Critter Alley

Critter Alley

Monday, January 5, 2009

Night at the E.R.


What happens when your veterinarian's office is closed and your pet is injured or becomes ill?

If you're like me, you keep handy the phone number of the closest Animal Emergency Clinic. This facility operates exactly like an emergency room for humans, but is only open on weekends, holidays, and evening hours--in other words, whenever your regular vet's office is closed.

Indy and I made another visit to the emergency clinic over the holidays for a problem that stems from his various auto-immune issues, and I realized that we see them far too much when they recognized us on sight!

Things were fortunately slow that evening (patients are seen in order of priority), so we were in and out quickly after an exam, tests, and the proper medication.

Indy's feeling much better now, thank you, but the experience reminded me of the wonderful service provided by emergency clinics. Be sure you have a plan for a potential pet emergency. Knowing a number and location will save you a lot of grief if the need arises, because frankly, who keeps a logical cool head in a crisis?

And as for us, I hope we don't have another visit anytime soon.

We prefer being healthy at home.

2 comments:

The Word Place said...

I had to take our cat to such an emergency clinic one evening after hours. This was years ago, and I was so thankful they were in operation! Poor kitty had a bad respiratory infection despite having had all his immunizations on time. Just one of those things--and he was feeling better in no time! Glad Indy is on the mend!

Anonymous said...

I am so glad to hear that Indy is on the mend.

Our vet has an arrangement with other local vets and they man their own emergency facility between them, so that cover is available 24/7 all year round.

They also have a wonderful pet ambulance service which I was able to use one day when Barkley tumbled down the stairs and hurt his paw. Tom was not at home, but the ambulance came for my dog, took him for treatment and brought him home again. Wonderful service!