EMERGENCIES

Q: What do I do if I have an emergency after hours?

A: Ring 17-245515 or 39210627. Please note that an after hours consultation fee is payable. Emergencies are only seen at the Manama premises.

Q: When is it really an emergency?

A: Types of emergencies that should be seen as soon as possible include:

  • Heatstroke
  • Bleeding that cannot be stopped by applying pressure for 10-15 minutes.
  • Seizures that last longer than 3-5 minutes
  • Breathing difficulties - check the animals tongue. If it has a blueish tinge, the animal is struggling to breathe.
  • Dog/cat who is having difficulty giving birth, and there is a puppy/kitten that is stuck
  • Milk Fever - a bitch feeding 2-4 week old pups that is shaking uncontrollably.
  • Popped out eyes
Types of emergencies that should be seen within one day include:
  • Persistent vomiting, even if the animal is starved and especially if it is less than 6 months old
  • Male cats or dogs that cannot pass urine, but are trying continuously
  • Broken legs
  • Painful ear and skin infections
  • Painful watery eyes

Q: What should I do about vomiting and diarrhoea?

A: If an adult dog or cat vomits and has diarrhoea, starve them for 12-24 hours and give small amounts of water frequently. When you start feeding them again, use a bland easily digestible diet such as boiled chicken and rice. Over a few days introduce the normal diet again. Young puppies and kittens can dehydrate quickly. If they have vomiting and diarrhoea and are unable to keep water down, they need to see a vet.

Q: What should I do if my pet is involved in an accident?

A: If possible, put it onto a board to carry it from the scene. This will protect the spine from any further damage.  Take the animal to a quiet place and give it some water with glucose powder added (available at most coldstores/pharmacies). One teaspoon of glucose powder per cup of water. Look for broken bones or bleeding areas and if possible apply temporary stabilising bandages to the areas affected. Most bleeding can be stopped with a pressure bandage or by application of pressure to the bleeding point for five minutes.

Unless you have experience bandaging animals, it is best to have the vet rebandage the animal within 12 hours. This is because often, bandages are applied too tightly and cause damage to soft tissue.

BE CAREFUL WHEN HANDLING THE ANIMAL AS IT WILL BE IN PAIN AND MAY BITE OR BEHAVE OUT OF CHARACTER!

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