Urgent Care vs. Emergency Hospital: What Is The Difference?
The concept of “urgent care” is a familiar one. Almost all of us, unable to get in quickly with our primary care doctor or needing a quick in-and-out solution to a health problem, have relied on a human urgent care clinic to address an issue at some point. Convenience and focus have been core to the human urgent care model, and it’s served the medical community well.
But to date, there hasn’t been anything like this for pets. Enter veterinary urgent care, which provides an ideal care option for non-life-threatening issues that require immediate medical attention. Pet urgent care bridges the gap between your primary care veterinarian and the 24/7 emergency hospital. So what kind of cases belong at an urgent care clinic and what issues should head directly to the ER?
Common Pet Urgent Care Issues Include:
- Allergies
- Anxiety
- Back pain
- Blood in stool or urine
- Overeating or drinking
- Ear infections
- End-of-life care (euthanasia)
- Fever
- Hiding, not feeling well
- Lethargy
- Skin allergies or itchy skin
- Trouble walking
- Trouble/issues with urinating
- Vomiting / regurgitating / throwing up
- Hair loss
- Bad breath / halitosis
- Abscesses
- Anal-gland scooting, licking
- Bite wounds
- Constipation or bloat
- Runny nose, coughing, or sneezing
- Decreased appetite or not eating
- Dehydration
- Diarrhea
- Eye issues (tearing, squinting, discharge, redness)
- Fracture assessment
- Hives/swelling/reactions
- Lacerations or wounds
- Limping
- Parasites
- Skin infections
- Increased drinking or urination
- Coughing
- Nail issues or overgrown nails
- Accidental ingestions (e.g. chocolate, toy)
- Bites and stings
- Vaccine reactions
- Something seems “off” or wrong
If your dog or cat has one of these issues, come and see us! Truss Vet provides same-day urgent care services for non-life threatening problems and serves as a care partner to general practices and ER/specialty hospitals throughout the Triangle.
Common Pet Emergency Issues Include:
- Fractures/broken bones
- Loss of consciousness
- Paralysis
- Active seizures
- Choking
- Excessive bleeding
- Penetrating wounds
- Heatstroke
- Stopped breathing
- Cardiac arrest
- Severe trauma
- Hit by car
- Distressed birthing mother (unable to deliver kittens/puppies)
- Overnight hospitalizations
- Major surgeries
- Trouble breathing
If your dog or cat has one of these issues, head to your closest emergency hospital.