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Emergencies

  • A dog that does not want to eat, or is not eating, is a dog with a potentially life-threatening medical condition. Many conditions can lead to the inability of your dog to eat or lose his appetite completely. It is important to find the underlying cause so that an appropriate treatment plan can be created. Appetite stimulants may be prescribed, and in some cases, a feeding tube may be placed by your veterinarian. Decreased food intake or any change in eating habits warrants investigation by your veterinarian.

  • Anticoagulant rodenticide is used to kill mice, rats, and other rodents. Poisoning occurs when a cat ingests rodenticide. Anticoagulant rodenticides cause excessive bleeding by interfering with vitamin K1 recycling in the body. Vitamin K1 is needed for the body to make certain clotting factors that enable blood to clot and help to control bleeding.

  • Anticoagulant rodenticide is used to kill mice, rats, and other pests. Poisoning occurs when a dog ingests rodenticide accidentally. Anticoagulant rodenticides cause excessive bleeding by interfering with vitamin K1 recycling in the body. Vitamin K1 is needed for the body to make certain clotting factors that enable blood to clot and help control bleeding.

  • An aortic thromboembolism (ATE) results when a blood clot is dislodged and travels through the aorta, becoming lodged in a distant location. This clot causes severely reduced blood flow to the tissues receiving blood from that section of the aorta, leading to decreased oxygen in the tissues. A heart condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common cause. This article outlines clinical signs, treatment, monitoring, and prognosis for cats with this condition.

  • An aortic thromboembolism (ATE) results when a blood clot is dislodged and travels through the aorta, becoming lodged in a distant location. This clot causes severely reduced blood flow to the tissues receiving blood from that section of the aorta, leading to decreased oxygen in the tissues. Aortic thromboembolism is a rare occurrence in dogs and can be associated with endocarditis, cancer, sepsis, hyperadrenocorticism, and increased protein loss through diseased kidneys. This article outlines clinical signs, treatment, monitoring, and prognosis for dogs with this condition.

  • Arsenic poisoning is the accidental ingestion, skin contact, or inhalation of products containing a toxic dose of arsenic. Clinical signs can include abdominal pain, salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, staggering, weakness, rapid weak pulse, lethargy, low body temperature, collapse, and death. Supportive therapy is a crucial part of treating arsenic poisoning.

  • Aspirin is a commonly used, over-the-counter, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and is used to treat fever, pain, swelling, and clotting disorders in humans. Aspirin poisoning occurs when a cat ingests a toxic dose of aspirin, either through misuse or accidentally. Cats are especially sensitive to aspirin and salicylates, and as a result are more vulnerable to poisoning than dogs. High doses may damage major organs like the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system.

  • Aspirin is a commonly used, over-the-counter, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and is used to treat fever, pain, inflammation (swelling), and clotting disorders in humans. Aspirin poisoning occurs when a dog ingests a toxic dose of aspirin, either through misuse or accidentally. High doses may damage major organs like the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system.

  • Atrial fibrillation describes very rapid contractions or twitching of the heart muscle, specifically in the atria. Most of the time, atrial fibrillation in cats occurs secondary to heart disease. Sometimes, in large breed cats, atrial fibrillation will occur as a primary heart problem. Most cats who develop atrial fibrillation have underlying heart disease, so the signs that are observed are often related to that underlying condition, and may include exercise intolerance, cough, or difficulty breathing. Treatment varies depending on whether the pet has primary or secondary atrial fibrillation. Your cat will need to be monitored on a regular basis.

  • AIHA or IMHA is a life-threatening condition that may occur as a primary condition or secondary to another disease. Most cats with AIHA have severe anemia and their gums will be very pale. They will be anorexic, listless, easily tired, and will have increased heart and respiration rates. Diagnosis involves a complete blood count (CBC), biochemical profiles, urinalysis, and X-rays or ultrasound of the abdomen and chest. Treatment may involve blood transfusions and other medications over a prolonged time. The prognosis may be better if an underlying cause can be identified.