Emergency

You can call 502 3191 or 667 1755 at any time and with any problem if your pet seems sick to you, has been involved in an accident, has eaten something suspicious, is vomiting, is starting to give birth, or etc. Sick animals are seen at Mustamäe tee 44/2, Tallinn. Please be sure to call in advance before visiting us.

In case of emergency trying to explain by telephone be calm and describe precisely, what happened, and what is the current situation. The doctor will give detailed instructions on how to handle the animal, what you can do yourself, and how to transport the animal as safely as possible.
Animals may need emergency assistance due to very different problems. Some examples:

1. Trauma

– If the animal falls from a height, gets hit by a car, or gets bitten by another animal, as a rule, you should visit us as soon as possible. NB! In case of trauma, it is essential to stabilise the animal, to ensure breathing, and to try to transport the pet without deteriorating its condition further (especially when you suspect spinal trauma). If the animal can’t breathe, you only have a matter of seconds or minutes. However, for example, fractures can be stabilised a day or two later. NB! Poorly or improperly installed splint is worse than no splinting at all.

2. Possible poisoning

– Time is essential. If you respond quickly, you can make the animal vomit, and then try to prevent further absorption of the poison from the intestines. Make sure to definitely consult with the duty doctor before you do anything! The initial signs of poisoning are typically vomiting, diarrhoea, tremors, and seizures. However, vomiting may be due to many other reasons (liver, kidney, and intestinal problems, or foreign objects).

3. Ingestion of foreign objects

– If anyone has seen the animal swallow a gadget, or an item is missing, then it generally has to be looked for with the help of an X-ray and an endoscope. Foreign objects could also contain a large bone shard. In some cases, it is possible to remove the foreign object using an endoscope and some simple tools. However, a large proportion of cases need surgical intervention. A variety of foreign objects retrieved from inside animals can be viewed from the gallery on our website.

4. Loss of consciousness, cramps, collapse

– It is essential to monitor the dogs’ breathing, facial expressions, and behaviour. You should note how long the episode is, if your pet responds to its name, is there any contact, and whether all the limbs and the head are convulsing, or only some. During the first seizure, there is not much that the owner can do apart from monitoring the animal. The most necessary thing is to monitor the animal and to report your observations to the veterinary surgeon. This is very helpful as it serves as a starting point for identifying the underlying causes. After that, the doctor can determine the appropriate treatment, when the possible causes have been identified. It is necessary to distinguish between epilepsy, heart disease, poisonings, and infections.

5. Difficult birthing

– When an animal is giving birth and is experiencing difficulty, help from a vet may prove to be indispensable. Usually, the rule is that the birthing process is easier for pets of mixed breeds. At home obstetrics provision generally requires a very high level of expertise, and therefore it is necessary to consult a vet prior to giving any assistance. In general, an animal gives birth better and quicker if it is disturbed as little as possible. If the animal doesn’t manage to give birth on its own, it is necessary to stimulate childbirth with medication or perform a caesarean section in the clinic.

6. Heat stroke

– Prevention is always more effective than cure. During hot summer days, animals must not be chained or locked to a place where they are unable to find shade. Also, dogs should not be left in a car with windows closed. Dogs lack the ability to sweat, and they can only cool themselves through panting. But when cool and oxygen-rich air runs out, the situation quickly becomes life-threatening. A large quantity of clean water must always be available. If you suspect a heat stroke, the animal must be placed in a cool room or in the shade, to ensure a free airway and be given as much fluids as possible. Pets can also be externally splashed with cool water and thus externally cooled down. In severe cases, the animal has to be brought to the clinic for observation, where it can be given an IV drip and an oxygen mask.

The Veterinary Emergency Clinic is located across the road from the Linnu tee and Mustamäe tee junction, next to Tallmac. When coming from the city center, you have to turn right before Linnu tee at the Alexela petrol station.