EMERGENCY AND CRITICAL CARE
Because emergencies are never planned, The Michigan Veterinary
Specialists emergency service operates 24 hours a day, 7 days
a week handling unexpected trauma, illness and injury. Our ER
facilities are staffed at all times by highly skilled, compassionate
doctors and technicians capable of handling even the most complicated
and demanding pet emergencies. In addition, the Michigan Veterinary
Specialists team of board-certified doctors are on-call to assist
in providing excellent, comprehensive emergency care.
Whenever possible, in an emergency situation, try to contact
your family veterinarian first. If he or she cannot comfortably
handle the problem or is not available, take your pet to the nearest
reputable 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital.
You never know when an emergency will arise, but being
prepared with good information, the right tools and appropriate
steps can save precious time and lives.
YOUR APPOINTMENT
If possible, please call our office or ask your veterinarian
to contact us before you arrive so we can be prepared to meet
you at our entrance doors. Our hospitals are staffed 24/7 and
you can call to schedule an appointment anytime. If time allows,
we will explain our examination fees before you arrive. The
costs of any additional testing and treatments are not known
at the time, so it is not always possible to estimate all costs.
Once we examine your pet, your MVS doctor or technician will
provide you with an accurate assessment of your pet's treatment
options, plans and costs.
Read more about appointments,
including what to expect, procedures, and payment policies.
SOME BASICS
- Keep your veterinarian's phone number in a handy location
near your phone.
- Know where the nearest 24-hour emergency veterinary facility
is located.
- Have the phone number of Poison Control.
- Make sure your pet has his or her identification tag on at
all times.
- It is a good idea to keep a pet first-aid kit in your home.
HOW TO HANDLE AN INJURED PET
- Injured animals must always be approached with extreme caution.
Even though the animal may normally be very docile and friendly,
when they are hurt, they are most likely scared and nervous
and will bite or scratch.
- Approach the animal slowly and cautiously, and speak in a
quiet and calm voice.
- Before taking any action, STOP and do a quick assessment of
the animal:
- Be sure you are not putting yourself into a dangerous
situation - check the area for other animals, cars, etc.
- Listen to the animal to see if he or she is breathing
or making any unusual sounds. You may want to put your hand
near the animal's mouth to see if he or she is breathing.
- ALWAYS apply a muzzle and use caution as even the nicest animal
can bite if it is in pain. Once a muzzle has been applied, evaluate
the animal for injuries and use this booklet to treat what you
see.
- Have the animal evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Attempt to keep it calm and warm as you transport it to your
nearest veterinary hospital. Use a flat board, cardboard box,
or large blanket as a stretcher if the animal is unable to stand
or walk.
CLIENT EDUCATION ARTICLES
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