The most frequent need for emergency treatment is those patients who have been struck by a vehicle. The common acronym is HBC (hit by car). As with any traumatic event, we first insure the airway and breathing then confirm heart rate and blood pressure. We then stop obvious bleeding and treat appropriately for shock, determine if there is internal bleeding, and proceed accordingly. Pain control and fluid therapy are continued to stabilize the patient. When stable we further evaluate for internal and skeletal injury and proceed as needed.
Medical emergencies include:
- Acute congestive heart failure
- Choking
- Heat Stroke
- Cerebrovascular accident (stroke)
- Seizures
- Diabetic coma
- Urinary obstruction
- Severe allergic reactions
- Snakebite
- Equine colic and others
- Each of these medical emergencies is treated appropriately and aggressively to do everything possible to ensure a good outcome.
Our four veterinarians are in the office Monday-Friday from 7:30 am-5:30 pm. We are pleased to offer emergency services for established clients in good standing with our hospital. These services are available from 5:30 pm-9:00 pm Monday-Friday and 7:30 am-9:00 pm Saturday and Sunday. If you have an emergency, please call our office at 256-586-2561 and you will be given the cell phone number of the attending emergency doctor. If our services are not available, we recommend Huntsville Veterinary Specialists and Emergency. They may be reached at 256-715-8389.