Emergency Vet Birmingham, AL

Need emergency pet care in Birmingham Alabama? Birmingham Animal Hospital + Resort is a full-service animal hospital and resort that offers urgent care & emergency care during our business hours. Our team of experienced veterinarians and staff provide your pet with the care they need in an emergency. If you need emergency pet care for your dog or cat, call us in advance & let us know what's going on and your estimated arrival time.

Our Hours of Operation:

Mon – Fri: 8:00am – 6:00pm

Sat: 8:00am – 12:00pm

Sun: Closed

Call Us: (205) 406-6710

*For After Hours Pet Emergencies, see the list below of 24/7 Emergency pet care in Birmingham Alabama.


After Hours Emergency Vets in Birmingham Alabama Metro Area


How To Tell If Your Pet Needs Emergency Care

First and foremost, if you think your cat or dog is in a medical crisis, CALL US IMMEDIATELY & we'll consult with you on the phone. If you are ever unsure whether or not your pet needs emergency care, it is always best to err on the side of caution and bring them to the vet.

Here's a list of symptoms that indicate your pet needs emergency medical care:

  • Pale or white gums
  • Known toxin ingestion
  • Uncontrollable bleeding
  • Bloated, swollen, or painful abdomen
  • Seizures
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Unconscious
  • Unable to stand up
  • Unable to walk
  • Severe injuries such as falls, car accidents, broken bones, or open wounds

When to Bring Your Pet to the Emergency Vet

There are many reasons why you might need to bring your pet to the emergency vet. Some of the most common reasons include:

Accidents or Injuries

Accidents and injuries can happen to pets of all ages and breeds. Some of the most common accidents and injuries include:

  • Bites and scratches
  • Broken bones
  • Internal injuries
  • Burns
  • Choking

If your pet is injured, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately. Even minor injuries can become serious if they are not treated properly.

Sudden Illness

Pets can get sick suddenly for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common causes of sudden illness in pets include:

  • Food poisoning
  • Viral infections
  • Bacterial infections
  • Parasites
  • Allergies

If your pet is suddenly ill, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent serious complications.

Poisoning

Pets can be poisoned by a variety of things, including:

  • Medications
  • Household chemicals
  • Plants
  • Foods

If you think your pet may have been poisoned, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately. Even if your pet seems fine, it is important to get them checked out by a veterinarian. Some poisons can have delayed effects, and even if your pet seems fine initially, they may develop serious health problems later on.

Difficulty Breathing

If your pet is having difficulty breathing, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent serious complications.

Vomiting or Diarrhea

Vomiting and diarrhea are common in pets, but they can also be signs of a serious illness. If your pet is vomiting or having diarrhea, it is important to monitor them closely and seek veterinary care if their symptoms do not improve within 24 hours.

Loss of Consciousness

Loss of consciousness is a serious condition that can be caused by a variety of things, including:

  • Head injuries
  • Heart attacks
  • Strokes
  • Seizures
  • Poisoning

If your pet loses consciousness, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent serious complications.

What to Expect at the Emergency Vet

When you bring your pet to the emergency vet, you will be greeted by a staff member who will take your pet's vital signs and ask you about their symptoms. The veterinarian will then examine your pet and may order diagnostic tests, such as bloodwork, X-rays, or ultrasounds. Once the veterinarian has a diagnosis, they will discuss treatment options with you.

Treatment for emergency cases can vary depending on the pet's condition. Some common treatments include:

Medications

Medications are a common treatment for a variety of medical conditions in pets. Some of the most common medications used in emergency care include:

  • Pain medications
  • Antibiotics
  • Anti-inflammatory medications
  • Steroids
  • Anticonvulsants

Surgery

Surgery is sometimes necessary to treat serious injuries or illnesses in pets. Some of the most common surgeries performed in emergency care include:

  • Laceration repair
  • Bone fracture repair
  • Internal organ surgery
  • Cancer surgery

IV Fluids

IV fluids are sometimes necessary to provide fluids and electrolytes to pets who are dehydrated or who have lost fluids due to illness or injury. IV fluids can also be used to administer medications or to flush out toxins from the body.

Oxygen Therapy

Oxygen therapy is sometimes necessary to provide oxygen to pets who are having difficulty breathing. Oxygen therapy can be provided through a mask, a nasal cannula, or an oxygen cage.

Cost of Emergency Care

The cost of emergency care can vary depending on the treatment your pet needs. However, we understand that emergency vet care can be expensive, and we offer a variety of payment options to make it easier for you to afford the care your pet needs.

We are committed to providing the highest quality of emergency vet care possible. We understand that your pet's health is our top priority, and we will do everything we can to help them get better.