South Cranbourne Veterinary Surgery
82 Earlston Cct (Cnr South Gippsland Hwy)
Cranbourne
Victoria 3977
- Phone:
- Fax:
- 03 5995 1447
South Cranbourne Veterinary Surgery
82 Earlston Cct (Cnr South Gippsland Hwy)
Cranbourne,
Victoria,
3977
info@southcranbournevet.com.au
82 Earlston Cct (Cnr South Gippsland Hwy)
Cranbourne,
Victoria,
3977
Email: info@southcranbournevet.com.au
When faced with a sick or severely injured animal it is important to assess the situation fully to prevent further injury to the animal or an injury to yourself. Always protect yourself from injury. When an animal is in pain it is common for them to act aggressively and can bite even if they appear to be docile. Towels can be used to wrap cats or cover the head of a dog to reduce its stress whilst travelling. Make-shift muzzles can also be made from a strip of soft cloth, rope or stocking, to help to avoid bites.
As a pet owner it is best to prepare in advance and have the phone number of the clinic programmed in your phone, or know the location and contact details of the nearest 24 hour clinic (for example the Animal Emergency Centre), in case of an emergency in the middle of the night. Ideally contact the clinic to notify them of the emergency before you leave home or on your way in so we can prepare for your arrival.
Signs of snake bite include vomiting, dilated pupils, wobbly on feet, and collapse
Death can occur within 10-30minutes in severe envenomation
If you suspect snake envenomation, get to the veterinarian as soon as possible to have the best chance of recovery
Apply pressure with gauze if bleeding profusely
Clean with salty water (1 level teaspoon in 500ml water) if animals allows
Wrap large wounds with a bandage to keep clean
Seek veterinary attention as wounds can become infected and need antibiotics, or may require suturing
Apply firm direct pressure to areas with a thick gauze pad until bleeding stops
You may notice bleeding from the nose or mouth, coughing blood, pale gums or blood in urine
Keep warm and quiet
Get to vet promptly
Animals will often go into shock after a severe injury/trauma or a fright
Symptoms include weak pulse, pale gum colour, shallow breathing and dazed appearance
Keep animal restrained, quiet and warm
If unconscious, keep head level with the rest of body
Flush area immediately with large quantities of cold water\
Apply ice water compresses onto burn area
Take to the veterinarian
Fractures may be obvious with the limb being held at an odd angle, or there could just be pain and inability to use the limb
Muzzle pet and control bleeding if possible
Transport to the veterinarian immediately, supporting the injured part as best you can
Signs include convulsions, diarrhoea, salivation, weakness, depression and pain
Record what the pet ingested and how much
Call your veterinarian
Do not try to induce vomiting unless advised by your veterinarian – contact the vet first as some toxins will cause more damage if vomiting is induced
If toxins are on the skin or coat, ask for directions on if and how to wash them off
Symptoms include rapid or laboured breathing, vomiting, high body temperature, collapse
Gently wrap in a cool wet towel
Transport to the veterinarian
Do not overcool animal. Stop when rectal temperature reaches 39 degrees Celsius