Emergencies

An emergency is any situation that is out of the ordinary or potentially life-threatening, no matter the species. Emergencies generally fall into one of several categories, including accidents, sudden illness, poisoning, trauma, or complications related to birthing or husbandry.

If you are unsure whether your pet or animal’s situation is an emergency, please call the clinic immediately. Our team will advise you on the best course of action.

Examples of Emergencies

Medical emergencies caused by accidents, trauma, or poisoning, such as:

• Snake bites or exposure to snakes

• Ingesting toxic substances like chocolate, rat poison, snail bait, or poisonous plants

• Severe vomiting, diarrhoea, or abdominal pain

• Being hit by a car or other traumatic injury

• Eye injuries, including grass seeds or foreign objects in eyes, nose, or ears

• Profuse bleeding from any area

• Difficulty breathing

• Sudden lethargy, loss of appetite, or appearing generally unwell

Additional emergencies in large animals or livestock, including:

• Horses or farm animals down in a paddock

• Difficult, prolonged, or complicated birthing

• Post-birthing complications requiring urgent care

• Acute husbandry issues affecting animal health
  
  Tip: When in doubt, always call first. Early intervention can make a critical difference.

Transporting a pet in an emergency can be stressful. Remaining calm and prioritising safety — for both yourself and your animal — is essential.

We’ve put together some practical tips to help you travel safely when your pet requires urgent care:

1. Call the clinic first
   Always phone before leaving. Our team can prepare for your arrival and provide guidance on how to safely manage your pet during transport.

2. Stay safe
   Animals in distress may behave unpredictably. Avoid putting yourself at risk of bites, scratches, or trampling.

3. Have a second person if possible
   One person should drive while the other focuses on monitoring and comforting the animal.

4. Managing injuries

   • Bleeding: Apply a clean towel directly to the wound and maintain gentle pressure.

   • Eye injuries: Do not touch or put anything in the eye.

   • Foreign objects in ears or nose: Avoid inserting anything.

5. Seizures or convulsions
   Try to minimise stimulation. Keep noise low and avoid touching the animal unless necessary for safety.

6. Broken bones or fractures
   Support the affected area and keep the animal as quiet and relaxed as possible.

7. Lifting and moving
   A blanket can be used as a stretcher to safely lift a small or medium-sized animal in and out of a vehicle.

8. Large animals (horses, cows, livestock)
   Depending on the emergency, veterinary care may be provided on-farm or at the hospital. Always call first to determine the safest approach.
   
   Tip: Moving slowly, staying calm, and focusing on safety helps reduce stress for both you and your pet, and ensures they get the care they need as quickly as possible.

Triage

When you bring your pet to Roseworthy Veterinary Hospital in an emergency, our veterinarians and nurses use a triage system to prioritise care when multiple emergencies occur.

• We will conduct a brief medical assessment, checking vital signs and overall condition, to determine which pets require immediate attention.

• Cases are seen in order of urgency, not arrival time, to ensure the most critical animals receive prompt care.

• Please provide any relevant information during this time, including medications, pre-existing conditions, or past medical history, as it helps guide diagnosis and treatment.

Intensive Care

Pets presenting in emergency situations are often admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for ongoing monitoring and treatment. If this occurs, you can expect:

• A veterinarian will provide an update on your pet’s condition.

• We will explain the plan for the next few hours of treatment.

• Any costs will be provided as an estimate at this stage.

• You will be asked to sign a consent form for any necessary procedures, treatments, or surgeries.

• Personal items, such as blankets or toys, cannot be accepted, as they may be misplaced during care.

What is Intensive Care?

The ICU is a specialised area where veterinarians, nurses, and students work together to provide continuous, life-saving care.

• Pets in ICU are monitored around the clock.

• Treatments and interventions are provided as needed, depending on the pet’s condition.

• Staff are always available to update and discuss your pet’s progress.

If you wish to visit your pet in ICU, our team is happy to provide guidance and arrange visits safely.

The cost of emergency treatment varies depending on the animal’s condition and the care required. Emergency cases often require more resources, advanced procedures, and intensive monitoring than a routine check-up or scheduled procedure.

• Estimates only: Any costs provided at the time of your visit are estimates. As treatment progresses, additional therapies or care may be needed, which can change the estimated cost. Our team will provide updates when we contact you with progress reports.

• Financial assistance: We understand that emergency care can be unexpected. Our staff can discuss payment options, including credit facilities through Vetpay, to help manage costs.

• Finalising accounts: All accounts must be settled before your pet is discharged. If further treatment or follow-up visits are required, we can provide information about ongoing costs in advance.

Pet Insurance

Pet insurance can be a valuable resource, particularly in emergencies or if your pet requires ongoing care. Some policies also include wellness packages.

If you have pet insurance, please bring your policy details to the hospital — you may be eligible for reimbursement of some or all costs.