hr Emergency Animal Hospital on 8368 7400.

Our Vet Clinics are Always Open, We always CARE

 

www.animalemergency.com.au

Vet Open Easter Holidays

 

If you need a Vet over the Easter Holidays (Good Friday, Easter Sunday & Easter Monday) Animal Accident & Emergency is OPEN 24/7.

Essendon Fields (03) 9379 0700

Point Cook (03) 8368 7400

We operate 24hrs a day and never close. Our team is ready to deal with all emergencies. Emergency and critical care is our core business and we often treat dogs or cats hit by a car (Trauma), dog or cat poisonings (Toxicities), breathing trouble (respiratory distress), or chronic medical conditions when your vet is not available.

 

www.animalemergency.com.au

Knowing the Signs of Haemorrhagic Gastroenteritis

When your dog is suffering from vomiting or diarrhoea it is always cause for concern, but when blood is included in the vomited material or stool then you should certainly be alarmed and treat it is an animal emergency. Bloody diarrhoea and vomiting can often be a sign of Haemorrhagic Gastroenteritis, which is an acute disorder that can lead to your pet becoming seriously ill or even dying.

The exact cause of Haemorrhagic Gastroenteritis remains unknown, making the diagnosis challenging and often requiring intestinal biopsies for persistent cases. However, it is known to be most common in small breed dogs. Some possible causes of Haemorrhagic Gastroenteritis include change of diet, stress, intestinal obstruction, foreign bodies, trauma, gastrointestinal tumours and infectious diseases (such as canine parvovirus infection and coagulation disorders).

When testing for Haemorrhagic Gastroenteritis, evaluation requires a wide range of tests and procedures to determine the cause and the best treatment plan. This includes taking a complete blood count, biochemical analysis of the blood, urinalysis, x-rays, coagulation tests, faecal evaluation, as well as ultrasound or endoscopic examination of the gastrointestinal tract.

Dogs that are suffering from Haemorrhagic Gastroenteritis will appear severely ill and need to be treated by an experienced emergency vet or they may die. In most cases that are treated, the disorder appears to run its course within a few days, providing the dog is given the appropriate medical care. Haemorrhagic Gastroenteritis causes stomach and/or intestinal ulcers that result in bleeding into the gut and severe dehydration. Therefore, the main treatment involves intravenous fluid therapy to correct their dehydration and circulatory shock. Other treatments include anti-nausea medications, gut protectant medications and pain relief.

Treatment usually requires the dog to be in an animal emergency hospital for between 2-4 days, so the appropriate medications can be administered and they can be closely monitored. Except for very severe cases that involve sepsis and blood clotting problems, the majority of cases that are treated intensively make a full recovery.

Melbourne pet owners should contact an emergency veterinarian at a 24 hour animal emergency centre if they ever observe blood in their dog’s stool or vomit, if vomiting or diarrhoea persists beyond six to twelve hours, if their dog is trying to vomit but unable to bring up anything, or if their pet becomes quiet, lethargic or weak. Other things to consider are if your dog is less than 6 months of age or older than 10 years, has any other medical conditions or on any medications, or if they may have eaten a foreign object.

In case of suspected Haemorrhagic Gastroenteritis or any emergency, please phone Animal Accident & Emergency at either of our 24 hour animal emergency centres. Our clinics operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year (including public holidays), and offer all the latest state-of-the-art equipment, as well as a 24-hour intensive care unit. Our dedicated team of emergency vets and nurses provide the highest standards of emergency and critical care medicine and surgery available, so you can be assured your pet will always receive the best treatment possible.

Essendon Fields (03) 9379 0700
Point Cook (03) 8368 7400

We’re Always Open, We Always CARE

www.animalemergency.com.au

Animal Accident Emergency

Animal Accident & Emergency is open 24 hours per day 7 days a week at two great locations: Essendon Fields and Point Cook.

Our centres CARE for injured or sick pets anytime of the day. An emergency veterinary clinic is not the same as most vet clinics. Our aim is to work with your personal Vet to provide the best possible CARE for your pet.

Being an animal emergency centre, our vets and nurses are expertly trained to deal with all animal accidents and emergencies such as hit by car, dog attacks, snake bite, poisonings, acute vomiting and general illness. A large number of our vets have completed postgraduate training in the field. Our team includes Specialists in Internal Medicine and Emergency and Critical Care.

Our Emergency Centres are fully staffed to see any animal accident and emergency patients 24 hours per day 7 days a week, including weekends and public holidays, and no appointment is needed.

Always Open – We Always CARE

www.animalemergency.com.au

24 hour vet near Carlton

Animal Accident & Emergency is a full service Pet Emergency and Critical Care Centre. We are open 24/7 and often receive patients from Carlton. As a Melbourne Animal Hospital we will care for your pet if they are sick or injured.

Our team includes Specialists in Internal Medicine and Emergency and Critical Care. There is easy Access from the freeway and plenty of safe parking. We are not just open after hours, we are a 24 hour vet hospital that specialised in Emergency and Critical Care. Two great locations: Essendon Fields and Point Cook.

Always Open – We always care

 

www.animalemergency.com.au

24 hour pet emergency centre

 

Always Open, We always CARE

Animal Accident & Emergency, is an emergency veterinary clinic located in 2 convenient locations – Essendon and Point Cook. Our centres CARE for injured or sick pets anytime of the day.  An emergency veterinary clinic is not the same as most vet clinics. Our aim is to work with your personal Vet to provide the best possible CARE for your pet.

We operate 24hrs a day and never close. Our team is ready to deal with all emergencies. Emergency and critical care is our core business and we often treat dogs or cats hit by a car (Trauma), dog or cat poisonings (Toxicities), breathing trouble (respiratory distress), or chronic medical conditions when your vet is not available.

Our emergency veterinary clinic is open 24-hours per day to attend to urgent conditions. We are always open including – vet open Sunday in Melbourne, we are open weekends, including all public holidays. If you need help, then please phone. One of our team, will be sure to assist you.

 

24 hour Pet Emergency Centre:

Essendon – 72 Hargrave Ave. Essendon Fields (inside the Essendon Airport Precinct) (03) 9379 0700

Point Cook – 6 Wallace Ave (Across from Oz Ten Bowling) (03) 8368 7400

 

http://www.animalemergency.com.au

Pet owners are also being warned to be vigilant as the heatwave hits.

“Towns soar past 40C as heatwave hits Victoria”

Dr Scott Hall, of Animal Accident & Emergency in Essendon, said owners should relax exercise routines and make sure animals had water and shade.

“And if there is not enough shade in the backyard it is even worse – unfortunately people will come home to find their dog deceased,” he said.

Dr Hall said owners said pugs, bulldogs and other breeds with short noses were most at risk and he said long-haired dogs should be hosed down regularly.

If there is inadequate shade, Dr Hall recommended doggie day care over the heatwave.

 

For more information:

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/towns-soar-past-40c-as-heatwave-hits-victoria/story-fni0fit3-1226801011116

 

www.animalemergency.com.au

Looking for a Vet in Balaclava

Animal Accident & Emergency is a full service Pet Emergency and Critical Care Centre.   We are open 24/7 and often receive patients from Balaclava.  As a Melbourne Animal Hospital we will care for your pet if they are sick or injured.  Our team includes Specialists in Internal Medicine and Emergency and Critical Care.

There is easy Access from the freeway and plenty of safe parking.  We are not just open after hours, we are a 24 hour vet hospital that specialised in Emergency and Critical Care.

Two great locations:  Essendon Fields and Point Cook.

www.animalemergency.com.au

Looking for a Vet in City of Port Phillip

Animal Accident & Emergency is a full service Pet Emergency and Critical Care Centre.   We are open 24/7 and often receive patients from City of Port Phillip.  As a Melbourne Animal Hospital we will care for your pet if they are sick or injured.  Our team includes Specialists in Internal Medicine and Emergency and Critical Care.

There is easy Access from the freeway and plenty of safe parking.  We are not just open after hours, we are a 24 hour vet hospital that specialised in Emergency and Critical Care.

Two great locations:  Essendon Fields and Point Cook.

www.animalemergency.com.au

Looking for a Vet in Southbank

Animal Accident & Emergency is a full service Pet Emergency and Critical Care Centre.   We are open 24/7 and often receive patients from Southbank.

As a Melbourne Animal Hospital we will care for your pet if they are sick or injured.  Our team includes Specialists in Internal Medicine and Emergency and Critical Care.  There is easy Access from the freeway and plenty of safe parking.

We are not just open after hours, we are a 24 hour vet hospital that specialised in Emergency and Critical Care.

Two great locations:  Essendon Fields and Point Cook.

www.animalemergency.com.au

Looking for a Vet in Parkville

Animal Accident & Emergency is a full service Pet Emergency and Critical Care Centre.   We are open 24/7 and often receive patients from Parkville.  As a Melbourne Animal Hospital we will care for your pet if they are sick or injured.  Our team includes Specialists in Internal Medicine and Emergency and Critical Care.

There is easy Access from the freeway and plenty of safe parking.  We are not just open after hours, we are a 24 hour vet hospital that specialised in Emergency and Critical Care.

Two great locations:  Essendon Fields and Point Cook.

www.animalemergency.com.au

Looking for a Vet in South Yarra

 

There is easy Access from the freeway and plenty of safe parking. We are not just open after hours, we are a 24 hour vet hospital that specialised in Emergency and Critical Care.

Two great locations: Essendon Fields and Point Cook.

www.animalemergency.com.au

Happy New Year from AAE

 

From all the team at Animal Accident & Emergency we would like to wish you a very “Happy New Year” for 2014!

Essendon Fields (03) 9379 0700
Point Cook (03) 8368 7400

Always Open, We Always Care.

 

www.animalemergency.com.au

Looking for a Vet in Carlton North

Animal Accident & Emergency is a full service Pet Emergency and Critical Care Centre.   We are open 24/7 and often receive patients from Carlton North.  As a Melbourne Animal Hospital we will care for your pet if they are sick or injured.

Our team includes Specialists in Internal Medicine and Emergency and Critical Care.  There is easy Access from the freeway and plenty of safe parking.  We are not just open after hours, we are a 24 hour vet hospital that specialised in Emergency and Critical Care.  Two great locations:  Essendon Fields and Point Cook.

www.animalemergency.com.au

Looking for a Vet in Kensington

Animal Accident & Emergency is a full service Pet Emergency and Critical Care Centre. We are open 24/7 and often receive patients from Kensington.

As a Melbourne Animal Hospital we will care for your pet if they are sick or injured. Our team includes Specialists in Internal Medicine and Emergency and Critical Care.

There is easy Access from the freeway and plenty of safe parking. We are not just open after hours, we are a 24 hour vet hospital that specialised in Emergency and Critical Care.

Two great locations: Essendon Fields and Point Cook.

www.animalemergency.com.au

Looking for a Vet in East Melbourne

Animal Accident & Emergency is a full service Pet Emergency and Critical Care Centre. We are open 24/7 and often receive patients from East Melbourne. As a Melbourne Animal Hospital we will care for your pet if they are sick or injured. Our team includes Specialists in Internal Medicine and Emergency and Critical Care.

There is easy Access from the freeway and plenty of safe parking. We are not just open after hours, we are a 24 hour vet hospital that specialised in Emergency and Critical Care. Two great locations: Essendon Fields and Point Cook.

www.animalemergency.com.au

A Very Merry Christmas

The team at Animal Accident & Emergency wish you and your special pets a very merry and safe Christmas and New Year.

www.animalemergency.com.au

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to you and your furbabies.

From all the staff at Animal Accident & Emergency

 

 

www.animalemergency.com.au

 

24 Hour Pet Emergency

We are 24 hour pet emergency centres  located in Essendon and Point Cook. Our
Essendon 24 hour pet emergency centre services  inner city Melbourne. As a 24 hour pet emergency centre, we have
emergency trained vets and nurses on shift  around the clock, ready to attend to your pet.
A 24 hour pet emergency centre is open when your local vet is closed, and we
will be pleased to assist you at any time, day or night. Our 24 hour pet emergency centres,
are located directly next to the Tullamarine Fwy (Essendon) or Princes Fwy
(Point Cook).  Very easy access and
parking is easy without time restrictions.
We also have disabled access. CONTACT US
anytime for advise or to be seen

Pet First Aid Course

#Firstaid #Animalhospital #Vetemergency
Animal Accident & Emergency is running 1 day Pet First Aid Courses on Sunday 1st & 15th December 2013.

Know what to do when your pet needs you the most!

The course will cover common emergencies and first aid such as:

•Rescue breaths
•CPR – practise on a dog mannequin
•Bleeding
•Bandaging
•Shock

Read more or apply online:
http://www.animalemergency.com.au/pet-first-aid-course.html — at Animal Accident Emergency Point Cook.

 

We would like to introduce Shelby

Shelby is a 4 yr old Rottweiler who presented to our 24hr Pet Emergency Centre at Essendon.  Shelby was referred from her veterinary clinic, Sunbrury All Creatures.

Shelby is suspected to have a condition termed Immune Mediated Thrombocytopenia (IMT).  IMT is a disease of the immune system, where the immune system destroys normal body cells in the blood.  With IMT, the immune system specifically targets Platelets.  Platelets are small cells that are involved in blood clotting.  If they are removed from you blood or if they are not functioning, then you are at risk of bleeding.

Treatment for Shelby will involve suppressing the immune system with a number of medications.  Often this will occur over a 6 to 12 month period.  In the short term we are monitoring Shelby’s blood count using our in-house lab.  We use a combination of tests to guide us on treatment for Shelby.

Earlier today, it was noted that Shelby’s blood count was dropping to a low level and we are now in the process of giving her a blood transfusion.  Our medicine specialist Dr Linda Abraham will ultrasound Shelby later today, looking for causes of IMT.  Shelby is currently under the care of our Resident Dr Nicole Trigg and Emergency and Critical Care Specialist Dr Trudi McAlees.  Shelby will remain under the care of our ICU team until her blood count is stable.  We wish Shelby a quick recovery.

 

 

Animal Accident & Emergency

Pet First Aid – Gum Colour & Refill Time

Checking Your Pet for:

• Gum Colour – gently lift up your pet’s gums, what colour are they; bright red, pale pink, grayish white, grayish blue, white or yellow?



• Refill Time – gently press your finger into the gum, watch it blanch and see how long it takes the blood to return back into the gums where it has been pressed.

Normal (Cat & Dog)

1-2 seconds

• Are the gums and tongue wet or dry to touch? If they are dry it may be due to dehydration
• If the gums are pigmented, you should become familiar with the mucous membranes of the prepuce or vulva in case you need to evaluate for potential problems
• White or pale gums can be a sign of shock or blood loss. Blue gums (cyanosis) are from low amounts of oxygen in the blood (hypoxia). This is an Emergency.
• Very dark red gums can be seen with heat stroke, blood infection (sepsis) or potential carbon monoxide poisoning
• Yellow gums can be a sign of liver problems (jaundice)

By knowing how your pet behaves normally, you will be attuned to when they are not feeling well. Use the following list as a guide when speaking to your veterinarian as it will provide valuable information to assist in determining what could be wrong.

 

Know what to do when your pet needs you the most!

Animal Accident & Emergency is running 1 day Pet First Aid Courses on Sunday 10th & 24th November 2013, 1st & 15th December 2013.

ENROL ONLINE or find out more http://www.animalemergency.com.au/pet-first-aid-course.html

 

 

 

Toys and Pets

Recently in the 24Hr Emergency Hospital we had one of the cutest patients.

Max is a very happy and cute Husky.  Max presented to the emergency doctors after eating a toy duck.  The duck was rubber with an internal flashing light and battery.  When you squeeze the duck it would start flashing.  Only problem is, Max decided to eat the duck – almost in one swallow.

The size of the duck and the battery were our major concerns.  Batteries can cause life threatening complications if they start to leak inside the body.  Max was taken to surgery as soon as possible and the offending duck was removed.

Max made a brilliant recovery and within a few hours was chatting vigorously to anyone near by.  Last reports were that Max was recovering well at home.

Happy Vet Nurses Day

AAE wishes our emergency vet nurses a very happy VET NURSES DAY!

You comfort those suffering, make the pain go away and help save lives.

You have a strong stomach, a big heart, a thoughtful mind and caring hands.

You have the strength to do the right thing even when it hurts….

You have the ability to fall in love in 5 seconds, and show the deepest love for all creatures….

Thank you for the wonderful contribution you make to the success and smooth running of our centres and the support given to our vets, clients and patients.

Pet Emergency Clinic

 

Always Open, We always CARE

Animal Accident & Emergency, is an emergency veterinary clinic located in 2 convenient locations – Essendon and Point Cook. Our centres CARE for injured or sick pets anytime of the day. An emergency veterinary clinic is not the same as most vet clinics. Our aim is to work with your personal Vet to provide the best possible CARE for your pet.

We operate 24hrs a day and never close. Our team is ready to deal with all emergencies. Emergency and critical care is our core business and we often treat dogs or cats hit by a car (Trauma), dog or cat poisonings( Toxicities), breathing trouble (respiratory distress), or chronic medical conditions when your vet is not available.

Our emergency veterinary clinic is open 24-hours per day to attend to urgent conditions. We are always open including – vet open Sunday in Melbourne, we are open weekends, including all public holidays. If you need help, then please phone. One of our team, will be sure to assist you.

Essendon – 72 Hargrave Ave. Essendon Fields (inside the Essendon Airport Precinct)
(03) 9379 0700

Point Cook – 6 Wallace Ave Across from Oz Ten Bowling
(03) 8368 7400

Paracetamol Poisonong in Pets – Acetominophen

Paracetamol is a common household pain medication and is known by several names.  Panadol or Acetominophen are just a couple.  The linked article below from the  Pet Health Network  describes the toxic effects and dangers.  In our Melbourne 24 Hr Pet Emergency Centres and Animal Hospitals, we treat paracetamol toxicities.  Both our emergency centres carry the medications to help the liver detoxify the pain relief medications.

http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/pet-health/acetaminophen-toxicity-dogs-and-cats

Acetaminophen toxicity in dogs and cats

We hate to see our pets in pain, but can be dangerous to give our furry friends human medication

Posted April 17, 2012 in Pet Health

pet health, human medication, medication toxicity

Overview and Risk When your pet is in obvious discomfort, it can be tempting to give him or her a pain reliever like Tylenol®.  However, although it works when you yourself are in pain, it can be fatal to your pet.

The active ingredient in Tylenol® and other commonly used over-the-counter medications, such as Percocet®, aspirin-free Excedrin®, and various sinus, cold, and flu medications, is acetaminophen. Pets most commonly receive toxic amounts of acetaminophen because owners medicate them without first consulting a veterinarian. Pets have also been known to consume tablets that are dropped on the floor or left lying around.  While dogs are more often exposed to acetaminophen, cats are much more sensitive to this drug than dogs and a single regular strength tablet can be fatal.

Symptoms The effects of acetaminophen poisoning are very serious, often causing permanent liver damage with fatal consequences. The most common signs that you may notice in pets suffering from acetaminophen toxicity include:

• Brownish-gray or “muddy” colored gums, tongue or mucous membranes
• Labored and rapid breathing
• Swollen face, neck or limbs
• Hypothermia (reduced body temperature)
• Vomiting
• Jaundice (yellowish color to skin, whites of eyes) due to liver damage
• Lethargy, seizures and coma

Diagnosis and Treatment If you believe that your pet has ingested acetaminophen, seek emergency veterinary attention immediately. Your veterinarian will perform a chemical blood profile, a complete blood count, and a urinalysis to determine the level of toxicity so that a potential treatment can be prescribed.

In order for treatment to be successful, it needs to be immediate and intensive. Treatment may include intravenous fluid therapy, oxygen support and/or medications to reduce the effects of the acetaminophen and treat any damage that has been done.  Your pet will may be hospitalized for ongoing supportive treatment and to monitor the long-term effects, especially liver damage.

Prevention Pet owners should never attempt to diagnose and treat their pets with human medication, and should take precautions to keep household medications out of their pet’s reach to avoid a potentially harmful or fatal reaction. Never use human medications with your pet unless specially directed by your veterinarian

– See more at: http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/pet-health/acetaminophen-toxicity-dogs-and-cats#sthash.qsntluFi.dpuf

Tilly was admitted at 24 hour Animal Hospital for exposure to snail bait.

This is Tilly one of our cutest patients, she is a lively active 6 month old terrier puppy
Tilly had been admitted to our 24 hour Animal Hospital in Essendon after ingesting a toxin.

Tilly had exposure to snail bait and presented out our emergency hospital with mild tremoring after vomiting at home. Tilly responded well to treatment and is now returning home today to her caring owners.

Always Open – Always Care

Looking for a Vet in Port Melbourne

 

Animal Accident & Emergency is a full service Pet Emergency and Critical Care Centre.   We are open 24/7 and often receive patients from Port Melbourne.

As a Melbourne Animal Hospital we will care for your pet if they are sick or injured.  Our team includes Specialists in Internal Medicine and Emergency and Critical Care.

There is easy Access from the freeway and plenty of safe parking.  We are not just open after hours, we are a 24 hour vet hospital that specialised in Emergency and Critical Care.  Two great locations:  Essendon Fields and Point Cook.

 

http://www.animalemergency.com.au/contact-us-1.html