Emergencies: when should you call?

Some situations require immediate attention. If you have the slightest doubt, it is always best to call The earlier the disease is treated, the better the prognosis.

Here are the most common emergency situations (non-exhaustive list):

Life-threatening emergencies - Call immediately

Blue or purple tongue/gums (cyanosis)
Severely difficult breathing, noisy or requiring significant effort
Loss of consciousness, seizures, or extreme weakness
Heavy bleeding or a deep wound after an accident, fall, or bite
Severely swollen, firm, and painful abdomen
Unable to urinate (especially in male cats)
Obstructed labour (contractions without delivery) or foul-smelling / bloody vulvar discharge during pregnancy
Ingestion of a toxic substance (household products, human medication, chocolate, grapes...)

Serious emergencies - Call the same day

Repeated vomiting or persistent diarrhoea
High fever and lethargy
Visible pain: whining, reluctance to move, tense abdomen
Significant limping or marked difficulty standing up
Sudden and severe coughing or unusually rapid breathing
Red, painful, or closed eye
Swelling of the muzzle or face

Minor but concerning situations to investigate

Reduced appetite for less than 24 hours
Mild lethargy or a pet that is less lively than usual
Single episode of vomiting or diarrhoea in an otherwise bright and well animal
Small superficial wounds or minor bleeding that stops quickly
Sudden change in behaviour (anxiety, agitation, withdrawal)