Sunstone Veterinary Emergency Services
When you have a dog or cat, medical emergencies can occur at any time. If such an emergency happens over the weekend, you can rely on Sunstone’s dedicated ER team for assistance.
Our emergency room is staffed by highly trained veterinarians Friday thru Tuesday. We offer overnight care and hospitalization options for patients in need, specifically on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
You can find us conveniently located at 1230 NE 106th Avenue in Portland’s Gateway neighborhood.
How to know when your pet is having a medical emergency:
Recognizing when your dog or cat is experiencing a medical emergency is crucial for their well-being. As a caring pet owner, it’s important to be aware of signs that may indicate something is seriously wrong. Whether it’s a sudden change in behavior, unusual symptoms, or a gut feeling that something isn’t quite right, understanding when to seek immediate veterinary attention can make all the difference in ensuring your pet receives the care they need. Let’s explore some key indicators that might signal an urgent health issue.
When it comes to your dog or cat’s health, certain signs should prompt immediate concern and a visit to the emergency veterinarian. Recognizing these key indicators can help you act quickly and potentially save your pet’s life.
These indicators are not exhaustive, but they highlight some of the most common and serious symptoms that warrant immediate veterinary attention. If you ever feel uncertain about your pet’s condition, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and consult with a veterinarian as soon as possible. Your prompt action could be the key to safeguarding your pet’s health and well-being.
- Difficulty Breathing: If your pet is struggling to breathe, panting heavily, or making unusual sounds while breathing, this requires immediate attention.
- Sudden Collapse or Weakness: A sudden inability to stand, collapsing, or extreme lethargy is a serious sign that something could be wrong.
- Persistent Vomiting or Diarrhea: Frequent vomiting or diarrhea, especially if it contains blood or is paired with lethargy or loss of appetite, should be addressed right away.
- Uncontrolled Bleeding: Any bleeding that doesn’t stop, or bleeding from the nose, mouth, or other areas, is a signal to seek emergency care.
- Seizures: Even a brief seizure is cause for concern and warrants a trip to the veterinarian.
- Inability to Urinate or Defecate: Straining without success or showing discomfort while trying to urinate or defecate should be checked out immediately.
- Severe Pain or Distress: Signs of significant pain, such as vocalizing, pacing, biting, or avoiding touch, indicate that your pet needs urgent care.
- Swollen Abdomen: A hard, swollen, or painful abdomen is a red flag that something could be seriously wrong.
- Ingesting Toxins: If your pet consumes something potentially harmful, like certain foods, plants, or chemicals, it’s crucial to seek help quickly.
- Sudden Behavioral Changes: Rapid changes in behavior, such as confusion, aggression, or a sudden lack of energy, should be taken seriously.
- Dystocia (Difficult Labor): If your pet is having trouble giving birth, with prolonged or ineffective contractions, or showing signs of distress, immediate veterinary assistance is necessary.
- Trauma (e.g., from accidents or falls): Any major injury, such as being hit by a car or a fall, requires urgent medical attention, even if your pet seems okay initially.
These signs are critical indicators that your dog or cat may need immediate veterinary care. If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek help right away.
No appointment is required for emergency care.
No appointment is necessary for emergency care at Sunstone. However, we recommend calling our team at 503-505-7255 if time allows. This way, we can discuss your pet’s condition and prepare for your arrival, ensuring we are ready to provide prompt and effective care.
What to expect during an ER visit:
Upon arrival, your pet will undergo triage conducted by our team. Triage involves an initial assessment to determine the urgency of your pet’s need for treatment. Please understand that pets with less severe health issues may experience longer wait times as we prioritize those with more urgent needs.
After triage, the veterinarian will examine your pet thoroughly and discuss a personalized plan for their care and treatment. At this time, we will also provide you with a written treatment plan that includes associated costs for recommended services.
To ensure convenience for our clients, we offer a variety of payment options for emergency care. For more information, please visit our For Pet Parents page.
We work closely with your primary care veterinarian.
Because your primary care veterinarian will continue to manage most of your pet’s ongoing care, we’ll keep them fully informed of your pet’s condition and treatment while at Sunstone.