 | Do: Know our emergency protocol; after hours we refer our calls to
The
Animal Emergency Clinic of Champaign County. The phone number is 359-1977.
When you call, state clearly what the problem is and be prepared to answer
some questions about the pet. Alternately, call the UI Small Animal Clinic
Emergency Room at 333-5300.
|
| Do: Have a backup plan; if you live a great distance from us, decide what
you will do in an emergency. The time for doing this is not when your pet is
in dire need. Have the phone number near the phone.
|
| Do: Prevent problems before they occur: Most emergencies can be avoided.
Close attention to safety and good husbandry will prevent 90% of the
emergencies seen. Supervision of pets, or confinement when supervision isn’t
possible, and proper grooming will prevent many of these problems.
|
| Do: Get prompt medical attention for minor problems before they are
emergencies. Many emergencies are only emergencies because they were neglected
for a length of time.
|
| Do: Stop bleeding, the pet should be gently but securely restrained. Then
direct pressure should be applied to the bleeding area. Then, the area should
be cleaned so the source can be identified. If a nail is torn, styptic powders
or creams can be safely applied.
|
| Do: Provide an appropriate environment. Sick or injured pets should be
kept in quiet, stress-free enclosures. Many sick birds and reptiles will
benefit from supplemental heat.
|
| Do: Get patient to the hospital if indicated. |
| 
|
| Do not: Panic. Emergencies require a cool head and rapid action.
|
| Do not: Use over the counter antibiotics; it takes a working knowledge of
microbiology, pharmacology, toxicology, and medicine to effectively treat
infections.
|
| Do not: Pack skin wounds with styptics. Most styptics work by causing a
chemical burn.
|
| Do not: Use oil, ointments, creams, or other materials on birds. Oils
seriously damage bird feathers.
|
| Do not: Force feed a semi-conscious or a vomiting animal. The risk of
aspiration (inhaling the food) is much greater than the benefit of the food.
|
| Do not: Delay treatment by a qualified veterinarian. Prompt veterinary
care can save pets’ lives. |
