What Counts as an Emergency 

Definitions

Non-urgent/routine: Minor impact on health/welfare and unlikely to deteriorate, or non-disease associated. We have been advised to suspend non-urgent work for now, please ring us after the 3 week restriction period has elapsed:

Examples of non-urgent/routine cases:
Vaccinations • Non-essential consults, such as routine nail clips, weight clinics, puppy parties, mid-year health checks • Neutering • Routine reproductive work.

Non-routine/urgent: If your query falls into this category please ring us and we will arrange a telephone consultation with a veterinary surgeon or nurse. If you are asked to send a photo, please ensure that it is taken in good lighting, clearly shows the area of interest and is in focus.

Examples of urgent but non-emergency cases:
Mild trauma, eg nail pulls • Skin issues, including flea allergic dermatitis • Anal glands/scooting• Post-op checks • Repeat medication checks, if stable • Vomiting/diarrhoea in a well animal • Dental complaints • Lumps • Wounds • Non-acute lameness • Eye complaints • Anorexia • Vaginal discharge • Non-specific lethargy

Emergency: Immediate threat to life; significant impact on health/welfare and likely to deteriorate if left unmanaged. Please ring us if you feel your query falls into this category.

Examples of emergencies:
Any of the cases in the urgent but non-emergency category deemed necessary following telephone consultation • Severe trauma, eg RTA • Seizures • Significant weakness or collapse • Cough >one-week duration • Difficulty breathing • Dystocia • Acute severe lameness • Abdominal swelling • Significant bleeding • Retching • Toxin ingestion (if phone/video triaged as significant) • Struggling to urinate or defecate • Excessive urination or thirst • GI signs (vomiting and/or diarrhoea) with significant mental depression • Ongoing treatment and monitoring of Addison’s patients • Monitoring of unstable diabetics • Flystrike • Ileus (small mammals) • Euthanasia