Canine Emergencies

We all know that emergency situations require immediate help. The problem is, how can we recognise the developing emergency? Some are obvious - the dog runs across the road and is hit by a car. Others may be just as serious but not so obvious. For example, gastric dilation/volvulus (GDV) is probably the most serious non-traumatic emergency for any dog. Could you recognize it? The early signs may just be that a deep chested, large dog, appears restless after a large meal and tries to be sick. 

What should I do then, contact my vet every time my dog has an upset stomach?

No, but this example highlights the difficulties of defining an emergency. Consider the following:

A German Shepherd dog has strenuous exercise; returns home, has a good drink and then is fed as usual. The dog then vomits. At this stage be vigilant. If there is obvious discomfort and further vomiting or retching, consider this a potential emergency and contact us for advice.

My dog is a rubbish eater, frequently picking up things when he is exercised. He then vomits some time later.  Should I call the veterinarian then?

The bottom line is vigilance. If there is continuing discomfort and further attempts to vomit consider this a potential emergency and contact your vet without delay.

What are the common emergencies that I should recognize?

The following list should not be regarded as comprehensive but hopefully will serve as a guide. In some cases the urgency of the situation is not obvious, therefore if you are concerned, contact your vet for help and advice.

1.       Anaphylaxis. This acute allergic reaction can result in collapse and severe breathing difficulties. There are many causes. Often the early signs are swelling of the head, face or other parts of the body. It can be caused by insect stings, contact allergies and certain injections in susceptible dogs.

2.       Bites and fight wounds. These are particularly serious if

• There is a lot of bleeding
• They involve the head (particularly eyes, ears, nose) 
• They have penetrated internal organs

3.       Bleeding. Severe bleeding is an emergency if the blood loss is so fast that it is making a pool on the floor or soaking through a normal bandage within a few minutes. Ears, nose, feet and even torn nails can at times bleed severely. They need urgent veterinary attention. Sometimes all that is necessary is sedation so that adequate effective dressings can be applied.

4.       Burns and scalds. The severity of these injuries is frequently not apparent until some time later when scabs or loss of hair or skin are noted. This is due to the hair coat obscuring the initial skin redness. If you witness the injury bathe with plenty of cold water and contact your vet without delay. Otherwise contact the vet as soon as you note any signs.

5.  Continuous vomiting and/or diarrhoea. If there is repeated or continuous sudden vomiting or retching, with or without blood, often accompanied with diarrhoea it could be a sign of poisoning or acute gastrointestinal infection. 

Dehydration is a major concern but if fluids are offered this is likely to make the vomiting worse. Therefore veterinary attention is imperative since fluids by injection will be necessary.

"Dehydration is a major concern but if fluids are offered this is likely to make the vomiting worse."

6.       Convulsions or seizures. A convulsion, seizure or fit is a series of violent uncontrolled spasms often accompanied by coma or unconsciousness. 

7.        Eclampsia. Hypocalcaemia (milk fever, puerperal tetany or eclampsia),  is a condition that affects nursing mothers. It can also occur during late pregnancy. Signs are initially vague. They include restlessness, panting, sometimes increased salivation and stiffness when moving. This can soon progress to muscle twitching, fever and death. If concerned please contact your veterinarian for advice.

8.      Acute Haemorrhagic Diarrhoea Syndrome (AHDS). This often follows a bout of vomiting and diarrhoea but also can occur spontaneously sometimes unaccompanied with vomiting. If your dog passes bloody, unformed stools, contact your veterinarian without delay.

9.       Heart failure.  Heart attack, cardiac failure, cardiac insufficiency  – how is it recognised?

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition that is not uncommon in many ageing dogs. The condition may affect the left, right or both sides of the heart. Often the condition is undiagnosed until collapse occurs. Subtle signs of a failing heart are often present but overlooked. These include:

• Coughing, particularly after rising, or after even moderate exercise.
• Difficulty in drawing breath.
• Blueness of the tongue and other mucous membranes (e.g. inside the lips and eyelids).
• Exercise intolerance.

A so-called ‘heart attack’ in older dogs is often preceded by exercise or excitement which can be quite moderate. The failing heart, being unable to pump blood fast enough, leads to oxygen lack to muscles and brain, and sudden collapse. A true heart attack such as humans experience due to blockage of the heart blood vessels is rare in dogs.

"A so-called ‘heart attack’ in older dogs is often preceded by exercise or excitement which can be quite moderate."

10.     Heat stroke. Although this commonly happens to dogs left in cars with too little ventilation in hot, humid weather, it can happen at any time if there is a combination of high temperatures and high humidity. Signs are sudden excessive panting and obvious distress. Unconsciousness and death can quickly follow. This is a true emergency. Cool the dog with plenty of cold water, contact us and get him to the vet as quickly as possible.

11.  Injuries. When do injuries to the body become an emergency? This is always a judgement call. Often quite large skin wounds may not require emergency attention apart from general first aid, provided bleeding is not excessive. However any penetrating wound to the chest or abdomen and many injuries involving the head and face, particularly the eyes, should be regarded as an emergency even if it appears superficially slight.

12.     Poisoning. Frequently poisonous substances are licked, swallowed or come in contact with the skin without your knowledge. Signs can then be variable, including  vomiting, diarrhoea, collapse, skin damage (due to caustic substances), etc.

13.     Coma (unconsciousness or collapse). This can occur with or without the dog fitting (seizuring). Sometimes it can occur without warning, e.g. sudden heart failure or following a blow on the head etc.  

14. Respiratory Distress.  This can be caused by foreign objects or obstructions in airway, and should alwyas be treated as an emergency. 

15. Snakebites, tick paralysis, cane toad poisoning, toad fish ingestion, and more-shoudl all be treated as emergencies, and require immediate veterinary attention.

What should I do in these circumstances?

1.  Keep calm and try not to panic. You will then be in a much better position to answer any questions asked by the vet when you telephone.

2.  Contact the veterinary practise, explaining what has happened. Follow the advice given.  If you are unsure, don’t be afraid to ask that the instructions are repeated.

3.  Keep your dog warm and as quiet as possible.

4.  If there is a possible injury to limbs or spine keep movement to a minimum.

5.  Carry out any first aid procedures advised.

6.  Transport your dog for veterinary attention as directed. Drive carefully and above all observe the speed limits.

Even though your first instinct is to get into the car and drive, please try to call the veterinary practise first. Not only does this ensure that someone is at the hospital (and has not left the hospital during lunch or on a house call) but it may also allow us to rearrange appointments, get equipment ready and maximize the care your pet will receive when you arrive.

In order to help if there is difficulty contacting your vet, it is worthwhile keeping a copy of our handout on general first aid handy.  If you do not have a copy, please ask.