Vet emergencies in dogs, cats and rabbits
What are the most common veterinary emergencies in London and the surrounding area?
Our vets share their advice and what to do if your pet is ill or has an accident.
If your pet is showing worrying symptoms and you're not sure how serious the situation is, we've also provided a guide to find out if it's a veterinary emergency.
If you still have questions about a possibly urgent situation, contact our veterinary emergency call centre. Our teams are here to help you.on We are available 7 days a week on 033 0027 0670.
Don't forget to contact your usual vet, who may also be on call. If they are not available, contact our out-of-hours vets.
Vet emergencies in cats
Urinary problems in cats
Indoor cats very often suffer from chronic urinary problems.
In the early stages of the disease, the symptoms are almost the same, whatever the cause.
Find out more about urinary problems in cats.
My cat fell from balcony
Falling from a balcony is a common accident in London and the surrounding area.
The severity of injuries depends on the height of the fall and, above all, the landing surface.
Our vet explains how to handle a fall from a balcony.
How to handle abscess in cat ?
Cats with access to a garden often suffer from abscesses caused by scratches or bites from other cats.
In order to heal quickly, an abscess must be consulted as soon as possible.
Read our emergency vets' advice on treating abscesses in cats.
Coryza in cats, a real vet emergency !
An alarming number of cat owners must face the challenge of coryza. This severe infectious disease primarily affects domesticated felines but can also infect other species, including wild big cats. Unfortunately, it remains a constant threat to our furry companions and should be treated as a veterinary emergency.
Find out more about Coryza in cats.
Typhus in cats, a vet emergency !
Cat typhus stands out as a severe infection that necessitates emergency veterinary care for your pet's survival. Known by many names, including feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), feline parvovirus, or feline infectious enteritis, cat typhus has the power to devastate your cat's health in a short period. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatments can make all the difference when facing this critical illness.
Find out more about Typhus in cats.
Aortic thromboembolism in cats, a vital emergency!
In cats, sudden paralysis of the hind limbs is often a sign of aortic thrombosis. This cardio-vascular accident causes intense pain and heart-rending complaints in the cat that suffers it.
When the blood clot blocks circulation to the hind legs, it's a life-threatening emergency!
Find out more about Aortic thromboembolism in cats.
Hypoglycaemia in diabetic cats, a vet emergency
In diabetic cats, blood sugar levels must be monitored closely. When hypoglycaemia sets in, the cat quickly falls into a deep coma and may die if the animal is not treated.
Hypoglycaemia in diabetic cats is a life-threatening vet emergency.
Find out more about Hypoglycaemia in diabetic cats.
Rat poison in cats, a vital emergency
Rat poisoning is the most common form of poisoning among London cats. The consumption of the poison is indirect, following the ingestion of a dead rodent, itself poisoned.
Fatal haemorrhaging can occur 24 to 48 hours after consumption of the rat poison.
Find out more about Rat poison in cats, a vital emergency.
Permethrin poisoning in cats, a vital
The use of flea products in cats is necessary every 1 to 2 months. Unfortunately, it frequently happens that the products used are not suitable for felines, or even toxic, such as permethrin.
As soon as it is applied, the cat becomes intoxicated and develops serious neurological disorders.
Find out more about Permethrin poisoning in cats
Vet emergencies in dogs
My dog has been hit by a car
In the London urban area, road accidents are extremely frequent. Our teams are regularly called out when a dog has been hit by a car.
The injuries can be serious. An emergency consultation is essential. Our vets can tell you what to do if your dog is injured by a car.
What is piroplasmosis in dogs?
Piroplasmosis is a disease caused by a blood parasite, babesia canis, which is transmitted by ticks. It causes the destruction of red blood cells.
The initial symptoms are not very specific: hyperthermia, reduced appetite and fatigue.
Find out more about piroplasmosis in dogs.
How to handle bite wounds in dogs?
In the parks of Greater London, dogs cross each others and can fight...
Bite wounds are one of the main emergencies at our Sunday consultations.
Our vets explain what to do if your dog is bitten by another dog.
Intestinal obstruction in dogs, a real vet emergency !
If you're a dog owner, you probably know the importance of keeping an eye on your pet's eating habits and overall health.
However, there are certain emergencies that can unexpectedly strike even the most attentive owners and their furry friends. One such emergency is intestinal obstruction in dogs - a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate veterinary care.
Intestinal obstruction in dogs.
Gastric dilatation and Volvulus in dogs, a vet emergency !
When it comes to canine health emergencies, gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) is undeniably one of the most severe and life-threatening conditions.
Familiarity with GDV's symptoms, risk factors and prevention methods can help dog owners protect their furry companions from this dangerous ailment.
Gastric dilatation and Volvulus in dogs.
Open fractures in dogs, a veterinary emergency
From playtime gone wrong to unfortunate accidents, dogs can encounter various risks and injuries throughout their lives.
One such danger is an open fracture, which requires immediate attention due to the potential complications it presents. Our vets explain to you the types, symptoms, diagnosis, and management of open fractures in dogs.
Open fractures in dogs.
Chocolate poisoning in dogs, a vet emergency!
Chocolate is poisonous for dogs. Every year at Easter, Christmas and Halloween, vets in emergency rooms treat many dogs for chocolate poisoning, specifically cocoa poisoning.
Without treatment, the poisoning can progress to the point of killing your dog.
Chocolate poisoning in dogs, a vet emergency!.
Toad poisoning in dogs, a a vital emergency!
Every year, in spring, the number of dogs that suffer from toad poisoning skyrockets.
The culprit is the amphibian's mucus. Spread all over the body, this substance causes violent symptoms in dogs that venture to lick or bite a toad.
Toad poisoning in dogs, a vet emergency!.
cannabis poisoning in dogs, a vital emergency!
Cannabis use remains a taboo and a confidential practice. However, cases of cannabis poisoning in dogs are increasingly frequent at London vet emergencies.
Ingestion of the poison is accidental but can quickly cause a coma in the dog concerned.
Cannabis poisoning in dogs, a vet emergency !.
Vet emergencies in rabbits
My rabbit stops eating
As a loving and responsible pet owner, it's natural to feel concerned when your rabbit suddenly stops eating. It is crucial to be aware that rabbits have very sensitive digestive systems, and any change in their eating habits can potentially indicate an underlying health issue.
Read our emergency vets'advice on My rabbit stops eating.
My rabbit has diarrhoea
Diarrhoea in rabbits is a cause for concern as it can lead to serious health issues. In this article, we will explore the various factors responsible for diarrhoea in rabbits, how to recognize it, and take prompt action to ensure the well-being of your beloved pet rabbit.
Read our emergency vets'advice on My rabbit has diarrhoea.
My rabbit has a leaky eye
Rabbits are known for their adorable eyes and expressive looks, which can be a major factor in attracting people to keep them as pets. However, when your bunny starts showing signs of eye trouble like leakage, redness, or swelling, it can be an alarming situation.
Read our emergency vets'advice on My rabbit has a leaky eye.
Gastrointestinal stasis
One of the most common rabbit emergencies is gastrointestinal stasis. This condition results in a slowing down, or total cessation, of digestive transit. Decreased appetite and reduced faecal pellet production may indicate gastrointestinal stasis. Symptoms may appear suddenly or after periods of stress, changes in diet or any underlying illness. If left untreated, gastrointestinal stasis can be fatal within 48 hours.
Fly bites and myiasis
Flies lay eggs on a rabbit's skin, particularly around its bottom. As soon as they hatch, the maggots cause serious damage to the rabbit's flesh, on which they feed. This horrible disease is most likely to occur in the warmer months and can affect any rabbit, even those living indoors. But rabbits living in poor living conditions and with poor hygiene are more at risk. You'll also notice that obesity or mobility problems are favourable factors for the appearance of myiasis. If you suspect a fly attack, seek emergency veterinary care immediately, as it can be life-threatening in a matter of hours.
Fractures and bone sores
Rabbits have fragile bones, particularly in the spine and limbs. Traumatic injuries such as fractures and open fractures can occur following a fall, handling accident or encounter with a predator. Signs of injury include an inability to move normally, swelling, bleeding or visible deformation of the skeleton. Contact your vet immediately if you suspect your rabbit has suffered a fracture.
