When does my pet need emergency care?

If you’re worried and don’t know whether your pet needs emergency care and cannot reach Andrew directly, please call:

• Brisbane Veterinary Specialist Centre (Albany Creek) on
  3264 9400
• QVS /The Pet ER (Stafford Heights) on 3359 5333
• University of Queensland (St Lucia) on 3365 2110

Trained staff will ask you questions to help determine if your pet needs emergency care or whether you can wait until Andrew from VetVan is next available. Andrew recommends seeking emergency care immediately in these situations:

• Tick paralysis e.g. wobbly legs, laboured breathing
• Ingestion or suspected swallowing of antifreeze, rat poison, human medications or harmful chemicals
• Trauma from a fall or being struck by a car
• Seizures
• Trouble breathing
• Unconsciousness or won’t wake up
• Collapses
• Swollen abdomen that is hard to the touch
• Has gone more than 3-4 hours between delivering puppies or kittens
• Strains or cannot urinate (especially male cats)

Please note that due to logistical issues (i.e. unable to be at two places at once); VetVan is unable to provide an ambulance service.