Business Hours Emergency Procedure

• Remain calm.

• Contact us prior to your arrival so we can provide immediate advice and prepare our team.

• Advise our team if assistance is needed in moving your pet.

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After-Hours Emergency Procedure

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Please ring Baulkham Hills Animal Referral Hospital 

on 02 9639 7744

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Please note we are now unable to offer Emergency cover at our Site in the Hawkesbury due to the country wide shortage of Veterinary Surgeons

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Emergency Care at Kurrajong Village Vets

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Phone: 02) 4573-1216

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At Kurrajong Village Vets, we understand that emergencies can happen at any time. If your pet is experiencing any of the following symptoms, please contact us immediately-

 

Snake Bites

There are two main snake species in our area, Black snakes and Brown snakes. 

 

Black Snake Bites: These are an emergency. Go to the vet immediately. 

 

• Call ahead to let us (or the emergency centre) know that you are on your way, and how far away you are.

• If possible, apply a pressure immobilisation bandage, or maintain pressure on the bite site.

• Keep your pet calm.

Initial signs of a snake bite may be

• Collapse

• Vocalisation

• Vomiting 

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Your pet may then seem to be fine for a while. They are not.

• The next stages are lethargy, a fast heart rate, panting, possible vomiting and diarrhoea.

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Speed is of the essence, but please drive carefully.

Treatment for a snake bite can be costly, often $2000 or more.

 

Brown Snake bites: This is an extreme emergency. Proceed immediately to the nearest vet, let them know you are coming and that your pet has been bitten by a brown snake. 

 

• If possible, apply a pressure immobilisation bandage, or maintain pressure on the bite site

• Keep your pet calm.

Initial signs of a brown snake bite may be

• Seizures 

• Vomiting 

• Collapse

• Breathing problems

• Cardiac arrest

Brown snake bites are time critical, please act quickly

 

 

Ticks

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The Hawkesbury area is a tick area, particularly paralysis ticks, and they may occur anywhere. Wetter areas are often more affected. 

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Paralysis Ticks

If you find a paralysis tick (or any tick) on your pet, if possible, remove the tick immediately (retain the tick or take a photo for identification), or bring your pet to the practice immediately for removal.

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Symptoms of tick paralysis include:

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• Clearing the throat

• Coughing or gagging

• Being quiet

• Weak back legs

• Vomiting -often saliva

• Collapse

 

Tick paralysis is progressive and potentially fatal. The earlier the treatment the better the outcome.

Treatment may take 2 days up to a week.

 

An excellent prevention option is provided by Bravecto, which can be administered via an annual injection by one of our veterinarians, or applied at home using either a spot-on or a tasty chew. 

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Speak to one of our team for the best option for your pet.

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Vomiting & Diarrhoea

Vomiting and diarrhoea are common in pets and are often caused by mild stomach upsets. However, they can also indicate a more serious condition. Contact us immediately if:

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• Vomiting or diarrhoea contains blood or lasts more than 24 hours

• Your pet appears lethargic, weak, or in pain

• Your pet has an underlying condition such as diabetes

• Your pet cannot keep water down, has vomited multiple times, or has eaten something unusual

 

Trauma & Injuries

If your pet has been involved in an accident (e.g. road accident, fall, laceration, bite wound), they should be examined as soon as possible, even if they seem fine. Some internal injuries take time to show symptoms. Contact us immediately if your pet experiences:

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• Difficulty breathing

• Bleeding

• Signs of pain or distress

 

Collapse or Sudden Weakness

Collapse occurs when a pet suddenly loses strength and cannot stand. Causes may include heart disease, internal bleeding, anaemia, or poisoning. If your pet collapses, seek urgent veterinary care.

 

Breathing Difficulties

Signs of breathing problems include wheezing, choking, raspy or shallow breathing, excessive panting, or open-mouth breathing (in cats). These could indicate a serious condition such as:

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• Asthma or allergic reactions

• Heart or lung disease

• Foreign objects in the throat

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Any breathing difficulty is an emergency—contact us immediately.

 

Straining to Urinate (Urinary Blockages & Cystitis)

If your pet is:

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• Straining to urinate with little or no urine output

• Urinating frequently in small amounts

• Passing blood in their urine

 

Seek veterinary attention immediately. Urinary blockages are especially dangerous in male pets and can quickly become life-threatening.

 

Poisoning & Toxic Ingestion

If you suspect your pet has eaten something toxic, call us immediately.

 

Common toxins include:

• Chocolate, grapes, raisins

• Human medications

• Lilies (toxic to cats)

• Rat and slug poisons

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Many toxins can be treated effectively if caught early.

 

Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus, GDV)

GDV-or bloat, is a life-threatening condition where the stomach twists on itself. Large, deep-chested breeds (e.g., Great Danes, German Shepherds) are most at risk, though the condition can occur in any breed. Early signs include:

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• Restlessness after eating

• Distended abdomen or bloating

• Repeated retching without bringing up food

• Excessive drooling

 

GDV is an emergency—seek immediate veterinary care.

 

Birthing (Whelping & Kittening) Emergencies

Contact us immediately if your pet experiences:

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• More than two hours between births

• Green discharge without delivering a puppy or kitten

• Straining for over 20 minutes without delivering

• Lethargy, fever, or prolonged vaginal bleeding

 

Seizures (Fits)

Seizures can involve shaking, tremors, loss of consciousness, or paddling motions.

 

If your pet:

• Has multiple seizures within 24 hours

• Has a seizure lasting longer than a couple of minutes

• Is experiencing their first seizure

 

Call us for advice and urgent care.

 

Neurological Disorders

Signs of neurological issues include:

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• Disorientation, circling, or head tilting

• Loss of balance or coordination

• Severe lethargy or unresponsiveness

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Sudden changes in behavior or movement require immediate veterinary attention.

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Eye Injuries & Infections

Eye problems can worsen quickly, and may lead to vision loss if untreated.

 

Contact us immediately if your pet has:

• Red, swollen, or closed eyes

• Excessive tearing or discharge

• Squinting

• Pawing at the eye

 

Allergic Reactions, Stings & Bites

Severe allergic reactions require urgent veterinary care.

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Signs of an allergic reaction include:

• Swelling (especially around the face)

• Hives or itching

• Severe reactions such as breathing difficulties

 

Call us for advice and urgent care

 

Need Emergency Vet Care?

Call Kurrajong Village Vets at 02) 4573 1216 for immediate assistance.