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Breathing
Difficulties
Labored breathing -- coupled with pale or bluish mucous membranes of
the mouth and gums -- may indicate heart failure, lung disease, or
a major chemical imbalance.
Serious
Bleeding
Apply direct pressure to the wound and seek medical help immediately.
Gastrointestinal
Difficulties
Protracted vomiting and/or diarrhea, including blood
in the vomitus or stool, may indicate potential serious conditions
requiring immediate attention.
Major
Trauma
If your pet has fallen, been struck by a moving vehicle, or suffers
multiple wounds from an unseen accident, see a veterinarian... even
if your pet initially appears unharmed.
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Head
Tilt or Seizure
Both of these clinical signs may indicate a central nervous system
problem that requires immediate attention.
Lacerations
and Bite Wounds
Wounds that penetrate the skin are contaminated and may become infected
within several hours. Many wounds that seem minor on the surface often
hide more extensive injuries to vital tissues below.
Loss
of Consciousness
Illness or injury can make your pet too weak to stand. Neurological
problems can impair or prevent normal movement and further attempts
at walking may result in even greater injury.
Poisoning
When you know or suspect that your pet has ingested a poisonous substance,
call your veterinarian or emergency facility immediately to receive
treatment instructions and to assess the need for additional
medical attention. The National
Animal Poison Control Center is an excellent resource which provides
24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week telephone assistance. The Center's
hotline veterinarians can quickly answer questions about toxic chemicals,
dangerous plants, and substances found in our everyday surroundings
that can prove poisonous or fatal to animals.
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