A person's hand gently petting a senior yellow Labrador lying on a wooden floor

Immediate Care for Sick or Injured Pets

In urgent or life-threatening situations, prompt veterinary attention is critical. If your pet is experiencing an emergency during our regular business hours, we will do our best to assist as quickly as possible. However, there may be times when our doctors are fully scheduled or when limited staffing affects immediate availability for emergency care.

If this happens, we strongly recommend calling us first before coming in. Our team can assess the situation over the phone and guide you on the most appropriate next steps based on the severity of your pet’s condition. This helps ensure your pet receives the fastest and most appropriate level of care, whether that is immediate in-clinic attention or referral to an emergency facility.

When to Seek Emergency Veterinary Care

Certain symptoms should always be treated as urgent and should not wait for a routine appointment. Contact a veterinarian immediately if you notice:
  • Difficulty breathing or choking
  • Severe vomiting or diarrhea, especially if persistent or with blood
  • Sudden collapse, weakness, or inability to stand
  • Seizures or repeated uncontrolled shaking episodes
  • Suspected poisoning or ingestion of toxic substances
  • Trauma such as being hit by a vehicle or a serious fall
  • Excessive bleeding or visible deep wounds
These situations can worsen quickly, and immediate evaluation can be life-saving.

Our Approach to Emergency Guidance

Because not all emergencies require the same level of intervention, our team prioritizes triage over first-come, first-served handling in urgent cases. When you call, we help determine the severity of the condition and whether immediate in-clinic care is possible or if referral to an emergency hospital is the safest option.

Our goal is always to ensure your pet receives the right care at the right time, without unnecessary delays.

After-Hours Emergency Guidance

Outside of business hours, please still call our clinic number. You will be directed on how to proceed, and we will provide guidance on the best available emergency options in your area. In many cases, this may include referral to a 24/7 emergency veterinary hospital equipped to handle critical cases.

If your pet’s condition appears severe or rapidly worsening, do not delay seeking immediate care. Timely action can make a critical difference in outcomes and comfort for your pet.

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Spoon River Animal Clinic Family

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309-647-6800