Knowing When to Seek Emergency Care for a Limping Pet
Recognizing the Need for Emergency Care When Your Pet is Limping
In most cases, your pet’s limping can wait until the next day for veterinary care. However, there are certain circumstances where immediate action is necessary, particularly when accompanied by other concerning signs.
Signs of lameness in pets that require emergency care:
– Dragging a limb
– Refusing to bear weight on a limb
– Extreme lethargy
– Uncontrollable bleeding
– Excessive swelling
– Excessive vocalization
– Sudden worsening of a limp
If your pet has minor lameness but exhibits additional worrisome symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea, they may need emergency treatment for the underlying cause rather than just the limp itself.
Causes of lameness in pets that require emergency care:
Pets can experience lameness due to various reasons, and some of them require immediate attention. While a muscle sprain or strain can be concerning, rushing to the nearest emergency hospital may not be necessary. However, certain conditions demand urgent care, including:
– Fractured limb
– Paresis or paralysis of one or more limbs
– Deep or uncontrolled bleeding from a wound
– Venomous insect or snake bite
– Involvement in a car accident
– Engaging in a dog fight
Some situations may not initially appear severe, but internal injuries could develop, necessitating treatment. For instance, if your pet has been hit by a car and only shows minor road rash and a slight limp, a comprehensive examination may uncover damage to vital organs like the liver, spleen, kidneys, or bladder, which might require intensive hospitalization.
Another common scenario requiring emergency care is when a pet has been bitten by another animal. Although puncture marks may seem insignificant, the wounds can quickly become infected. Additionally, if a pet grabs and shakes your furry companion, significant damage to underlying tissues can occur, rapidly escalating into a serious problem.
Determining whether your pet, who is now limping and appears to be a three-legged companion, requires emergency care can be challenging. We recommend contacting our team to discuss your pet’s condition, allowing us to provide guidance on whether emergency treatment is necessary.