In Southern Utah, we suggest Southwest Animal Emergency Clinic, (located in St. George) which has someone to answer the phone to help guide you with your situation. Please contact the Clinic by phone before showing up! Southwest Animal Emergency Clinic can be reached at: 435- 673-3191

A daytime 10 am-10 pm basic urgent care/triage clinic has now opened in St. George: https://www.lavarockvet.com/ For emergencies or scheduling call us at 435-288-0288 or for lava rock general questions you can text us at 435-359-4494. Keep in mind both above mentioned facilities refer to speciality advanced critical care for hospitalization and complicated surgical procedures. Just like the human side, for advanced speciality critical care; big cities are the option (Las Vegas, Salt Lake City and Phoenix).

In Northern Arizona, there is The Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center (located in Flagstaff). The Veterinary Emergency Center can be reached at: 928-779-5522. Canyon Pet Hospital in Flagstaff is another option. They are open until midnight. Please call first. Canyon Pet can be reached at: 928-774-5197.

We are a very small specialty clinic with a micro staff and a small space. These limitations make it difficult to handle true life or death emergencies with the standard that you deserve. With true emergencies, having access to a facility with 24/7 staffing and a well equipped facility is essential.

Emergency and trauma care is best supported with primary traditional medicine because of the high technology machines for information gathering such as ultrasound, endoscopy etc. That being said, always stay true to your individual situation and feel free to decline any treatment where you know there is another option. Information is power and gathering good information is always helpful.

We CAN offer triage or stabilizing care during office hours, please call in advance to get mutual agreement to that commitment. We also MAY be available after hours, yet don’t wait around for a call back from us to initiate a plan of help. We also can absolutely assist you in an integrative action plan of care AFTER your ER visit.

Emergency care is expensive. And how do you know you have an emergency? Here is an excellent guide to assist you in knowing when to seek emergency care:

Determining an Emergency

  • Is it an EMERGENCY or is it URGENT? and steps YOU can do at home immediately!!

  • A fever over 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) with profound lethargy

  • Severe vomiting or diarrhea – more than two episodes in a 24-hour period, or either of these combined with obvious illness or any of the other problems listed here: a great article on clarification of vomiting and regurgitation: Why do Dogs Vomit?

  • Severe bleeding or bleeding that doesn’t stop within 5 minutes

  • Bleeding from nose, mouth, rectum, coughing up blood, or blood in urine

  • Choking, difficulty breathing or nonstop coughing, and gagging

  • Inability to urinate or pass feces (stool), or obvious pain associated with urinating or passing stool

  • You suspect or know your pet has eaten something poisonous (such as antifreeze, xylitol, chocolate, rodent poison, etc.)

  • Penetrating wounds to the chest, including deep lacerations or punctures

  • Fractured bones, severe lameness or inability to move leg(s)

  • Injuries to your pet’s eye(s)

  • Bulging eyes and sudden blindness

  • Seizures and/or staggering

  • Obvious signs of pain or extreme anxiety

  • Heat stress or heatstroke

  • Refusal to drink for 24 hours or more

  • Unconsciousness

  • Burns or injuries in which a bone is exposed

  • Loss of balance (inability to right themselves or falls over due to inability to maintain balance

  • Symptoms of bloat, including a very distended abdomen, unproductive belching, retching or vomiting, abdominal pain, restlessness, shallow, rapid breathing and pale gums

When to Call Your Vet

  • Eye problems: Eye problems may include injuries, such as a scratch, eyelid or eyelash problems, chronic diseases like glaucoma and more.

  • Vomiting and Diarrhea: Mild vomiting and diarrhea can be dealt with at home, provided they resolve quickly and your pet is not lethargic or showing other signs of illness.

  • Bloat: If your dog has simple bloat, or gastric dilatation, their stomach has filled up with gas and air.

  • Allergic Reactions: Minor allergic reactions to insect bites or stings, food, vaccinations or medications can typically be dealt with at home. However, if your pet is having trouble breathing or seems uncomfortable, seek veterinary care right away.

  • rattlesnake bite: www.facebook.com/share/9xnEwB9zNcqjHuA3

From our recent rattlesnake class