What is an Emergency?

An emergency is an accident or a sudden illness. Animal Emergency & Specialty Center is able to provide intensive care for animals critically ill or injured. Your pet will be triaged upon arrival at AESC. Your pet will be examined and treated based on that triage exam. The most seriously injured or ill are always seen first.

Uncertain if your case is an emergency? It is often difficult to determine if your own pet is in crisis and needs to be seen immediately. Animal Emergency & Specialty Center can help your with your questions.

Call AESC at (360) 697-7771 and talk to a well-trained and experienced team member.
Routine vaccinations, worming, neutering, well health exams and all other maintenance health issues will not be seen at AESC.

Typical emergencies we see on a regular basis: Persistent vomiting or diarrhea, persistent cough, persistent sneezing, pale gums, rapid or shallow breathing, excessive thirst, excessive urination, straining to urinate or defecate, abnormal nasal discharge, labored breathing, sudden or severe lameness, convulsions or seizures, prolonged labor or dystocia, suspected poisoning, bleeding, injury or fight wound, abdominal bloating, hit by car or blunt trauma and severe facial swelling or hives.

Symptoms that require immediate investigation and treatment. If your pet: 

• Has experienced some kind of trauma, such as being hit by a car or blunt object, bite wounds, or falling more than a few feet.
• Is not breathing or you cannot feel a heartbeat.
• Is unconscious and cannot wake up.
• Has been vomiting or has diarrhea for more than 24 hours or there is blood in the vomitus or feces.
• Has or may have a broken bone.
• Is having trouble breathing or has something stuck in the throat.
• Has had or is having a seizure.
• Is bleeding from the eyes, nose, mouth, or there is blood in the
  urine or feces.
• May have ingested something toxic such as antifreeze, rat poison, any kind of medication, household cleaners, toxic plants, chocolate, insecticide, pesticide, or some other toxic agent.
• Is straining to urinate or is unable to produce urine especially concerning in male cats.
• Shows signs of extreme pain such as vocalizing, shaking, unable to lie down and get comfortable, refusing to socialize, head pressing or any other unusual behavior that concerns you.
• Collapses or suddenly is unable to get up.
• Begins bumping into things or suddenly becomes disoriented.
• Has irritation or injury to the eyes or is suddenly blind.
• Has a bloated abdomen and there is non-productive vomiting, especially a large dog.
• Is showing signs of heatstroke or hypothermia
• A pregnant dog or cat has gone more than three to four hours between deliveries and is still straining or you see a puppy stuck and protruding from the vulva.