Emergency Care for Your Pets at Garry Oak Veterinary Hospital
By Dr. Dhawala Abeywickrama, Veterinarian
When your beloved pet is in distress, immediate and professional care can make all the difference. At Garry Oak Veterinary Hospital, we understand how stressful and critical emergency situations can be, and we’re here to provide compassionate and expert care when your pet needs it most. Whether your pet has ingested something harmful, suffered an injury, or is showing sudden signs of illness, our dedicated veterinary team is ready to help.
Located conveniently at 9837 Seventh St, Sidney, BC V8L 4B1, we are committed to serving the Sidney community and surrounding areas with prompt emergency veterinary services.
What is a Veterinary Emergency?
A veterinary emergency refers to any situation where immediate medical attention is necessary to prevent further harm or suffering to your pet. Recognizing the signs of an emergency can help save your pet’s life.
Common Signs of a Pet Emergency:
- Difficulty breathing or choking
- Severe vomiting, diarrhea, or signs of dehydration
- Seizures, collapse, or loss of consciousness
- Uncontrolled bleeding or major trauma (e.g., broken bones or wounds)
- Ingestion of toxic substances (e.g., chocolate, chemicals, medications)
- Sudden paralysis or inability to stand/walk
- Extreme lethargy or weakness
- Painful or strained urination (potential urinary blockage)
- Swollen abdomen or signs of bloat (common in large breed dogs)
- Heatstroke, burns, or frostbite
If your pet displays any of these signs, please call us immediately at (250) 656-3955 for assistance.
Our Veterinary Emergency Services
At Garry Oak Veterinary Hospital, we are equipped to handle a wide range of emergencies, ensuring your pet receives comprehensive and life-saving care as quickly as possible.
Emergency Examinations and Diagnostics
When your pet is experiencing an emergency, rapid diagnosis is essential. Our team utilizes advanced tools, including in-house laboratory testing, digital X-rays, and ultrasound technology, to determine the cause of the issue quickly and accurately.
Critical Care and Stabilization
For pets in critical condition, stabilization is the first priority. We provide oxygen therapy, intravenous fluids, pain management, and other life-saving treatments to stabilize your pet before proceeding with further care.
Toxicity and Poisoning Treatment
If your pet ingests something harmful, every second counts. Our team can identify toxins, induce vomiting, administer activated charcoal, and provide other treatments such as IV medications to minimize the effects of poisoning. Common toxins include antifreeze, household cleaners, chocolate, grapes, and certain plants.
Emergency Surgery
In cases of severe trauma, internal bleeding, foreign body ingestion, or other critical injuries, emergency surgery may be required. Our skilled surgical team is prepared to perform life-saving operations to give your pet the best chance of recovery.
Trauma and Injury Care
From fractures to lacerations, we treat injuries caused by accidents, falls, bites, or other trauma. Our veterinarians provide wound cleaning, sutures, pain control, and ongoing monitoring to promote a full recovery.
Seizure and Neurological Support
If your pet experiences seizures or neurological symptoms such as sudden collapse or disorientation, we provide immediate care to address the underlying cause and prevent further episodes.
Respiratory and Cardiac Emergencies
Difficulty breathing, heart arrhythmias, or other respiratory and cardiac issues require urgent attention. We offer oxygen therapy, cardiac monitoring, and treatments to stabilize pets with heart or lung-related emergencies.
What to Do in a Veterinary Emergency
When a pet emergency occurs, staying calm and acting quickly can improve your pet’s outcome. Follow these steps:
- Assess the Situation: Identify the signs of distress or injury.
- Stay Calm: Take a deep breath to keep yourself calm and collected.
- Call Us Immediately: Contact Garry Oak Veterinary Hospital at (250) 656-3955 to inform us about your pet’s condition. We will provide instructions on the next steps and prepare for your arrival.
- Transport Your Pet Safely: Use a towel, blanket, or carrier to transport your pet gently. Minimize movement if there are signs of trauma or broken bones.
Why Choose Garry Oak Veterinary Hospital for Emergencies?
At Garry Oak Veterinary Hospital, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional emergency veterinary care with compassion and professionalism.
Experienced Emergency Team
Led by Dr. Dhawala Abeywickrama, our skilled veterinarians and support staff are trained to handle a wide range of pet emergencies efficiently and effectively.
Advanced Diagnostic Tools
Our clinic is equipped with cutting-edge diagnostic equipment, allowing us to identify problems quickly and implement life-saving treatments.
Compassionate Care
We treat every pet as if they were our own, ensuring they receive the highest standard of care.
Convenient Location
We are located at 9837 Seventh St, Sidney, BC V8L 4B1, making us easily accessible for pet owners in Sidney and surrounding areas.
Responsive Communication
We prioritize keeping you informed throughout your pet’s emergency care, ensuring you understand the diagnosis, treatment, and next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Veterinary Emergencies
What should I bring during an emergency visit?
Bring any medical records, information on current medications, and details about the incident (e.g., what your pet ingested or how the injury occurred).
Do I need to call ahead for emergencies?
Yes, if possible, please call (250) 656-3955 before arriving so we can prepare for your pet’s arrival.
Are emergencies more common for certain pets?
Yes, young pets, senior pets, and pets with pre-existing health conditions are more prone to emergencies. Always monitor for sudden changes in behavior or health.
Can I visit my pet during emergency treatment?
We do our best to accommodate visits when appropriate. However, during critical care, we prioritize immediate treatment to stabilize your pet.
Contact Us for Emergency Veterinary Care
When your pet faces an emergency, trust the experienced team at Garry Oak Veterinary Hospital to provide prompt, compassionate, and professional care. Don’t wait—call us immediately if your pet is experiencing a health crisis.
📍 Address: 9837 Seventh St, Sidney, BC V8L 4B1
📞 Phone: (250) 656-3955
⏰ Hours: Please call for availability during emergencies.