Emergency Care for Exotic Pets
When emergencies happen, swift and effective care can make all the difference. While our team is not available 24/7, we collaborate closely with Thrive Pet Healthcare Specialists San Antonio, an emergency facility located less than 1 mile away, to guarantee your pet has access to overnight and weekend critical care and monitoring when needed.
What to Do in An Emergency
If your exotic pet experiences a medical emergency, the first step is to call the clinic immediately. One of our veterinarians will assess the situation and advise whether immediate care is necessary.
If the team recommends bringing your pet in, a doctor will evaluate them promptly upon arrival based on the severity of the condition. Operating on a triage system ensures that pets in critical condition receive urgent attention, while stable patients may experience a wait before being seen.
For after-hours emergencies, the nearby emergency hospital is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year, and can offer supportive care when the clinic is closed.
After-Hours Care
When we are closed, our nearby emergency partner is ready to assist. Their dedicated team provides high-quality care for various exotic species without delay.
Thrive Pet Healthcare Specialists San Antonio
2426 Ceegee St,
San Antonio, Texas 78217
Phone: (210) 851-9371
However, they do not treat primates or venomous snakes. If you have an unusual species and need emergent care, please call the emergency hospital before arrival to be sure they can accommodate your pet.
Recognizing Emergencies
Exotic pets often conceal signs of illness, making it difficult to determine when immediate care is required. If you are unsure whether your pet is experiencing an emergency, contact the clinic to discuss your concerns ASAP.
The following symptoms may indicate an emergency:- Difficulty breathing
- Seizures
- Ingestion of toxins
- Sudden unconsciousness
- Fractures or dislocations
- Excessive bleeding
- Lack of urination for more than 12 hours
Non-Emergency But Urgent Issues
Certain conditions, while not immediately life-threatening, still warrant swift attention, such as:
- Weakness or depression
- Birds that are fluffed, not perching, or sitting at the bottom of the cage
- Diarrhea, constipation, or vomiting
- Blood in stool or vomit
- Sudden weight loss or significantly reduced appetite
If you're unsure about your pet's symptoms, call us. A veterinarian can help determine the urgency and guide you on the next steps.
Poisoning Concerns
If you suspect your exotic pet has ingested a toxic substance, contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435. You will be connected with a toxicologist who can help determine if urgent medical care is needed, and provide you with a case number. Plan to bring your case number with you to the animal hospital.
Exceptional care is our highest priority. South Texas Avian & Exotic Hospital remains committed to supporting exotic pets and their families in every situation. If you have any concerns about a pet's health, please call us as soon as possible.