Emergency Services

Life with pets is unpredictable, and we cannot expect their health care needs to occur neatly within business hours. So, our Veterinary Medical Center of Indian River County team provides veterinary emergency services 24 hours per day, seven days per week, 365 days per year to pets of Indian River County and the surrounding areas.

Whether your pet experiences a serious accident or simply seems off, our expert emergency and critical care team is always available and prepared to provide top-quality urgent care—day or night. Our emergency services include triage, veterinary exam and assessment, surgery, diagnostic testing, and hospitalization.

Is it an Emergency?

At times, you may be unable to determine if your pet’s condition requires emergency care. If you are uncertain about your pet’s health, do not hesitate to call our expertly trained staff. We are always available to advise you over the phone. However, some signs and behaviors are always concerning. Contact us, or immediately bring your pet to our veterinary medical center if they are experiencing any of the following signs:

  • Respiratory distress 
  • Heavy panting
  • Unexplained bleeding
  • Known trauma (e.g., hit by a car, fall from height, dog or wildlife attack)
  • Sudden weakness or paralysis
  • Inability to urinate or defecate
  • Ongoing vomiting or diarrhea

  • Pain (e.g., limping, refusing to move, vocalizing)
  • Disoriented or dull
  • Distended or tense abdomen
  • Collapse
  • Fever
  • Dry heaving (i.e., unproductive vomiting)
  • Seizures

  • Bleeding from the ears, nose, or rectum
  • Refusing food and water
  • Eye trauma
  • Uncontrollable trembling
  • Known or suspected toxin ingestion (e.g., antifreeze, chocolate, xylitol, medication, rodent bait)

  • Respiratory distress 
  • Heavy panting
  • Unexplained bleeding
  • Known trauma (e.g., hit by a car, fall from height, dog or wildlife attack)
  • Sudden weakness or paralysis
  • Inability to urinate or defecate
  • Ongoing vomiting or diarrhea
  • Pain (e.g., limping, refusing to move, vocalizing)
  • Disoriented or dull
  • Distended or tense abdomen
  • Collapse
  • Fever
  • Dry heaving (i.e., unproductive vomiting)
  • Seizures
  • Bleeding from the ears, nose, or rectum
  • Refusing food and water
  • Eye trauma
  • Uncontrollable trembling
  • Known or suspected toxin ingestion (e.g., antifreeze, chocolate, xylitol, medication, rodent bait)

Emergency Evaluation

If your pet has been in an accident, missing, or exposed to a toxic substance, do not wait for visible injury or illness signs. Although your pet may initially appear fine, they may have internal injuries or invisible organ damage, and delaying treatment may lead to their unnecessary suffering and death. Remember the adage: Better safe than sorry, and bring your pet to the Veterinary Medical Center of Indian River County for an emergency evaluation.

Emergency Evaluation

If your pet has been in an accident, missing, or exposed to a toxic substance, do not wait for visible injury or illness signs. Although your pet may initially appear fine, they may have internal injuries or invisible organ damage, and delaying treatment may lead to their unnecessary suffering and death. Remember the adage: Better safe than sorry, and bring your pet to the Veterinary Medical Center of Indian River County for an emergency evaluation.