Veterinary Emergency FAQs
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What is considered a veterinary emergency?
Below are some examples of situations that are considered emergencies and may require immediate veterinary care.
If your pet has had an accident or is experiencing any of the symptoms listed below, get to an emergency hospital right away.
- Severe bleeding or bleeding that doesn't stop
- Obvious signs of pain or extreme anxiety
- Choking, difficulty breathing, or continuous coughing/gagging
- Fractured bones or severe lameness
- Seizures/tremors
- Bleeding from nose, mouth, rectum, or blood in the urine
- Inability to urinate or pass feces, or pain associated with urinating or passing feces
- Persistent vomiting and diarrhea
- Injuries to the eye(s)
- Your cat and dog have ingested something poisonous (such as antifreeze, xylitol, chocolate, rodent poison, etc.)
- Heat stress or heatstroke
- Unconsciousness
- Collapse
- Hit by car
- Retching, abdominal distension
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What emergency veterinary services will you offer?
Our emergency team will be prepared to handle any emergency your pet may experience.
Our team has the training and skills to remain calm and deal with your pet's medical emergency, ensuring your pet gets the best possible emergency care as quickly and effectively as possible.
When we open, Coastal Care Veterinary Emergency & Referral Hospital will be equipped to provide specialized diagnostics, a complete range of surgical services, and hospitalization when required.
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Will I need to call ahead?
Our team understands that there isn't always time to call ahead, but whenever possible, it is best to do so. Calling ahead gives our team time to prepare for your arrival.
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How long will we have to wait to see the veterinarian?
We will prioritize care based on the pet's immediate medical need by operating on a triage system.
Coastal Care Veterinary Emergency & Referral Hospital is furnished with a comfortable waiting area, and we will do our best to keep you updated about wait times and the status of your pet.
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Will you keep in touch with our primary care veterinarian?
Yes, we believe that communication is key when it comes to quality veterinary care.
We will forward all necessary files to help ensure that your pet's ongoing treatment continues without unnecessary delays.
Emergency Veterinary Team
The skilled emergency team at Coastal Care Veterinary Emergency & Referral Hospital will be ready 24/7, 365 days a year to provide vital medical attention to your pet in need.
Our ER veterinarians also regularly collaborate with our veterinary specialists as well as referring primary care veterinarians to provide your beloved companion with the best possible care.
Emergency Veterinary Care
Caring for Pets in Atlantic Canada
Our veterinary specialists are pleased to be accepting new patients by referral from primary care veterinarians in Halifax, Dartmouth and beyond.