Emergency

During normal business hours, if your pet is experiencing an emergency, please call us ahead of time to discuss your particular situation. That way we can decide the best course of action for your pet. We are experienced and equipped to handle emergencies, but there may be times during normal business hours when we may not be able to handle an emergency situation and would refer your pet to 24-Hour Emergency & Specialty Hospitals in Orland Park.

During normal business hours, if your pet is having an emergency, please call our hospital at (708) 798-9030.

If your pet's emergency is after hours, please contact the following emergency care clinic:

24-Hour Emergency & Specialty Hospitals
7000 W. 159th Street
Orland Pa, IL 60462 (Harlem and 159th)
(708) 388-3771

We are also available for urgent care when the condition is not life-threatening. If you feel your pet needs to be seen before you are able to get an appointment, our veterinarians will do our best to “squeeze” you in between scheduled appointments when we can (same day may not be possible). When you arrive, our receptionists will be able to give you an estimate on how long you may have to wait in order to be seen.

Emergencies for which you should immediately seek medical care:

• Difficulty breathing
• Heavy and/or continuous bleeding
• Bloated, distended, swollen, or painful abdomen
• Major trauma – falls, large wounds, broken bones, getting hit by a vehicle
• Lacerations, bite wounds, and penetrating wounds
• Collapse or loss of consciousness
• Ingestion of poison or foreign material
• Prolonged vomiting or diarrhea
• Seizures
• Staggering, stumbling, head-tilted, sudden blindness
• Lameness or non-weight bearing on any limb
• Inflammation, swelling, or other irritation to the eye(s)
• Severe hives or severe itching
• Inability to urinate or defecate
• Inability to deliver puppies or kittens
• Loss of balance or consciousness
• Pain
• Rapid heartbeat or breathing rate
• Dilated pupils
• Vomiting or diarrhea with blood or violent episodes

How you can help during an emergency:

Remember to stay calm. Animals are sensitive to people’s emotions, so if you stay calm your pet will be calmer, too. Please bring your pet to us as soon as possible after a trauma, or call us at (708)798-9030 if you have any questions regarding your pet’s condition. Remember that a pet in pain may even bite their owner, so be careful when handling a pet that is experiencing pain.

Transporting your pet:

• Handle your pet as gently and as little as possible.
• Lay your pet on its side if possible. If your pet seems to resent this or has more difficulty breathing on their side, leave them in a comfortable position of their choosing.
• Place your pet in the back seat and, when possible, have someone sit in the back with them.
• If your pet cannot walk or is too weak to stand, gently wrap/slide your pet into a blanket, towel, or coat and/or place them into a secure pet carrier.
• If you have assistance, two people should lift your pet into the vehicle supporting the head and rear.
• Drive carefully.

First aid:

• If your pet is bleeding, apply firm, direct pressure over the bleeding area to control bleeding.
• Avoid bandages that cut off circulation.
• Wrap large wounds to keep them clean.
• Minimize movement as much as possible.

Other ways to help:

• Keep a file with your pet’s records and bring it with you if possible.
• Be a good observer; know when your pet last ate, drank, urinated, or defecated.
• Bring a sample of any abnormal stool, vomit, or urine.
• If seizures or fainting occur, note the time and the length of these episodes.
• Bring containers of any possible ingested toxins to the veterinarian.
• Check with us before giving any home remedies or human medications.